OF POP MARRIED ME’
ing. It was alleged Jackson destroyed evidence of their illicit encounters.
Robson claims one of Jackson’s private secretaries ordered him to dispose of a pair of his bloodied underpants in a dumpster after one night with the singer.
Guests said they were “astonished” and “sickened” by some of the graphic and explicit sexual details in Leaving Neverland – but Jackson’s estate immediately hit back at the documentary.
A detailed rebuttal statement insisted: “Leaving Neverland isn’t a documentary.
“It is the kind of tabloid character assassination Michael Jackson endured in life, and now in death.
“The film takes uncorroborated allegations that supposedly happened 20 years ago and treats them as fact.
“These claims were the basis of lawsuits filed by the two admitted liars which were ultimately dismissed by a judge.
“The two accusers testified under
CLAIMS: James Safechuck, left and Wade Robson at the film festival
oath that these events never occurred. They have provided no independent evidence and absolutely no proof in support of their accusations, which means the entire film hinges solely on the word of two perjurers.”
A source close to the Jackson family said last night that the late King of Pop’s brothers, sisters and children are “mortified” by the latest claims against him, adding: “This is a never-ending nightmare for them. It could destroy his legacy completely.”
Both Robson and Safechuck said yesterday that they were not paid to appear in the documentary Leaving Neverland.
They added that they had been trying to communicate with one another for years but during the legal process were forbidden from discussing with each other what they claimed had happened.
Safechuck said: “From the get-go, there was no money ever offered and we never expected anything. It was really trying to tell the story and shine a light on it – to give people [who have suffered abuse] the same connection and comfort we’ve got going through this.”
Robson said: “We’ve sought a platform to be able to tell the truth. This film was nothing we ever thought about or sought out. It came to us individually.”
He went on: “We can’t do anything about stopping Michael; he’s dead and that’s gone. What happened happened. The feeling is, ‘what can we do now?’
“Hopefully, it helps other survivors feel less isolated. One of my greatest hopes is raising awareness for parents, teachers, and business leaders to prevent this from happening.”
‘He’s dead and that’s gone’