Whatever your thoughts of it, 'Leaving Neverland' made for very unsettling viewing
The first episode in the two-part documentary series 'Leaving Neverland: Michael Jackson and Me' aired on Channel 4 last night. It tells the story of two men, James 'Jimmy' Safechuck and Wade Robson, who befriended Michael Jackson as children and say they were sexually abused by him.
The disturbing documentary sees the men, who are now in their 30s and 40s, as well as their family members, talk about their experience with Michael Jackson and how they ended up in his life. Directed by Dan Reed, the documentary presents a portrait of sustained abuse and grooming, and explores the complicated feelings that led both men to confront their experiences.
Needless to say, 'Leaving Neverland' sparked a huge reaction from viewers. Many are horrified and vow never to listen to Michael Jackson's music again while others are defending the singer and claim the men are lying.
As a survivor of child abuse, my heart breaks for these men. It is extremely difficult to go against an adult you love as a child. I applaud their courage of sharing their story. #ibelieveyou #LeavingNeverland
— Kelsie Wollesen (@KelsieWollesen) March 7, 2019
All these mj fans saying why didn’t the boys report him, the boys where “in love” with him, he had groomed them into thinking this was a loving “relationship” and were heartbroken when he discarded them. Open your eyes #leavingneverland
— Christine Cusack (@ChristineCusac1) March 7, 2019
Thought you all might wanna see Wade Robson begging to be in the MJ cirque du soleil #LeavingNeverland pic.twitter.com/Nw1VGaJ49s
— Natalia 🌹 (@nat9210) March 7, 2019
So Wade Robson voluntarily testified under oath for Michael Jackson in 1993 and in the 2005 trial, he said nothing ever happened and Michael never touched him anywhere.
But now just randomly out of nowhere wants to change his story 😂😂 Okay mate 🥴🥴🤥🤥 #LeavingNeverland pic.twitter.com/q8KbKVwtWH— Joseph Dignan (@JoeDignan) March 6, 2019
Wade & James have spent 6 years litigating Jackson's Estate for $millions. 6years to get their stories straight, stories that were repeatedly inconsistent and contradictory in their lawsuits.
Their claims in the doc directly contradict aspects of their lawsuits#LeavingNeverland pic.twitter.com/bX38ddrY5c— Aidan (@AdSm130) March 7, 2019
A middle aged bloke that has sleepovers with kids in his house with an adventure playground in the back garden turns out to be a paedo... why cant people get that?
Imagine a bloke with a semi detached and a set swings having kids parties. Youd want him dead#LeavingNeverland— Millwall Millwall MILLWALL (@ChunkMillwall) March 7, 2019
Having worked with survivors of emotional and sexual abuse for over 10 years I’m finding #LeavingNeverland difficult to watch. Not because of what they are saying it’s how they say it. Something doesn’t feel right. Something doesn’t add up.
— Steven O'Riordan (@StevenOR_) March 6, 2019
Whether or not you believe these 2 specific stories there is no denying that Jackson had an unhealthy obsession with children. It seems odd to me that anyone would defend a grown man sleeping with young children? #LeavingNeverland
— . (@Hxllyoakz) March 6, 2019
The only person exploited in the life of Michael Jackson is Michael Jackson,forced to perform from the age of 5 by his bastard dad,no childhood to speak of,he hated himself yet conquered the world,he loved kids,loved watching them have the childhood he didn’t #LeavingNeverland
— It’s Alec🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@Fabinhohmydays) March 6, 2019
The live reactions to #LeavingNeverland are *precisely* why so many victims of abuse do not come forward until much later, and sometimes not at all.
— Hannah Charlotte (@hancharu) March 6, 2019
If you think Michael Jackson is innocent, then congratulations, you've just experienced first hand how paedophiles get away with it ..... always defend your own #LeavingNeverland
— Mad Mike (@MadMikey341036) March 7, 2019
Think it is worth pointing out again tonight that Wade and James were NOT paid for their parts in #LeavingNeverland - so this is not a film they are making millions from, contrary to a number of comments on here.
— Mark Jefferies (@mirrorjeffers) March 6, 2019
'Leaving Neverland: Michael Jackson and Me' continues tonight on Channel 4 at 9pm.