Leaving Neverland has caused quite a rift for movie-and-music-lovers alike. In an era where separating the art from the artist is a debate unto itself, Leaving Neverland offers itself up as a vote for ‘do not separate.’ The documentary premiered at Sundance to almost immediate backlash.
When does Michael Jackson documentary come 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 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.
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.
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.”
Despite the testimony of Wade and Safechuck themselves, the Michael Jackson estate released a statement attacking the documentary’s credibility.
A representative for Jackson’s estate said in a statement said: “This is yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson.
“Wade Robson and James Safechuck have both testified under oath that Michael never did anything inappropriate toward them.”
“Safechuck and Robson, the latter a self-proclaimed ‘master of deception,’ filed lawsuits against Michael’s estate, asking for millions of dollars. Both lawsuits were dismissed.”
It is worth noting according to Page Six (an American celebrity gossip paper), the judge who dismissed the case found the estate wasn’t liable for Robson’s exposure to Jackson, who died in 2009, but didn’t rule on the abuse allegations themselves.
The statement continues: “This so-called ‘documentary’ is just another rehash of dated and discredited allegations.
“It’s baffling why any credible filmmaker would involve himself with this project.”
The estate has filed suit against HBO, but 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.”
Leaving Neverland will be available to watch on Channel 4 on March 6 and 7 in two parts from at 9pm GMT.