Dan Reed, director of the documentary Leaving Neverland, is calling the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic “a complete whitewash” of Jackson’s life.
Reed’s documentary covers the alleged sexual abuse by Jackson against two young boys, Wade Robson and James Safechuck. Reed, who says he read the script for the biopic Michael, says the film fails to address the allegations against Jackson.
In a statement, Reed said, “It’s an out-and-out attempt to completely rewrite the allegations and dismiss them out of hand, and contains complete lies. You never even see him alone with any boys when it is a matter of fact that he shared his bed with small children for many years.”
The biopic will star Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in his acting debut. Other cast members include Colman Domingo as Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson and Miles Teller as John Branca, Jackson’s manager.
Reed criticized Jackson’s estate,...
Reed’s documentary covers the alleged sexual abuse by Jackson against two young boys, Wade Robson and James Safechuck. Reed, who says he read the script for the biopic Michael, says the film fails to address the allegations against Jackson.
In a statement, Reed said, “It’s an out-and-out attempt to completely rewrite the allegations and dismiss them out of hand, and contains complete lies. You never even see him alone with any boys when it is a matter of fact that he shared his bed with small children for many years.”
The biopic will star Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in his acting debut. Other cast members include Colman Domingo as Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson and Miles Teller as John Branca, Jackson’s manager.
Reed criticized Jackson’s estate,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Ann Hoang
- Uinterview
The legacy of the Late Michael Jackson, who was widely called the King of Pop, and still is to this day, might never be fully able to be expressed through the medium of entertainment. And yet, filmmaker Antoine Fuqua is said to be bringing his A-Game in the future as he is currently directing the upcoming biopic of the legendary musician, titled Michael.
Michael Jackson from his music video They Don’t Care About Us
While several documentaries may have been made in honor of the star’s life in the past, this will be the first major Hollywood production that will tell the tale of the early days of the star’s life and how he became a worldwide sensation.
But according to British filmmaker Dan Reed, who made one of the most famous documentaries about the star, titled Leaving Neverland, he claims that this film is Whitewashing all...
Michael Jackson from his music video They Don’t Care About Us
While several documentaries may have been made in honor of the star’s life in the past, this will be the first major Hollywood production that will tell the tale of the early days of the star’s life and how he became a worldwide sensation.
But according to British filmmaker Dan Reed, who made one of the most famous documentaries about the star, titled Leaving Neverland, he claims that this film is Whitewashing all...
- 3/17/2024
- by Deepak Bisht
- FandomWire
The forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic has been slammed by the maker of the documentary Leaving Neverland, with Dan Reed calling the movie’s script “a complete whitewash.”
Reed, whose 2019 film featured claims by Wade Robson and James Safechuck that Jackson had abused them as children, told The Times of London he had seen a draft script of the biopic, due for release next year. He said:
“It’s an out-and-out attempt to completely rewrite the allegations and dismiss them out of hand, and contains complete lies. You never even see him alone with any boys, when it is a matter of fact that he shared his bed with small children for many years.”
The biopic has drawn a pedigree team in director Antoine Fuqua, who made Training Day, and writer John Logan, Oscar-nominated for Gladiator, The Aviator and Hugo.
Oscar-nominated Colman Domingo is playing Jackson’s abusive father, Joe, while Miles Teller will play John Branca, Jackson’s manager.
The newspaper adds that music sales data suggests that Jackson’s appeal is growing again after his star waned prior to his death in 2009. It cites Sony’s confirmation last month that it will acquire half of Jackson’s catalog in a deal that valued his assets at $1.2 billion — the largest transaction for a single musician’s work. And Billboard reports that consumption of Jackson’s music worldwide grew last year by more than 38 per cent to 6.5 billion on-demand streams.
The musical Mj, telling the story of the star’s life and using his music, has also arrived in London, fresh from success on Broadway, with German and Australian tour dates also scheduled. The musical makes no mention of the abuse allegations that Jackson faced.
Reed, whose 2019 film featured claims by Wade Robson and James Safechuck that Jackson had abused them as children, told The Times of London he had seen a draft script of the biopic, due for release next year. He said:
“It’s an out-and-out attempt to completely rewrite the allegations and dismiss them out of hand, and contains complete lies. You never even see him alone with any boys, when it is a matter of fact that he shared his bed with small children for many years.”
The biopic has drawn a pedigree team in director Antoine Fuqua, who made Training Day, and writer John Logan, Oscar-nominated for Gladiator, The Aviator and Hugo.
Oscar-nominated Colman Domingo is playing Jackson’s abusive father, Joe, while Miles Teller will play John Branca, Jackson’s manager.
The newspaper adds that music sales data suggests that Jackson’s appeal is growing again after his star waned prior to his death in 2009. It cites Sony’s confirmation last month that it will acquire half of Jackson’s catalog in a deal that valued his assets at $1.2 billion — the largest transaction for a single musician’s work. And Billboard reports that consumption of Jackson’s music worldwide grew last year by more than 38 per cent to 6.5 billion on-demand streams.
The musical Mj, telling the story of the star’s life and using his music, has also arrived in London, fresh from success on Broadway, with German and Australian tour dates also scheduled. The musical makes no mention of the abuse allegations that Jackson faced.
- 3/17/2024
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Since January, the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” has released a series of announcements of the film’s cast, including recent Oscar nominee Colman Domingo as Jackson’s father, Joe, Nia Long as Jackson’s mother, Katherine, and Miles Teller as John Branca, Jackson’s attorney and the co-executor of his estate. Each press release includes the same description of the film, promising a “riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man” that will include both Jackson’s “undeniable creative genius” and his “human side and personal struggles.”
There is one significant aspect of Jackson’s life, however, that will make that promise practically impossible to fulfill: The multiple allegations that the King of Pop leveraged his global fame to groom prepubescent boys into a sexual relationship.
According to a report by Puck News, which Variety has confirmed, director Antoine Fuqua, producer Graham King and screenwriter John Logan contend...
There is one significant aspect of Jackson’s life, however, that will make that promise practically impossible to fulfill: The multiple allegations that the King of Pop leveraged his global fame to groom prepubescent boys into a sexual relationship.
According to a report by Puck News, which Variety has confirmed, director Antoine Fuqua, producer Graham King and screenwriter John Logan contend...
- 3/13/2024
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
The not-so-secret $600 million sale of Michael Jackson’s music assets to industry giant Sony was the subject of a heated hearing in a Los Angeles courtroom Friday, with lawyers for Katherine Jackson arguing that estate co-executors John Branca and John McClain should be held “in contempt” for closing the deal while she’s still appealing a ruling on the matter.
The eye-watering sale, first reported by Billboard and confirmed Friday by Rolling Stone, was negotiated by the executors to take advantage of an asset market that was “by far” the “hottest it had ever been,...
The eye-watering sale, first reported by Billboard and confirmed Friday by Rolling Stone, was negotiated by the executors to take advantage of an asset market that was “by far” the “hottest it had ever been,...
- 3/9/2024
- by Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
The two Michael Jackson molestation accusers featured in the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland have won the right to combine their negligence lawsuits against Jackson’s companies into a single case and are pressing for a trial by early next year – before the April 2025 debut of the Michael biopic helmed by Training Day director Antoine Fuqua.
