'Leaving Neverland' is 'devastating' to Michael Jackson's children
Michael Jackson‘s children are understandably having a hard time as HBO’s Leaving Neverland continues to capture headlines.
The controversial documentary details disturbing child molestation allegations made by James “Jimmy” Safechuck and Wade Robson against the legendary entertainer. Many of the Jacksons are publicly fighting back against claims, but the “Thriller” singer’s three kids — Prince, 22, Paris, 20, and Blanket, 17 — have remained silent.
“They can’t believe it, because they know Wade,” Michael’s bother, Jackie Jackson, told E! News. “They can’t believe what is going on.”
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Jackie added while the claims are “devastating” to the siblings, they all maintain their father’s innocence. “They are going through some troubling times,” he added. “It’s painful for them.”
As for whether the kids will address the documentary directly, Jackie said, “I am sure they will speak out later.” However, Paris thanked YouTube star Shane Dawson for his support Monday.
thank you honey love you
— Paris-Michael K. J. (@ParisJackson) March 5, 2019
Michael’s brothers, Tito and Marlon, along with his nephew, Taj, also talked with E! about why Janet Jackson has remained silent.
“I don’t think she wants to give this attention… As soon as she would have said something, it would’ve given it a bigger platform,” Taj explained.
Marlon added that they are doing their best to keep matriarch, Katherine Jackson, from learning about the 4-hour documentary. “We try to keep this away from her for as much as we can, because she’s an older age,” he explained.
Leaving Neverland has divided fans and entertainers. Even Oprah Winfrey jumped into the fray by hosting an OWN special Oprah Winfrey Presents: After Neverland where she interviewed Robson and Safechuck.
“Here’s the reason why I am here: In 25 years of The Oprah Show, I taped 217 episodes on sexual abuse,” Winfrey began. “I tried and tried and tried to get the message across to people that sexual abuse was not just abuse, it was also sexual seduction. But, for me, this moment transcends Michael Jackson. It is much bigger than any one person. This is a moment in time that allows us to see this societal corruption that is like a scourge on humanity.”
Winfrey was quickly targeted by “Truthers,” Jackson fans who maintain his innocence and bash anyone on social media who suggest otherwise. Even Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s brother, weighed in.
So many in media, inc @Oprah, blindly taking #LeavingNeverland at face value, shaping a narrative uninterested in facts, proof, credibility. We faced similar “graphic” claims + trial-by-media in ’05. Jury saw through it all. Trial-by-law proved Michael’s innocence long ago. Fact.
— Jermaine Jackson (@jermjackson5) March 4, 2019
The estate of Michael Jackson is suing HBO over the documentary for damages that could exceed $100 million. Fallout has begun with three radio stations pulling Jackson’s music citing the child abuse claims.
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