WARNING: The content of this article may be triggering for some.
New Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland had its world premiere at this week’s Sundance Film Festival and the film has immediately been met with an extremely powerful response.
The four-hour documentary covers allegations of child abuse made against Jackson, focusing on the stories of Wade Robson and James Safechuck in particular.
Leaving Neverland is said to illustrate graphic details of the alleged sexual abuse young boys suffered at the hands of Jackson – claims that the late performer and his family have always denied.
Critics have taken to Twitter after watching the documentary to share that the content is – as Kevin Fallon put it – “more disturbing that you could imagine”.
“Leaving Neverland” is a horror film — an intimate, obviously believable, sometimes sexually explicit story of two boys who became MIchael Jackson’s special “friends” — i.e., lovers — while their oblivious parents went along. Jackson was a fiend — a smooth predator, a monster.
— Hollywood Elsewhere (@wellshwood) January 25, 2019
Feel sick to my stomach after watching Part 1 of #LeavingNeverland doc. Michael Jackson witnesses/sex abuse victims coming off very credible. It’s so sexually explicit that counselors are in the lobby. #SundanceFilmFestival2019
— Mara Reinstein (@MaraReinstein) January 25, 2019
It’s been reported by the Daily Mail that both Robson and Safechuck, who were present for the screening, were given a standing ovation after the two-part documentary concluded.
The project has been met with some criticism from fans, however, who have labelled the stories behind the HBO series money grabs.
As The Daily Mail shares, Robson and Safechuck have stated they were not paid for their participation in the documentary.
During a Q&A after the screening Robson made mention of those who have criticised his story:
“I don’t feel like there’s anything I need to say to them except that I understand that it’s really hard for them to believe,” he said.
“We can only accept and understand something when we’re ready, maybe we’ll never be ready, maybe we will. That’s their journey.”
If you or someone you know is affected by sexual abuse or harassment help is available. 1800Respect 1800 737 732
Image: JUSTIN SULLIVAN