A judge granted the consolidation to plaintiffs Wade Robson and James Safechuck during a Wednesday hearing in Beverly Hills, Calif. Standing outside the courtroom after the ruling, the duo’s lawyer said he believes defendants Mjj Productions...
A judge granted the consolidation to plaintiffs Wade Robson and James Safechuck during a Wednesday hearing in Beverly Hills, Calif. Standing outside the courtroom after the ruling, the duo’s lawyer said he believes defendants Mjj Productions...
- 2/28/2024
- by Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
In what is likely the largest transaction for a solo musician’s body of work, Sony completed an agreement to acquire half of Michael Jackson’s publishing and recorded masters.
The deal values the music assets at above $1.2 billion, sources told Billboard. The outlet also estimated that Sony will pay at least $600 million for its stake. An attorney for Jackson’s estate declined to comment to Rolling Stone.
Last February, Variety reported that Jackson’s estate was in negotiations seeking $800 million-$900 million for half of its interests in the singer’s music catalog.
The deal values the music assets at above $1.2 billion, sources told Billboard. The outlet also estimated that Sony will pay at least $600 million for its stake. An attorney for Jackson’s estate declined to comment to Rolling Stone.
Last February, Variety reported that Jackson’s estate was in negotiations seeking $800 million-$900 million for half of its interests in the singer’s music catalog.
- 2/10/2024
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
When Julia Ormond sued CAA faulting the agency for encouraging her to take a meeting with Harvey Weinstein that eventually led to her being assaulted, the suit asked a pivotal question that may decide the case and lead to more legal action against the company depending on the answer: When did CAA’s top agents discover his history of sexual misconduct?
The answer to that question, the agency says, is not too long ago. Moving to dismiss the suit, CAA argues in a motion filed Tuesday that it learned of Weinstein’s crimes when the rest of the world did in 2017 and not before Ormond was allegedly assaulted in 1995.
“Plaintiff’s claims for negligence and breach of fiduciary duty against CAA turn on the premise that the agency allegedly knew of Weinstein’s history of sexual assault and nevertheless failed to protect her,” the filing states. “But the Complaint seeks...
The answer to that question, the agency says, is not too long ago. Moving to dismiss the suit, CAA argues in a motion filed Tuesday that it learned of Weinstein’s crimes when the rest of the world did in 2017 and not before Ormond was allegedly assaulted in 1995.
“Plaintiff’s claims for negligence and breach of fiduciary duty against CAA turn on the premise that the agency allegedly knew of Weinstein’s history of sexual assault and nevertheless failed to protect her,” the filing states. “But the Complaint seeks...
- 12/19/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A California appeals court restored lawsuits from the two men who claim Michael Jackson sexually abused them for years when they were young boys. A new California law that increased the scope of sexual abuse cases temporarily allowed the court to revive the lawsuits.
The state’s 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled that Wade Robson and James Safechuck‘s lawsuits should not have been dismissed by a lower court. The three-judge panel also stated that Robson and Safechcuk had valid accusations against two Jackson-owned companies, which both had a responsibility to protect them.
This is the second time the lawsuits have been revived after being dismissed. Robson and Safechuck’s stories became widely known to the public following the release of the 2019 HBO documentary, Leaving Neverland.
The higher court judge reversed the 2021 dismissal, saying that “a corporation that facilitates the sexual abuse of children by one of its employees...
The state’s 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled that Wade Robson and James Safechuck‘s lawsuits should not have been dismissed by a lower court. The three-judge panel also stated that Robson and Safechcuk had valid accusations against two Jackson-owned companies, which both had a responsibility to protect them.
This is the second time the lawsuits have been revived after being dismissed. Robson and Safechuck’s stories became widely known to the public following the release of the 2019 HBO documentary, Leaving Neverland.
The higher court judge reversed the 2021 dismissal, saying that “a corporation that facilitates the sexual abuse of children by one of its employees...
- 8/21/2023
- by Alex Nguyen
- Uinterview
A pair of lawsuits accusing Michael Jackson of sexual abuse have been revived by a Los Angeles appeals court following their dismissal in 2021.
The suits come from plaintiffs Wade Robson and James Safechuck, whose allegations against Jackson were the subject of the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland. Two years ago, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissed the cases, arguing that Jackson’s corporations, Mjj Productions and Mjj Ventures, had no legal duty to protect the men (then children) from Jackson’s abuse because the corporations could not control the musician’s behavior. Jackson was the sole owner of both corporations.
Now, the 2nd District Court of Appeal has reversed the dismissal, arguing that it would be “perverse” to free the corporations of responsibility for their owner’s behavior. “To treat Jackson’s wholly-owned instruments as different from Jackson himself is to be mesmerized by abstractions,” Associate Justice John Shepard Wiley Jr.
The suits come from plaintiffs Wade Robson and James Safechuck, whose allegations against Jackson were the subject of the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland. Two years ago, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissed the cases, arguing that Jackson’s corporations, Mjj Productions and Mjj Ventures, had no legal duty to protect the men (then children) from Jackson’s abuse because the corporations could not control the musician’s behavior. Jackson was the sole owner of both corporations.
Now, the 2nd District Court of Appeal has reversed the dismissal, arguing that it would be “perverse” to free the corporations of responsibility for their owner’s behavior. “To treat Jackson’s wholly-owned instruments as different from Jackson himself is to be mesmerized by abstractions,” Associate Justice John Shepard Wiley Jr.
- 8/20/2023
- by Carys Anderson
- Consequence - Music
Michael Jackson’s alleged sexual assault victims, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, have gotten the green light from a California appeals court on Friday to take their accusations to trial.
The decision was made after a 3-0 ruling found Jackson’s companies potentially accountable for the late pop superstar’s alleged abuse, reversing a lower court decision, reports Variety.
Read More: The Weeknd Breaks Michael Jackson’s Record For Highest Grossing Tour By A Black Artist
The justices stated: “Plaintiffs had every right to expect defendants to protect them from the entirely foreseeable danger of being left alone with Jackson.”
The allegations took the spotlight in the 2019 HBO docu-series “Leaving Neverland”, pointing the finger at Jackson for allegedly sexually abusing them as children.
The accusers tried to land their case in court in 2013 and 2014, but their lawsuits were dismissed due to a statute of limitations. Their second chance arrived in...
The decision was made after a 3-0 ruling found Jackson’s companies potentially accountable for the late pop superstar’s alleged abuse, reversing a lower court decision, reports Variety.
Read More: The Weeknd Breaks Michael Jackson’s Record For Highest Grossing Tour By A Black Artist
The justices stated: “Plaintiffs had every right to expect defendants to protect them from the entirely foreseeable danger of being left alone with Jackson.”
The allegations took the spotlight in the 2019 HBO docu-series “Leaving Neverland”, pointing the finger at Jackson for allegedly sexually abusing them as children.
The accusers tried to land their case in court in 2013 and 2014, but their lawsuits were dismissed due to a statute of limitations. Their second chance arrived in...
- 8/19/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
Michael Jackson, the legendary ‘King of Pop’ had faced accusations of sexual harassment during the early 2000s after he was accused of allegedly molesting men and women in his crew. After the singer passed away in 2009, the files regarding his sexual harassment files were closed, but have since then have once again been opened.
