Twitter Responds to Michael Jackson Doc, 'Leaving Neverland'
Last night (March 3), HBO released the first half of a new documentary, "Leaving Neverland," which presents allegations from two men—Wade Robson and James Safechuck—who say Michael Jackson befriended, groomed and sexually abused them as boys. The film was directed by British documentarian Dan Reed and includes extensive interviews with Robson, now 36, and Safechuck, now 40. Last month, the estate of Jackson filed a $100 million lawsuit against HBO for breaching a previous agreement that it would not disparage the singer. On Sunday, the estate responded to the film by sharing some of the pop star's concerts on YouTube and other streaming sites.
The second half of the documentary airs tonight, followed by "After Neverland," a conversation between Oprah Winfrey, Reed, Robson and Safechuck.
Below, a few reactions from Twitter:
Encouraging survivors of sexual violence to come forward frustrates me MOST of the time as it doesn’t address the heartbreaking reality that people may not believe you. Most of the #LeavingNeverland thread is why survivors stay quiet. It’s why I did.
— Ericka Hart (@iHartEricka) March 4, 2019
If you’re finding it difficult to watch Leaving Neverland as a male abuse victim @1in6org is a wonderful resource https://t.co/ltKYxj5ojS
— Ira (@ira) March 4, 2019
I won’t be watching the film, because it’s absolutely way too triggering for me. I hope that if it’s too troubling to watch for you, you also take a break. No need to retraumatize yourself.
— go find yourself (@BlairImani) March 4, 2019
from a storytelling standpoint #LeavingNeverland is a very bad documentary. I’m up to listen the stories of survivors of any abuse. I’m on their side always, but this being about the greatest megastar in the world and a dead person, I expected a lot more of facts and research.
— Gabriel Torrelles (@gabetorrelles) March 4, 2019
The cesspool of comments under #LeavingNeverland are the perfect demonstration of why powerful pedophiles get away with their crimes.
— The Hoarse Whisperer (@HoarseWisperer) March 4, 2019
Too many adults would rather bury the abused than unearth an abuser.
watching leaving neverland. i’m young enough to have not been aware of the allegations about michael jackson as they were happening and it is WILD TO ME that anyone thought his behavior around and constant contact with young boys was remotely okay
— b-boy bouiebaisse (@jbouie) March 4, 2019
Some of y'all: R. Kelly and Michael Jackson were found not guilty, the law proves it!
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) March 4, 2019
Also y'all: The criminal justice system is flawed and let guilty men like George Zimmerman get away. It can also be manipulated by the super rich & famous.#LeavingNeverland
Here's the absolute crap truth — if you were messed w sexually or molested or fondled by an adult as a little kid, it's almost impossible not to believe these two men. #LeavingNeverland
— Rebecca Shuri She Ready Carroll (@rebel19) March 4, 2019
So far #LeavingNeverland feels like the polar opposite of #SurvivingRKelly in regards to scope of interviews & reporting-but I’m hanging in.
— MichaelaAngela Davis (@MichaelaAngelaD) March 4, 2019