Controversies involving the late Michael Jackson resurface after the premiere of HBO’s “Leaving Neverland” last Sunday. Multiple accusations were thrown at him when he was still alive, including sexual abuse allegations in 1993 and child molestation of a 14-year-old boy in 2005. The court, however, found Michael Jackson not guilty of the charges.
The HBO show has triggered mixed emotions from viewers. And while the allegations remain just allegations, different views still exploded online. Celebrities and fans expressed their support to James Safechuck and Wade Robson, two of Michael Jackson’s alleged victims. In “Leaving Neverland,” the two detailed the story of how the King of Pop allegedly started to sexually abuse them when they were 10 and 7 years old, respectively.
Actress Rose McGowan was one of the first to applaud Safechuck and Robson for their bravery. She also applauded Oprah Winfrey for taking part in the documentary and for interviewing Safechuck and Robson.
Other personalities who are in the same line with McGowan are songwriter Scott Alan, actress and writer Amber Tamblyn and director and producer Ava DuVernay. Singer John Legend gave his comment on radio saying it was hard for him to watch the documentary. “I don't see any reason not to believe them honestly, I don't see any reason not to. I mean, it was disgusting,” the “All Of Me” singer said.
Meanwhile, the family and supporters of MJ also rallied on Twitter. One of the first to react was his nephew Taj Jackson, who called the show an “ultimate betrayal” against his uncle.
You are right. I’ve been around my uncle only thousands and thousands of hours. And since my uncle is not here to defend himself, the credibility of the accusers matter. And Wade and James have none. https://t.co/fF0OgYXUBz
— Taj Jackson (@tajjackson3) March 4, 2019
Arika Kane, Corey Feldman, Elgin Charles and Darius McCrary all came in Michael Jackson’s defense. The personalities slammed the show, stating that Michael Jackson had been investigated for the child sexual abuse charges in 1993 and the FBI found nothing on him. Torelles called out the show for relying only on two witnesses and for lack of research.
15 years of investigations & proven INNOCENT. Now Defaming a man that’s in his grave & not here to defend himself should be criminal. #HBO expose the real cases that go on in Hollywood everyday and leave Michael alone. #LeavingNeverland #MJfam #MJfamUnite #MichaelJackson #Love
— Arika Kane™ (@arikakane) March 3, 2019
Recently, Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris Jackson, indirectly expressed her side for the first time on Twitter. According to E! News, Paris reacted to one tweet that wrote: “The bigger picture is your father's legacy ruined and his name smeared forever but whatever though.”
The 20-year-old model was quick to shut down the criticism. “So … not love and peace and trying to carry that message out? tabloids and lies are the bigger picture?” the 20-year-old model wrote. “I'll pray for you.”
Paris continued to acknowledge messages of support from fans, including one tweet saying MJ's legacy could not be ruined and his music will live forever. “Thanks, ma,” Paris Jackson said, thankfully replying to the fan.
Jackson’s estate filed a $100 million lawsuit against the television network before the “Leaving Neverland” premiered. An attorney representing the estate called the show a propaganda “to shamelessly exploit an innocent man no longer here to defend himself.”
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