As reported by Billboard, this new development took place after two men who claim Michael Jackson sexually abused them as children can pursue their lawsuits against companies that were owned by the late singer, a California appeals court ruled Friday, August 18.
The California Court of Appeal revived the two lawsuits against the late King of Pop’s production company, with charges filed by two men James Safechuck, Wade Robson.
In response to the opening of the files and the lawsuit, Jackson’s labels argued with the approval granted by a lower court, that they had no...
As reported by Billboard, this new development took place after two men who claim Michael Jackson sexually abused them as children can pursue their lawsuits against companies that were owned by the late singer, a California appeals court ruled Friday, August 18.
The California Court of Appeal revived the two lawsuits against the late King of Pop’s production company, with charges filed by two men James Safechuck, Wade Robson.
In response to the opening of the files and the lawsuit, Jackson’s labels argued with the approval granted by a lower court, that they had no...
- 8/19/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
A California appeals court ruled Friday that two men who accused Michael Jackson of sexually abusing them as children can resume lawsuits against companies owned by the estate of the late singer.
Wade Robson, 40, and James Safechuck, 45, claim employees of the two companies — Mjj Productions Inc. and Mjj Ventures Inc. — were complicit in Jackson’s alleged sexual abuse of them. The employees allegedly acted as his “co-conspirators, collaborators, facilitators and alter egos” for the abuse.
The suits claimed employees owed a “duty of care” to the boys, breaching that by failing to prevent their abuse.
The Robson and Safechuck stories were detailed in the 2019 HBO documentary Leaving Neverland. The program alleged that Jackson molested them and co-opted their families to allow his access to them.
The companies are now owned by Jackson’s estate, which denies their claims.
“We remain fully confident that Michael is innocent of these allegations, which...
Wade Robson, 40, and James Safechuck, 45, claim employees of the two companies — Mjj Productions Inc. and Mjj Ventures Inc. — were complicit in Jackson’s alleged sexual abuse of them. The employees allegedly acted as his “co-conspirators, collaborators, facilitators and alter egos” for the abuse.
The suits claimed employees owed a “duty of care” to the boys, breaching that by failing to prevent their abuse.
The Robson and Safechuck stories were detailed in the 2019 HBO documentary Leaving Neverland. The program alleged that Jackson molested them and co-opted their families to allow his access to them.
The companies are now owned by Jackson’s estate, which denies their claims.
“We remain fully confident that Michael is innocent of these allegations, which...
- 8/19/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Wade Robson and James Safechuck, the men who accused Michael Jackson of molesting them and were the focus of the documentary “Leaving Neverland,” will be able to proceed with their lawsuit against the singer’s businesses, a California appeals court ruled friday.
In a unanimous ruling Friday, a 3-judge California appeals court reversed decisions in 2020 and 2021 that dismissed Robson and Safechuck’s lawsuits.
Robson, 40, and Safechuck, 45, were the subjects of the documentary “Leaving Neverland,” which recounted their accusations that Jackson repeatedly molested them and tricked their families into trusting him. The men are are suing Mjj Productions Inc. and Mjj Ventures Inc., two companies wholly owned by Jackson at the time of his death in 2009.
They allege that the companies had a “duty of care,” and that employees of those companies acted as “co-conspirators, collaborators, facilitators and alter egos” during the period in which they say they were molested.
“Plaintiffs...
In a unanimous ruling Friday, a 3-judge California appeals court reversed decisions in 2020 and 2021 that dismissed Robson and Safechuck’s lawsuits.
Robson, 40, and Safechuck, 45, were the subjects of the documentary “Leaving Neverland,” which recounted their accusations that Jackson repeatedly molested them and tricked their families into trusting him. The men are are suing Mjj Productions Inc. and Mjj Ventures Inc., two companies wholly owned by Jackson at the time of his death in 2009.
They allege that the companies had a “duty of care,” and that employees of those companies acted as “co-conspirators, collaborators, facilitators and alter egos” during the period in which they say they were molested.
“Plaintiffs...
- 8/19/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Lawsuits from two men who accused Michael Jackson of abusing them as children in the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland have been brought back from dismissal.
The 2nd District Court of Appeal on Friday reversed a ruling from a Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissing the suits from Wade Robson and James Safechuck. They will be able to proceed with claims that a pair of corporations owned by the singer had a legal duty to protect them from sexual abuse Jackson is alleged to have inflicted on them when they were children.
The justices found that it would be “perverse” to find that the corporations should be excused from a responsibility to oversee the safety of the plaintiffs because they’re solely owned by Jackson.
The ruling marks the second time the suits, filed in 2013, were restored after being dismissed. In 2020, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mark Young found that Robson...
The 2nd District Court of Appeal on Friday reversed a ruling from a Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissing the suits from Wade Robson and James Safechuck. They will be able to proceed with claims that a pair of corporations owned by the singer had a legal duty to protect them from sexual abuse Jackson is alleged to have inflicted on them when they were children.
The justices found that it would be “perverse” to find that the corporations should be excused from a responsibility to oversee the safety of the plaintiffs because they’re solely owned by Jackson.
The ruling marks the second time the suits, filed in 2013, were restored after being dismissed. In 2020, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mark Young found that Robson...
- 8/19/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Two men who allege Michael Jackson sexually abused when they were children can resume their lawsuits against companies owned by the singer, a California appeals court ruled on Friday.
The alleged victims featured in HBO’s two-part documentary, Leaving Neverland, and both claimed Jackson, who died in 2009, groomed and sexually abused them for years while they were boys. Wade Robson and James Safechuck filed their cases against Mjj Productions Inc. and Mjj Ventures Inc. in 2013 and 2014, respectively, and claimed the singer’s companies had a legal duty to protect them from the alleged abuse.
The alleged victims featured in HBO’s two-part documentary, Leaving Neverland, and both claimed Jackson, who died in 2009, groomed and sexually abused them for years while they were boys. Wade Robson and James Safechuck filed their cases against Mjj Productions Inc. and Mjj Ventures Inc. in 2013 and 2014, respectively, and claimed the singer’s companies had a legal duty to protect them from the alleged abuse.
- 8/19/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
A three-judge panel of the California Court of Appeal ruled that Wade Robson and James Safechuck have a case against Michael Jackson‘s production company, Mjj Productions, Inc. The two men allege that the company was complicit and aided in Jackson’s sexual abuse and cover-up, which were presented in the documentary Leaving Neverland in 2019.
Robson and Safechcuk said in a statement, “A sexual abuser’s passing does not deprive his victims of their day in court and, in turn, justice and healing. Jackson is not sued personally in this case – his company is, and his company will have every opportunity to defend itself in the trial.”
The case’s central question involves whether Mjj Productions had a “legal duty” to defend Robson and Safechuck from Jackson’s alleged sexual abuse while they were children. The company stated it had no legal duty due to its inability “to control Jackson...
Robson and Safechcuk said in a statement, “A sexual abuser’s passing does not deprive his victims of their day in court and, in turn, justice and healing. Jackson is not sued personally in this case – his company is, and his company will have every opportunity to defend itself in the trial.”
