Barbra Streisand Clarifies Michael Jackson Comments
As previously reported, Barbra Streisand recently made comments about the allegations of underage sexual abuse against Michael Jackson where she seemed to imply that it was somewhat consensual.
Now she’s back to clarify.
“To be crystal clear, there is no situation or circumstance where it is OK for the innocence of children to be taken advantage of by anyone,” she stated. “The stories these two young men shared were painful to hear, and I feel nothing but sympathy for them. The single most important role of being a parent is to protect their children. It’s clear that the parents of the two young men were also victimized and seduced by fame and fantasy.”
She continued, “I am profoundly sorry for any pain or misunderstanding I caused by not choosing my words more carefully about Michael Jackson and his victims, because the words as printed do not reflect my true feelings. I didn’t mean to dismiss the trauma these boys experienced in any way. I feel deep remorse and hope James and Wade know that I truly respect and admire them for speaking their truth.”
Barbra had said to the Times in the U.K. ahead of her July concert that she believes Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who allege that they were abused by Michael as children. But she also seemed to have some sympathy for the late pop star.
“His sexual needs were his sexual needs, coming from whatever childhood he has or whatever DNA he has,” she told the Times. “You can say ‘molested,’ but those children, as you heard them say [the grown-up Robson and Safechuk], they were thrilled to be there. They both married and they both have children, so it didn’t kill them.”