There’s no disputing that Michael Jackson was one of the greatest musical talents of our time.
With smash hits like Billy Jean and Smooth Criminal, he redefined pop music and created some of the most iconic music of the 20th century.
But we now know that this same musical icon has been accused of sexually abusing several young children – and those allegations are now the subject of a shocking new documentary airing this week.
Leaving Neverland is a HBO-commissioned documentary that will air in Australia and around the world this week.
It contains heartbreaking new details of Jackson’s alleged abuse of young boys.
Find out everything you need to know about the show below, including details of the allegations, which channel the documentary will be shown on, how to watch Leaving Neverland online and its cultural impact.
Michael Jackson with one of the young boys he is accused of sexually abusing. (Image: HBO)
What is the Leaving Neverland: Michael Jackson and Me documentary?
Leaving Neverland features interviews from two Australian men – Brisbane born Wade Robson and James Safechuck – who began their long-running relationships with hit-maker Michael Jackson at the height of his stardom.
Now in their 30s, both men have made fresh claims of how Michael Jackson ‘sexually abused’ them as children.
The documentary recounts these stories and explores how the men came to terms with their abuse years later.
The documentary also hears from Robson and Safechuck’s families, who speak of their relationships with the singer.
In an interview with BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire last week, Robson explained: “Every time I stayed the night with him, he abused me. Fondling, touching, my entire body and my penis.”
MORE: See photos of Michael Jackon’s children through the years
Michael Jackson pictured with James Safechuck, also known as Jimmy, when he was a child. (Image: Channel 10)
Where can I watch Leaving Neverland in Australia?
The two-part series premieres on Friday, 8 March at 9.00pm and continues Saturday, 9 March at 9.30pm on Channel 10 and on WIN.
How to watch Leaving Neverland online
Leaving Neverland will be available to watch on 10 Play and 10 All Access from Friday morning, 8 March at 10.01am.
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How has Michael Jackson’s estate responded to Leaving Neverland?
Jackson’s estate called the documentary ‘yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson.’
In a statement, they said: “Wade Robson and James Safechuck have both testified under oath that Michael never did anything inappropriate toward them,” the statement continued.
“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.”
They added: “This so-called ‘documentary’ is just another rehash of dated and discredited allegations. It’s baffling why any credible filmmaker would involve himself with this project.”
The Michael Jackson estate is said to be suing HBO for $100m over the documentary.
How many episodes of Leaving Neverland are there?
There are two episodes as part of this two-part series.
The first will air on Friday March 8 at 9pm and the second on Saturday March 9 at 9.30pm on Channel 10.
Is there a Leaving Neverland trailer?
Yes! You can watch it in full below.
Story continues after the video
Who is Wade Robson and what has he accused Michael Jackson of in Leaving Neverland?
Wade Robson is a 36-year-old Australian-born dancer and choreographer.
Robson appeared in three of Michael Jackson’s music videos – Black or White, Jam and Heal the World – and has claimed he was molested by Jackson at his Neverland Ranch as a child.
Describing Jackson’s home as “nothing but a well-orchestrated trap”, Wade says he was abused by the singer for seven years and sued Jackson’s estate for $2.2 billion – a lawsuit which was dismissed when the judge ruled the estate of Jackson couldn’t be held responsible for the dancer’s allegations.
Wade Robson in the HBO doco. (Image: HBO)
Who is James Safechuck and what has he accused Michael Jackson of in Leaving Neverland?
Unlike Wade Robson, 41-year-old James Safechuck is accusing Jackson of sexual abuse for the first time in Leaving Neverland.
In a preview of the documentary, Safechuck claims Jackson held a mock wedding ceremony for the pair. He says: “We did this in his bedroom and we filled out some vows like we would be bonded forever.
“It felt good. And the ring is nice. It has a row of diamonds. The wedding ring.”
READ NEXT: Victim claims Michael Jackson ran a ‘child sex abuse operation’
James Safechuck giving evidence in the documentary. (Image: HBO)
What is Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch?
Jackson’s Neverland Valley Ranch – recently renamed Sycamore Valley Ranch – was his home in Santa Barbara County, California.
It was first named Neverland in 1988, with the star taking inspiration from the fantasy island in the tale of Peter Pan.
The ranch is now owned by Colony Capital.
An overhead shot of Michael Jackson’s estate Neverland. (Image: Getty)
Who is Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed?