The case’s central question involves whether Mjj Productions had a “legal duty” to defend Robson and Safechuck from Jackson’s alleged sexual abuse while they were children. The company stated it had no legal duty due to its inability “to control Jackson...
- 6/30/2023
- by Alex Nguyen
- Uinterview
Al Jean says he “strongly” believes Michael Jackson used his now-pulled cameo in Season 3 of “The Simpsons” to “groom boys.”
The “Simpsons” showrunner spoke in detail to The Daily Beast about Jackson’s “Stark Raving Dad” guest role, which he wrote. He said several “Simpsons” staffers watched the Jackson documentary “Leaving Neverland” and were alarmed by it.
“What saddens me is, if you watch that documentary–which I did, and several of us here did–and you watch that episode, honestly, it looks like the episode was used by Michael Jackson for something other than what we’d intended it. It wasn’t just a comedy to him, it was something that was used as a tool. And I strongly believe that,” Jean told the site.
Also Read: Corey Feldman 'Can No Longer' Defend Michael Jackson After 'Leaving Neverland' (Video)
He added that while he doesn’t usually...
The “Simpsons” showrunner spoke in detail to The Daily Beast about Jackson’s “Stark Raving Dad” guest role, which he wrote. He said several “Simpsons” staffers watched the Jackson documentary “Leaving Neverland” and were alarmed by it.
“What saddens me is, if you watch that documentary–which I did, and several of us here did–and you watch that episode, honestly, it looks like the episode was used by Michael Jackson for something other than what we’d intended it. It wasn’t just a comedy to him, it was something that was used as a tool. And I strongly believe that,” Jean told the site.
Also Read: Corey Feldman 'Can No Longer' Defend Michael Jackson After 'Leaving Neverland' (Video)
He added that while he doesn’t usually...
- 3/13/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Mike Tyson says he loved Michael Jackson ... but there's no way in hell he would've let his kids hang with Mj unattended. The legendary boxer joined Michael Rapaport on his "I Am Rapaport" podcast (coming to Luminary this spring) ... where he was asked about the explosive "Leaving Neverland" documentary. Of course, Wade Robson and James Safechuck -- the two centerpieces of the HBO special -- accused Jackson of sexually abusing them as children. Tyson --...
- 3/12/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
A musical comedy featuring the songs of Britney Spears will fill the slot at the Chicago theater left vacant when producers of the upcoming Michael Jackson bio-musical scotched its own pre-Broadway run in the Windy City.
Once Upon a One More Time, with an original book by Jon Hartmere under the direction of Kristin Hanggi (Rock of Ages) and choreography by Keone & Mari Madrid (Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” video) will begin previews at Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre on Oct. 29, running through Dec. 1. Opening night is Nov. 13.
The Oct. 29-Dec. 1 engagement is the exact window that had been set aside for Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough before producers of that show, including the Jackson Estate, opted to nix the pre-Broadway Chicago stand last month and head straight to Broadway next year.
The world premiere Chicago engagement of the Spears show was made today by James L.
Once Upon a One More Time, with an original book by Jon Hartmere under the direction of Kristin Hanggi (Rock of Ages) and choreography by Keone & Mari Madrid (Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” video) will begin previews at Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre on Oct. 29, running through Dec. 1. Opening night is Nov. 13.
The Oct. 29-Dec. 1 engagement is the exact window that had been set aside for Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough before producers of that show, including the Jackson Estate, opted to nix the pre-Broadway Chicago stand last month and head straight to Broadway next year.
The world premiere Chicago engagement of the Spears show was made today by James L.
- 3/12/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4 is to step up its high-end documentary push as controversial Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland is on track to become its most streamed or downloaded title.
The British broadcaster has had success with its recent doc slate including Three Identical Strangers, 100 Vaginas and Leaving Neverland. CEO Mahon revealed that the latter has had millions of views online since its premiere last week and that young viewers were a large portion of the audience.
She said that the Amos Pictures-produced doc, which tells the story of two boys, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, now in their 30s, who say they were sexually abused by Jackson when they were ages 7 and 10, originated at C4 as an hour-doc but that director Dan Reed had enough material for a four-hour series and that’s when it brought HBO on board.
Ex-Shine boss Mahon said that the series has changed Jackson’s...
The British broadcaster has had success with its recent doc slate including Three Identical Strangers, 100 Vaginas and Leaving Neverland. CEO Mahon revealed that the latter has had millions of views online since its premiere last week and that young viewers were a large portion of the audience.
She said that the Amos Pictures-produced doc, which tells the story of two boys, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, now in their 30s, who say they were sexually abused by Jackson when they were ages 7 and 10, originated at C4 as an hour-doc but that director Dan Reed had enough material for a four-hour series and that’s when it brought HBO on board.
Ex-Shine boss Mahon said that the series has changed Jackson’s...
- 3/12/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
2:15 Pm Pt -- Wade's attorney says the tweet that has Aaron so pissed off ... did Not come from Wade. His lawyer tells us the Twitter account was a fake, and adds Wade has been targeted by "several fraudulent postings and hackings" since 'Neverland' aired. Aaron Carter wants to fist fight Wade Robson for the allegations he's making about Michael Jackson in "Leaving Neverland." Aaron was on "TMZ Live" Monday to defend Mj's legacy.
- 3/11/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Drake is leaving behind one of his biggest songs featuring Michael Jackson as he heads across the pond to tour -- and it's all because of "Leaving Neverland." Sources tell TMZ Drizzy's removed the song "Don't Matter to Me" -- a "Scorpion" track featuring Mj's vocals -- from his setlist on the UK leg of his international tour. His first show went down Sunday, and the omission didn't go unnoticed. View this post on Instagram...
- 3/11/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Saturday Night Live’s Pete Davidson has been no stranger to controversy since joining the Lorne Michaels-run show in 2014, but tonight he’s sure to have kicked up some Hellfire in the pews.
“If you support the Catholic church, isn’t that the same thing as being an R. Kelly fan?” said the comic to groans from the studio audience in a Weekend Update spiel this evening about the sexual assault against minors claims against the recently arrested singer and the scandalized for sexual assault and abuse of minors and nuns Vatican-led Christian faith (Watch The Video Above).
“I don’t really see the difference, only one’s music is significantly better,” Davidson added to big laughs after previous calling the much-accused subject of the much-watched Surviving R. Kelly documentary “a monster and he should go to jail forever.” Adding more fuel to the fire, the What Men Want...
“If you support the Catholic church, isn’t that the same thing as being an R. Kelly fan?” said the comic to groans from the studio audience in a Weekend Update spiel this evening about the sexual assault against minors claims against the recently arrested singer and the scandalized for sexual assault and abuse of minors and nuns Vatican-led Christian faith (Watch The Video Above).
“I don’t really see the difference, only one’s music is significantly better,” Davidson added to big laughs after previous calling the much-accused subject of the much-watched Surviving R. Kelly documentary “a monster and he should go to jail forever.” Adding more fuel to the fire, the What Men Want...
- 3/10/2019
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Jackson‘s music has seen a major decline with its sales and streaming in the week following HBO’s Leaving Neverland broadcast premiere.
