Photo: Ari Perilstein/Getty; Phil Dent/Redferns/Getty
Oprah Winfreywill sit down with the two men accusing the late Michael Jackson of sexual abuse in an interview airing immediately afterLeaving Neverlandmakes its television debut.
In the documentary, set to premiere on HBO this weekend, Wade Robson, 36, and James Safechuck, 40,allege Jackson molested themas boys.Leaving Neverlandgarnered significant buzz upon its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival last month, and will be broadcast on HBO in two parts airing this coming Sunday and Monday.
“This is yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson,” the statement read.“Wade Robson and James Safechuck have both testified under oath that Michael never did anything inappropriate toward them. Safechuck and Robson, the latter a self-proclaimed ‘master of deception’, filed lawsuits against Michael’s Estate, asking for millions of dollars.Both lawsuits were dismissed.”
Oprah and Michael Jackson.
Winfrey’s interview with Robson and Safechuck will come 26 years after the host, 65, famously sat down with Jackson in February 1993 for a live interview that pulled in more than 90 million viewers, according toOprah.com. Five months later, in August 1993, accusations that Jackson had molested then 13-year-old Jordan Chandler were made public.
Winfrey’s hour-long special with Jackson’s accusers will be calledOprah WinfreyPresents: After Neverland, and will debut simultaneously on HBO and OWN following the end ofLeaving Neverland’s two-night HBO premiere.
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The audience will reportedly include survivors of sexual abuse.
Leaving Neverlandhas drawn criticism from members of Jackson’s family, including his brothers Tito, 65, Marlon, 61, and Jackie, who emphatically deny any allegations of abuse.
“I don’t care to see it,” Jackie, 67, said. “No, because I know my brother. I don’t have to see that documentary. I know Michael. I’m the oldest brother. I know my brother. I know what he stood for. What he was all about. Bringing the world together. Making kids happy. That’s the kind of person he was.”
Michael Jackson.Michael Ochs Archive/Getty
Taj Jackson, 45, noted that he believed Robson and Safechuck were only coming forward to receive a payday.
“It’s always been about money,” he told King. “I hate to say it. When it’s my uncle, it’s almost like they see a blank check.”
Robson and Safechuck are also slated to appear onCBS This Morningto talk with King on Thursday.
The King of Pop’s estate hasfiled a $100 million lawsuitagainst HBO over its planned broadcast of the documentary, alleging it violates a non-disparagement clause from a 1992 contract.
source: people.com
