Michael Jackson Estate Slams ‘Leaving Neverland’ Documentary

Not everyone is intrigued by the disturbing Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland, including his family. 

The four-hour exposé will premiere on HBO this spring and centers around claims from James Safechuck and Wade Robson, both of whom say they endured years of the singer’s inappropriate behavior and manipulation. 

Michael’s nephew Taj Jackson, 45, has repeatedly and vehemently denounced the allegations made in the documentary: 

“My family and I have known Wade and his family since he came to America. Don’t tell me a 4 hour one sided hit job that you watched is more reputable than people who actually knew him and saw his interactions,” he wrote on Saturday. “This is all about money and the desperate need to be relevant again.”

Taj also claimed James and Wade were “acting” in the film and criticized the media for “condemning an innocent man.”

“After years of coaching and studying for these roles, I’m sure Wade (self proclaimed “Master of Deception”) and Jimmy both gave Oscar winning performances today,” he wrote on Twitter. “Media, please do a 10 minute google search before you condemn an innocent man who is no longer here to defend himself.”

The Jackson estate also gave their own statement to the press:

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 these two admitted liars which were ultimately dismissed by a judge,” the statement read. “The two accusers testified under 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.”