Sales for Jackson’s albums and songs as a whole, including both his solo work and his time with Jackson 5 and The Jacksons, dropped 4 percent in the wake of Sunday’s premiere, while his combined sales for March 3-5 also dropped from the previous week, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
In addition, on-demand audio and video streams dropped by 5 percent, with radio airplay falling to 13 percent, the outlet reported.
There was also a noticeable decrease in...
Sales for Jackson’s albums and songs as a whole, including both his solo work and his time with Jackson 5 and The Jacksons, dropped 4 percent in the wake of Sunday’s premiere, while his combined sales for March 3-5 also dropped from the previous week, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
In addition, on-demand audio and video streams dropped by 5 percent, with radio airplay falling to 13 percent, the outlet reported.
There was also a noticeable decrease in...
- 3/9/2019
- by Joelle Goldstein
- PEOPLE.com
Darkness to Light, a national group that fights child sexual abuse, says visits to its online resources about the predatory practice of “grooming” have skyrocketed since HBO aired the Michael Jackson documentary, “Leaving Neverland.”
The organization said its website has seen a whopping 548 percent spike in traffic to its pages on “grooming,” a process by which a predator gains a child’s trust in order to commit sexual abuse.
“Grooming doesn’t just happen with the child, it happens with entire families and communities,” the group’s president and CEO, Katelyn Brewer, said, “and in a celebrity’s case, the entire community.”
Also Read: After 'Leaving Neverland,' We Need to Reassess Michael Jackson
“Leaving Neverland” profiles two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who say Jackson groomed them and their families in order to molest them when they were children.
Both men denied that Jackson molested him when he was still alive,...
The organization said its website has seen a whopping 548 percent spike in traffic to its pages on “grooming,” a process by which a predator gains a child’s trust in order to commit sexual abuse.
“Grooming doesn’t just happen with the child, it happens with entire families and communities,” the group’s president and CEO, Katelyn Brewer, said, “and in a celebrity’s case, the entire community.”
Also Read: After 'Leaving Neverland,' We Need to Reassess Michael Jackson
“Leaving Neverland” profiles two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who say Jackson groomed them and their families in order to molest them when they were children.
Both men denied that Jackson molested him when he was still alive,...
- 3/9/2019
- by Itay Hod
- The Wrap
About 2 million viewers tuned into controversial Michael Jackson documentary “Leaving Neverland” in Britain this week as the pop superstar’s fans took to the streets and plastered London buses with messages protesting his innocence, and his nephew sought funding for a series refuting the sex-abuse allegations made in the film.
The two-part documentary was broadcast on Wednesday and Thursday nights on free-to-air network Channel 4, which produced the film along with HBO. Part 1 peaked at 2.4 million viewers and averaged 2.1 million. The second part was down slightly with a peak of 2.2 million and 1.9 million average, which equates to a 12% share of the British audience. Those figures are more than double the usual audience for Channel 4’s 9 p.m. slot and eclipsed the viewership numbers on HBO in the U.S.
However, the documentary was beaten both nights by Jeremy Clarkson’s “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” reboot on ITV and...
The two-part documentary was broadcast on Wednesday and Thursday nights on free-to-air network Channel 4, which produced the film along with HBO. Part 1 peaked at 2.4 million viewers and averaged 2.1 million. The second part was down slightly with a peak of 2.2 million and 1.9 million average, which equates to a 12% share of the British audience. Those figures are more than double the usual audience for Channel 4’s 9 p.m. slot and eclipsed the viewership numbers on HBO in the U.S.
However, the documentary was beaten both nights by Jeremy Clarkson’s “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” reboot on ITV and...
- 3/8/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Michael Jackson's guest spot on "The Simpsons" is getting yanked out of circulation ... a decision made by the show's honchos in the wake of "Leaving Neverland." 'Simpsons' executive producer James L. Brooks says he made the call after watching the 2-part HBO documentary about Jackson's alleged molestation of Wade Robson and James Safechuck. The 1991 episode features Jackson voicing the character, Leon Kompowsky. Creator Matt Groening and producer Al Jean were in agreement with Brooks to pull it,...
- 3/8/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Corey Feldman says he “can no longer” defend Michael Jackson after watching Part 1 of HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland.”
“I don’t want to be perceived as I’m here to defend Michael, because I can no longer do that,” Feldman told Hln. “I cannot in good consciousness defend anyone who’s being accused of such horrendous crimes. But at the same time, I’m also not here to judge him, because again, he did not do those things to me and that was not my experience.”
“My place is not to be the judge and is not to be the accuser and not to be the defender — my job in this is to focus on what’s most important, which is helping to reform the statutes of limitations in every state, because if we can reform the statutes of limitations, we can prevent things from ever getting to this point,...
“I don’t want to be perceived as I’m here to defend Michael, because I can no longer do that,” Feldman told Hln. “I cannot in good consciousness defend anyone who’s being accused of such horrendous crimes. But at the same time, I’m also not here to judge him, because again, he did not do those things to me and that was not my experience.”
“My place is not to be the judge and is not to be the accuser and not to be the defender — my job in this is to focus on what’s most important, which is helping to reform the statutes of limitations in every state, because if we can reform the statutes of limitations, we can prevent things from ever getting to this point,...
- 3/8/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
The executive producer of “The Simpsons” says a 1991 episode featuring a character voiced by Michael Jackson will be permanently shelved in response to the HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland.”
“It feels clearly the only choice to make,” James L. Brooks told the The Wall Street Journal.
Brooks told the Journal that though he went into the film wanting to believe that Jackson was innocent, he came away convinced that “the documentary gave evidence of monstrous behavior.”
The four-hour documentary details the accounts of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who say Michael Jackson sexually assaulted them over several years beginning when they were young boys.
Also Read: After 'Leaving Neverland,' We Need to Reassess Michael Jackson
The Jackson estate called the documentary “the kind of tabloid character assassination Michael Jackson endured in life, and now in death.” The estate is suing HBO for $100 million, accusing the network of violating a non-disparagement...
“It feels clearly the only choice to make,” James L. Brooks told the The Wall Street Journal.
Brooks told the Journal that though he went into the film wanting to believe that Jackson was innocent, he came away convinced that “the documentary gave evidence of monstrous behavior.”
The four-hour documentary details the accounts of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who say Michael Jackson sexually assaulted them over several years beginning when they were young boys.
Also Read: After 'Leaving Neverland,' We Need to Reassess Michael Jackson
The Jackson estate called the documentary “the kind of tabloid character assassination Michael Jackson endured in life, and now in death.” The estate is suing HBO for $100 million, accusing the network of violating a non-disparagement...
- 3/8/2019
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Mo’Nique is not happy about Oprah Winfrey’s participation in “Leaving Neverland” and let her feelings be known in her YouTube podcast “Open Relationship”, which she co-hosts with her husband/manager Sidney Hicks. Winfrey interviewed the documentary’s subjects, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, in the “After Neverland” special that aired at the conclusion of HBO’s two-part documentary,...
- 3/8/2019
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Michael Jackson’s 1991 episode of The Simpsons will be removed from being aired across platforms, The Wall Street Journal reports.
