Despite lawsuits and public outcry, HBO is going ahead with airing the Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland. In the wake of its premiere at Sundance, the studio and filmmakers were subject to almost instantaneous backlash. But until recently fans who weren’t in attendance at Sundance have not been able to see even the trailer for the documentary…
The trailer is now available to watch, and you can see it here at Express.co.uk.
When is Leaving Neverland out?
Leaving Neverland will be available to watch in the UK on Channel 4.
It will air on March 6 and 7 in two parts, and begin at 9pm GMT on both nights.
In America, the movie will be available to watch on HBO on March 3 and 4.
The Michael Jackson estate has filed suit against HBO, claiming the studio violated a previous contractual agreement from 1992.
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This was not to: “make any disparaging remarks concerning Performer or any of his representatives, agents, or business practices or do any act that may harm or disparage or cause to lower in esteem the reputation or public image of Performer.”
However, HBO has not backed down from airing the documentary.
In a statement, HBO said: “Despite the desperate lengths taken to undermine the film, our plans remain unchanged.
“HBO will move forward with the airing of Leaving Neverland, the two-part documentary, on March 3rd and 4th.
“This will allow everyone the opportunity to assess the film and the claims in it for themselves.”
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What is the story of Leaving Neverland?
The documentary follows the story of the alleged relationships between Jackson and two young fans.
Wade Robson and Jimmy Safechuck, who were both under 10 at the time, allege they were sexually abused by the pop star.
In 2013 they sued Michael Jackson’s estate, but the case was dismissed.
The official synopsis continues: “Now in their 30s, they tell the story of how they were sexually abused by Jackson, and how they came to terms with it years later.”
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Who is in the cast of Leaving Neverland?
Leaving Neverland is built around interviews with Safechuck and Robson as well as their mothers, wives, and siblings.
Jackson himself appears in the documentary as well, thanks to archival footage.
Some criticism has been levelled at filmmaker Dan Reed for not including countering viewpoints.
Reed claimed he interviewed police and detectives involved in the investigation into the alleged abuse, but felt: “interviews from the public sphere would break that spell and place us back on the outside.”
Leaving Neverland will be available to watch on Channel 4 on March 6 and 7 in two parts from at 9pm GMT.