British filmmaker Dan Reed – director of Leaving Neverland – has previously worked on Dispatches and 2014 documentary The Paedophile Hunter.
Speaking about his latest project, Dan told Billboard: “The film was never about Michael Jackson and I don’t really know that much about Michael Jackson.
Explaining his reasoning behind Leaving Neverland, Reed explained: “If we can begin to tell that bigger story to the world, then it doesn’t matter if it’s Michael Jackson or the priest or the guy next door or the uncle or the beloved family friend that you trusted with your child.
“That is a really great, positive difference that we can make.”
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When and how did Michael Jackson die?
Michael Jackson died on June 25th 2009 in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, California of acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication.
Michael’s personal physician Conrad Murray said he found the singer in bed and not breathing; calling paramedics after attempting to revive him for ten minutes.
He was pronounced dead at 2.26pm at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Centre after over an hour of unsuccessful attempted resuscitation.
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Michael Jackson died in 2009 and there was a global outpouring of grief. (Image: Getty)
Is Leaving Neverland on Netflix?
Channel 4 has exclusive UK rights to Leaving Neverland, with no plans to add the documentary to Netflix at present.
Has the BBC banned Michael Jackson’s music?
It had been reported the BBC ‘dropped’ Michael Jackson’s music from their playlists in light of Leaving Neverland.
After announcing its commission of new documentary Michael Jackson: The Rise and Fall – set to air on BBC2 – the public service broadcaster was said to have ‘banned’ the artist; something a spokesperson has since denied.
A rep said: “It is not true that Michael Jackson has been dropped off the Radio 2 playlist – which is new releases – as he hasn’t been featured on it.
“We don’t ban songs or artists and Michael Jackson, like any other artist could, be played on BBC Radio – as we have said, we consider each piece of music on its merits and decisions on what we play on different networks are always made with relevant audiences and context in mind.”
Has Michael Jackson’s music been banned from radio in New Zealand?
Jackson’s back catalogue has officially been dropped from all MediaWorks Radio stations in New Zealand in light of the documentary.
Company Director of Radio Leon Wratt released a statement explaining: “Michael Jackson isn’t currently on any MediaWorks Radio stations’ playlists.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Radio NZ told CNN it would only play Michael Jackson’s music as ‘part of a news story or to provide colour around a commentary piece.’
What is the Stop Leaving Neverland petition?
Some Michael Jackson fans were against the premiering of Leaving Neverland at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year; starting a #StopLeavingNeverlandNOW hashtag and petition asking for the documentary to be pulled.
What did Louis Theroux say about the Michael Jackson abuse claims?
Speaking to LadBible in light of the new claims of sexual abuse, documentary maker Louis Theroux explained he ‘accepts’ Jackson is a ‘serial predator.’
“Jimmy Savile was never found guilty of anything in a court of law,” he said. “But I think it’s widely accepted – I certainly accept – that he was a serial predator and a sex offender.
“I believe that Michael Jackson was a paedophile. He was never found guilty in a court of law, so someone would come back to me and say, ‘Well he’s innocent until proven guilty’ – to which I would say, ‘Well, look, do some research and I think you’ll find that the evidence is compelling.'”
WATCH BELOW: Paris Jackson speaks at her father’s funeral
What did Corey Feldman say about the Michael Jackson abuse claims?
American actor Corey Feldman – a former friend of Michael Jackson – has clarified a series of tweets he posted which seemingly defended the star.
After he deemed Leaving Neverland ‘1 sided’ and claimed his memories of Jackson were ‘mostly fond,’ he spoke to CNN in defence of his words.
Corey explained: “I want to be very clear. I stand for any and all victims of sexual abuse or assault.
“As a survivor and someone who has been fighting for this to become a focal topic of our society for decades and is fighting diligently to abolish the statutes of limitations across the country, I applaud all victims for letting their voices be heard and I encourage the public debate to continue.”
What is Finding Neverland?
The title of 2004 movie Finding Neverland, starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, is often confused for Leaving Neverland: Michael Jackson and Me.
It is, obviously, in no way associated with Michael Jackson or the 2019 documentary.
What is Michael Jackson’s Instagram?
The singer’s official Instagram account is @michaeljackson.
No reference to the Leaving Neverland documentary has been made.
What is Michael Jackson’s Twitter?
Jackson’s official Twitter account can be found @michaeljackson. Again, no reference to the documentary has been made on the social media platform.
A version of this story originally appeared on our sister site, Heat UK.