“It feels clearly the only choice to make,” the animated show’s longtime producer, James L. Brooks, told WSJ. In the episode Stark Raving Dad, which aired during The Simpsons’ third season, Jackson voiced the character of Leon Kompowsky, a patient in a psychiatric hospital who thinks he is a pop star and ends up rooming with Homer Simpson.
Brooks said the decision was made alongside show creator Matt Groening...
“It feels clearly the only choice to make,” the animated show’s longtime producer, James L. Brooks, told WSJ. In the episode Stark Raving Dad, which aired during The Simpsons’ third season, Jackson voiced the character of Leon Kompowsky, a patient in a psychiatric hospital who thinks he is a pop star and ends up rooming with Homer Simpson.
Brooks said the decision was made alongside show creator Matt Groening...
- 3/8/2019
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
A fan-favorite episode of The Simpsons featuring Michael Jackson is being pulled from circulation in the wake of HBO’s disturbing new documentary Leaving Neverland.
“I’m against book burning of any kind,” producer Jim Brooks tells The Wall Street Journal. “But this is our book, and we’re allowed to take out a chapter.”
Leaving Neverland, which aired earlier this week in two parts, paints a horrific portrait of the late pop star, as two men who knew him when they were children — Wade Robson and James Safechuck — allege that they suffered years of sexual abuse at Jackson’s hands.
“I’m against book burning of any kind,” producer Jim Brooks tells The Wall Street Journal. “But this is our book, and we’re allowed to take out a chapter.”
Leaving Neverland, which aired earlier this week in two parts, paints a horrific portrait of the late pop star, as two men who knew him when they were children — Wade Robson and James Safechuck — allege that they suffered years of sexual abuse at Jackson’s hands.
- 3/8/2019
- TVLine.com
Gavin Arvizo spent his early teens accusing Michael Jackson of molesting him — and trying to refute defense attorneys who said he, his brother and his mother were liars. But the experience may not have soured him on the legal system.
Arvizo, now in his late 20s, is thinking about going to law school, said Louise Palanker, who has known him since childhood. She says the HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland” won’t lure him out of the private life he has sought since the 2005 trial. He has eschewed countless requests for interviews, and the money that would no doubt come from speaking out.
“He doesn’t really want to talk about it right now,” Palanker said. “He just wants to become a man and have a family and a career and not have this be the standout portion of who he is.”
Also Read: 'A Bargain': Trump Ally Seeks $31 Million for...
Arvizo, now in his late 20s, is thinking about going to law school, said Louise Palanker, who has known him since childhood. She says the HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland” won’t lure him out of the private life he has sought since the 2005 trial. He has eschewed countless requests for interviews, and the money that would no doubt come from speaking out.
“He doesn’t really want to talk about it right now,” Palanker said. “He just wants to become a man and have a family and a career and not have this be the standout portion of who he is.”
Also Read: 'A Bargain': Trump Ally Seeks $31 Million for...
- 3/8/2019
- by Itay Hod
- The Wrap
Channel 4 has scored a hit with Leaving Neverland as the controversial Michael Jackson documentary was watched by 2.1M viewers.
The which was directed by The Paedophile Hunter director Dan Reed, peaked with 2.4M viewers and won the slot for 16-34 viewers with a 20.5% share. This was above the numbers posted by HBO earlier this week; the Amos Pictures-produced two-parter drew a 0.4 rating and 1.3 million viewers for Part 1.
To give some UK context, feature doc Three Identical Strangers, which aired at the end of last month, drew 1.7M viewers. This was a solid hit for the British broadcaster.
It comes as the film, tells the story of two boys, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, now in their 30s, who say they were sexually abused by Jackson when they were ages 7 and 10, was surrounded by protests in the UK.
Jackson fans surrounded Channel 4’s London headquarters on Horseferry Road on...
The which was directed by The Paedophile Hunter director Dan Reed, peaked with 2.4M viewers and won the slot for 16-34 viewers with a 20.5% share. This was above the numbers posted by HBO earlier this week; the Amos Pictures-produced two-parter drew a 0.4 rating and 1.3 million viewers for Part 1.
To give some UK context, feature doc Three Identical Strangers, which aired at the end of last month, drew 1.7M viewers. This was a solid hit for the British broadcaster.
It comes as the film, tells the story of two boys, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, now in their 30s, who say they were sexually abused by Jackson when they were ages 7 and 10, was surrounded by protests in the UK.
Jackson fans surrounded Channel 4’s London headquarters on Horseferry Road on...
- 3/7/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO’s controversial Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland has proved to be a solid ratings draw for the premium cable network.
The docu, which tells the story of two boys, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, now in their 30s, who say they were sexually abused by Jackson when they were children, drew a 0.4 rating and 1.3 million viewers for Part 1, which aired Sunday night, according to Live+ same day Nielsen. That made it the third most-watched documentary in the last decade for HBO, excluding music concert films, behind Going Clear and the Prison of Belief, and Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. Going Clear debuted to around 1.7 million viewers, and Bright Lights brought in 1.6 million for its initial airing. With an additional day of delayed viewing, including streaming on HBO Go and HBO Now, Part 1 viewership increased to 1.7 million by Tuesday night.
Part 2, which aired Monday night, drew a...
The docu, which tells the story of two boys, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, now in their 30s, who say they were sexually abused by Jackson when they were children, drew a 0.4 rating and 1.3 million viewers for Part 1, which aired Sunday night, according to Live+ same day Nielsen. That made it the third most-watched documentary in the last decade for HBO, excluding music concert films, behind Going Clear and the Prison of Belief, and Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. Going Clear debuted to around 1.7 million viewers, and Bright Lights brought in 1.6 million for its initial airing. With an additional day of delayed viewing, including streaming on HBO Go and HBO Now, Part 1 viewership increased to 1.7 million by Tuesday night.
Part 2, which aired Monday night, drew a...
- 3/6/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Jackson fans gathered outside Channel 4’s London headquarters Wednesday to protest the broadcaster’s planned airing of “Leaving Neverland,” the controversial documentary about alleged sexual abuse by the late pop superstar.
Jackson’s supporters have called the documentary, by HBO and Channel 4, an unjustified smear on the singer’s reputation. Channel 4 issued a strongly worded defense of its decision to air the documentary in two parts, starting Wednesday evening. It said that showing “Leaving Neverland” was in the public interest and that viewers could reach their own conclusions.
The protest was organized via the Michael Jackson’s Children United Worldwide – Hospital Fund group on Facebook. It called for people to attend a peaceful protest “to Boycott releasing of disgusting documentary ‘Leaving Neverland’ in UK TV.”
It added that this was the first of several planned protests. “The documentary will be released on Channel 4 early spring we would like...
Jackson’s supporters have called the documentary, by HBO and Channel 4, an unjustified smear on the singer’s reputation. Channel 4 issued a strongly worded defense of its decision to air the documentary in two parts, starting Wednesday evening. It said that showing “Leaving Neverland” was in the public interest and that viewers could reach their own conclusions.
The protest was organized via the Michael Jackson’s Children United Worldwide – Hospital Fund group on Facebook. It called for people to attend a peaceful protest “to Boycott releasing of disgusting documentary ‘Leaving Neverland’ in UK TV.”
It added that this was the first of several planned protests. “The documentary will be released on Channel 4 early spring we would like...
