Leaving Neverland aired on Channel 4 earlier this month, sparking controversy as two accusers stepped forward with allegations against Michael Jackson. The King of Pop, known for hits like Billie Jean, Beat It and Smooth Criminal died on June 25, 2009. The documentary featured the stories of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who allege that during their time with the pop star as children, sexual abuse took place.
Child abuse allegations against Michael Jackson first surfaced in 1993 but were subsequently settled out of court.
In 2003, Jackson was arrested on seven counts of child molestation but was acquitted on all counts after a 2005 trial.
The documentary is told largely from the viewpoint of two of Jacksons’ alleged victims.
But the documentary has divided the world, and some high profile friends of Jackson have come forward to deny the accusations.
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Pop icon Diana Ross is among those to have defended Jackson, as well as actress Barbara Streisand who claimed the accusers were “thrilled to be there” before later apologising for her comments.
R&B star Ne-Yo told TMZ of Jackson in February this year: “He’s never done anything wrong.”
And when asked if the accusations were lies he said: “I don’t know and I don’t care.”
Mentioned in the documentary, actor Macaulay Culkin has appeared to laugh off the allegations.
Goonies star Corey Feldman who was a close friend of Jackson said: “Never once swore in my presence, never touched me inappropriately, & never ever suggested we should be lovers in any way!
“If God forbid these things were true, then there is a completely different Michael that I knew.
“I guess anything in the world of paedophilia is possible. All I can say is my heart goes out to both of them — and if for any reason the things are proven true, I would be in full support of them.”
Leaving Neverland showrunner Dan Reed has spoken out against those defending the King of Pop.
He told Sunrise: “People like Barbra Streisand are coming out and saying that it was not such a bad thing and that it didn’t kill them – that’s horrific.
“It does tell you about attitudes in the industry – particularly among the older generation.
“Stars having their way with fans was something that was accepted and it was all brushed under the carpet because money was being made.”
In response to the documentary, the Jackson estate has served its creators HBO with a $100million (£76.78million) lawsuit for allegedly breaching a contract that was signed by the network and Jackson back in 1992.
Leaving Neverland is available to watch now on Channel 4 On Demand.