- 3/6/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Spencer Mullen Mar 6, 2019
The Boring Company, Leaving Neverland, Victoria, and more in today's daily Link Tank!
The Boring Company is planning to build a Las Vegas "hyperloop."
"The Boring Company is on its way to Las Vegas. The authority behind the city’s convention center announced on Wednesday that it has chosen Elon Musk’s tunnel-digging firm to build a transit system. The system will help visitors avoid walking two miles end-to-end by offering the use of autonomous electric cars, with the suggested option for future expansion to the city and airport."
Read more at Inverse.
Here's why period drama Victoria is TV's most modern take on marriage.
"Period costume dramas don’t have to be dry retellings of the events of long ago, and PBS series Victoria is proof positive of that. While the series does occasionally invent plot points from whole cloth, it is largely dedicated to telling...
The Boring Company, Leaving Neverland, Victoria, and more in today's daily Link Tank!
The Boring Company is planning to build a Las Vegas "hyperloop."
"The Boring Company is on its way to Las Vegas. The authority behind the city’s convention center announced on Wednesday that it has chosen Elon Musk’s tunnel-digging firm to build a transit system. The system will help visitors avoid walking two miles end-to-end by offering the use of autonomous electric cars, with the suggested option for future expansion to the city and airport."
Read more at Inverse.
Here's why period drama Victoria is TV's most modern take on marriage.
"Period costume dramas don’t have to be dry retellings of the events of long ago, and PBS series Victoria is proof positive of that. While the series does occasionally invent plot points from whole cloth, it is largely dedicated to telling...
- 3/6/2019
- Den of Geek
Paris Jackson isn't swayed by the allegations levied against her father in "Leaving Neverland" -- and firmly believes Michael Jackson was not a child molester. Sources close to Paris tell TMZ ... she hasn't seen the explosive new documentary, and contrary to reports, she was not offered the chance to see it before it premiered at Sundance. We're also told she's not the least bit torn or conflicted about its content -- Wade Robson and James Safechuck...
- 3/6/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch was allegedly full of hidden bedrooms, warning systems and other features that facilitated his sexually abusive behavior, according to the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland.
In the first half of the two-part film released on March 3 and 4, two of the late singer’s alleged victims, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, described how Jackson used his infamous California compound to transfix the two young boys when he invited each of them there, keep them separate from their parents, and even warn him of anyone approaching a room in which, they say, he was sexually assaulting them.
Neverland Ranch,...
In the first half of the two-part film released on March 3 and 4, two of the late singer’s alleged victims, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, described how Jackson used his infamous California compound to transfix the two young boys when he invited each of them there, keep them separate from their parents, and even warn him of anyone approaching a room in which, they say, he was sexually assaulting them.
Neverland Ranch,...
- 3/5/2019
- by Mackenzie Schmidt
- PEOPLE.com
Amid the conclusion of HBO's controversial Leaving Neverland documentary, Oprah Winfrey sat down for a conversation with the subjects of the film, Wade Robson and James Safechuck. In Oprah Winfrey Presents: After Neverland, which aired Monday night, the Own mogul talked to Robson, Safechuck and director Dan Reed about the claims made about Michael Jackson in the documentary. In the film, Robson, 36, and Safechuck, 41, share allegations of child abuse against the late singer, detailing their relationship with Jackson over the years. Let's take a look at the biggest bombshells from Winfrey's conversation with Robson, Safechuck and Reed in After Neverland. 1. Robson Still Had "No...
- 3/5/2019
- E! Online
In the bombshell Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland, Wade Robson recalls the last time he saw the late music icon — whom he claims molested him for years as a boy — before Jackson’s death at the age of 50 in 2009.
During the second part of the film — which aired on HBO on Monday and also features the story of a second accuser, James Safechuck — the celebrity choreographer, 36, said he had dinner in Las Vegas with Jackson and his three kids: Prince Michael, 22, Paris, 20, and “Blanket,” 17, who now goes by Bigi.
“I was in Vegas for about six months, and I was...
During the second part of the film — which aired on HBO on Monday and also features the story of a second accuser, James Safechuck — the celebrity choreographer, 36, said he had dinner in Las Vegas with Jackson and his three kids: Prince Michael, 22, Paris, 20, and “Blanket,” 17, who now goes by Bigi.
“I was in Vegas for about six months, and I was...
- 3/5/2019
- by Brianne Tracy
- PEOPLE.com
HBO's documentary Leaving Neverland delivered a sizable audience over its two nights, with the first installment drawing one of the biggest tune-ins for an HBO doc in the past decade.
The four-hour film, directed by Dan Reed, features two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, detailing a litany of sexual abuse allegations against late music icon Michael Jackson. (Jackson's estate and surviving family members have denied the allegations.) The doc is the subject of a $100 million lawsuit against HBO filed by Jackson's estate, claiming Leaving Neverland violates a non-disparagement clause in the contract for a 1992 Jackson concert film ...
The four-hour film, directed by Dan Reed, features two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, detailing a litany of sexual abuse allegations against late music icon Michael Jackson. (Jackson's estate and surviving family members have denied the allegations.) The doc is the subject of a $100 million lawsuit against HBO filed by Jackson's estate, claiming Leaving Neverland violates a non-disparagement clause in the contract for a 1992 Jackson concert film ...
We must once again reassess Michael Jackson. The fans don’t want to hear it. The pop star died 10 years ago at age 50 and thus cannot face evidence or testimony in a court of law.
But the heartbreaking accusations of sexual abuse offered in unflinching detail by Wade Robson and James Safechuck in the new HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland” cannot be ignored. Their stories must be heard and considered in all their terribleness. And we must remember the star’s other past accusers, whose accounts line up with these latest ones.
Now grown men, Robson and Safechuck each accuse Michael Jackson of things we would prefer not to know, and would rather not believe. Grooming the boys and their families with gifts and attention. A gradual introduction to touching, then masturbation, then oral sex, then anal sex. Then porn. Every night. All with expressions of love by Jackson. And in both cases,...
But the heartbreaking accusations of sexual abuse offered in unflinching detail by Wade Robson and James Safechuck in the new HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland” cannot be ignored. Their stories must be heard and considered in all their terribleness. And we must remember the star’s other past accusers, whose accounts line up with these latest ones.
Now grown men, Robson and Safechuck each accuse Michael Jackson of things we would prefer not to know, and would rather not believe. Grooming the boys and their families with gifts and attention. A gradual introduction to touching, then masturbation, then oral sex, then anal sex. Then porn. Every night. All with expressions of love by Jackson. And in both cases,...
- 3/5/2019
- by Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
HBO debuted the explosive Michael Jackson documentary, “Leaving Neverland” to 1.3 million viewers on Sunday night, the third-most watched doc premiere for the network in a decade.
The 1.3 million is just for the linear TV watchers on Sunday night, according to Nielsen. The two-hour premiere — Part 2 aired on Monday — was behind only “Going Clear” (1.7 million) and “Bright Lights” (1.6 million). Across all on-demand and digital platforms, “Leaving Neverland” is up to 1.7 million viewers.
HBO will have numbers for Monday night later on Tuesday.
Also Read: Corey Feldman Defends Michael Jackson After 'Leaving Neverland,' Says Singer 'Never Touched Me Inappropriately'
Dan Reed’s four-hour documentary features comprehensive and damning accusations from two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who say Michael Jackson sexually assaulted them when they were young boys. Both Safechuck and Robson accuse Jackson of leveraging his star power to gain the trust of their families — trust he then...
The 1.3 million is just for the linear TV watchers on Sunday night, according to Nielsen. The two-hour premiere — Part 2 aired on Monday — was behind only “Going Clear” (1.7 million) and “Bright Lights” (1.6 million). Across all on-demand and digital platforms, “Leaving Neverland” is up to 1.7 million viewers.
HBO will have numbers for Monday night later on Tuesday.
Also Read: Corey Feldman Defends Michael Jackson After 'Leaving Neverland,' Says Singer 'Never Touched Me Inappropriately'
Dan Reed’s four-hour documentary features comprehensive and damning accusations from two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who say Michael Jackson sexually assaulted them when they were young boys. Both Safechuck and Robson accuse Jackson of leveraging his star power to gain the trust of their families — trust he then...
- 3/5/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
The controversial documentary Leaving Neverland focuses on the stories of two men - Wade Robson and James Safechuck - who allege that Michael Jackson molested them when they were young boys in his inner circle. One of the men, Robson, has had a higher-profile career in show business, working as a choreographer for big names such as Britney Spears and *Nsync. But his counterpart, Safechuck, has been almost a complete unknown until this point.
Throughout the documentary, which aired on HBO, Safechuck and Robson recount the abuse they allege they suffered at the hands of Jackson, mostly while they were prepubescent boys. Both initially met Jackson at very young ages: Safechuck was a child actor who landed a coveted commercial alongside the singer, while Robson won an Australian dance contest and won concert tickets and a meet-and-greet with Jackson.
Safechuck did defend Jackson when he was accused of molestation for...
Throughout the documentary, which aired on HBO, Safechuck and Robson recount the abuse they allege they suffered at the hands of Jackson, mostly while they were prepubescent boys. Both initially met Jackson at very young ages: Safechuck was a child actor who landed a coveted commercial alongside the singer, while Robson won an Australian dance contest and won concert tickets and a meet-and-greet with Jackson.
Safechuck did defend Jackson when he was accused of molestation for...
- 3/5/2019
- by Amanda Prahl
- Popsugar.com
Corey Feldman is defending Michael Jackson in response to the sexual abuse accusations made against the singer in the HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland.”
Feldman, who says he was abused as a child and has spoken out about sexual abuse in Hollywood, said in a lengthy statement on Twitter Monday that some of his experiences were “the same” as those reported by Wade Robson and James Safechuck, the accusers profiled in “Neverland.” But, Feldman said, Jackson “never touched me inappropriately & never suggested we should be lovers in any way!”
In his tweets, Feldman conceded that he “wasn’t there when those boys were,” but said he “was there around the same time,” and says he is still friends with other people who were befriended by Jackson as children who were also not abused. Feldman said “Leaving Neverland” is “1 sided w no chance of a defense from a dead man,” and said...
Feldman, who says he was abused as a child and has spoken out about sexual abuse in Hollywood, said in a lengthy statement on Twitter Monday that some of his experiences were “the same” as those reported by Wade Robson and James Safechuck, the accusers profiled in “Neverland.” But, Feldman said, Jackson “never touched me inappropriately & never suggested we should be lovers in any way!”
In his tweets, Feldman conceded that he “wasn’t there when those boys were,” but said he “was there around the same time,” and says he is still friends with other people who were befriended by Jackson as children who were also not abused. Feldman said “Leaving Neverland” is “1 sided w no chance of a defense from a dead man,” and said...
- 3/5/2019
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Corey Feldman, who as a child actor spent time with Michael Jackson, is defending the late King of Pop against the devastating sexual abuse allegations in Leaving Neverland.
Wade Robson and James Safechuck allege in the two-part HBO documentary that Jackson molested them when they were children.
But in a series of tweets (see below) after watching part one of the doc, Feldman slammed the film and insisted Jackson “never touched me inappropriately.”
“All I know is what I experienced, and yes, every experience was the same right up to the sex part,” he tweeted. “That is where it becomes La La Land, instead of Neverland for me.”
Robson, 36, and Safechuck, 40, claim in the film they were groomed by the Thriller singer, and allege the abuse started when they were 7 and 10 years old.
The two men said they regularly spent hours on the phone talking to Jackson, with one of...
Wade Robson and James Safechuck allege in the two-part HBO documentary that Jackson molested them when they were children.
But in a series of tweets (see below) after watching part one of the doc, Feldman slammed the film and insisted Jackson “never touched me inappropriately.”
“All I know is what I experienced, and yes, every experience was the same right up to the sex part,” he tweeted. “That is where it becomes La La Land, instead of Neverland for me.”
Robson, 36, and Safechuck, 40, claim in the film they were groomed by the Thriller singer, and allege the abuse started when they were 7 and 10 years old.
The two men said they regularly spent hours on the phone talking to Jackson, with one of...
- 3/5/2019
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO just aired the second part of its controversial documentary about two young boys and their relationship with Michael Jackson, and where part one was hard to watch, part two was hard to watch in a slightly different way. Beginning with 1993, when the first allegations against Jackson were made, part two worked to explain why James Safechuck and Wade Robson testified that they were not abused for so long before they changed their story, and how the alleged abuse affected them and their families as they grew into adults. Alongside footage of actual testimony and interviews and news coverage of the trials, both in 1993 and 2005, the documentary allowed James, Wade, their mothers, and the rest of their...
- 3/5/2019
- E! Online
The famous ranch at the center of “Leaving Neverland” is for sale — but the property’s current owner, and his decision to sell it now, only add to the strangeness surrounding Michael Jackson’s longtime home.
Tom Barrack, a close Trump ally, and his Colony Capital Inc., bought Neverland from Jackson in 2008, less than a year before Jackson died. The company announced plans to sell it (again) on Friday, just before HBO debuted “Leaving Neverland,” which details accusations from two young men that Jackson sexually abused them there.
According to the website of the real estate company Compass, 5225 Figueroa Mountain Road is on the market for $31 million. It was previously offered for $100 million in 2015, and $67 million in 2017.
Also Read: 5 Most Devastating Accusations Against Michael Jackson From 'Leaving Neverland'
Laura Kalb, a real estate agent at Hilton & Hyland, whose company had the property co-listed with Sotheby’s International Realty in 2015, told...
Tom Barrack, a close Trump ally, and his Colony Capital Inc., bought Neverland from Jackson in 2008, less than a year before Jackson died. The company announced plans to sell it (again) on Friday, just before HBO debuted “Leaving Neverland,” which details accusations from two young men that Jackson sexually abused them there.
According to the website of the real estate company Compass, 5225 Figueroa Mountain Road is on the market for $31 million. It was previously offered for $100 million in 2015, and $67 million in 2017.
Also Read: 5 Most Devastating Accusations Against Michael Jackson From 'Leaving Neverland'
Laura Kalb, a real estate agent at Hilton & Hyland, whose company had the property co-listed with Sotheby’s International Realty in 2015, told...
- 3/5/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
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