Leaving Neverland: Michael Jackson estate pursues lawsuit against HBO

The first episode of Leaving Neverland, an HBO original documentary, aired on Sunday, 3 May, revealing shocking details about Michael Jackson and his alleged involvement in sexually abusing minors.

What is Leaving Neverland all about? The four hour-long documentary is split in two parts. The first that aired on Sunday introduced audiences to Wade Robson and James Safechuck, two adults who claim that Jackson had lured them into his palace and abused them sexually.

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As reported by The New York Times, Robson was just a young boy who'd won a dance competition when he met Jackson.

Safechuck was only ten years old. He claims to have met the iconic pop star at a Pepsi commercial.

The documentary features shocking allegations that raises further questions about the truth of the child sexual abuse cases that were laid against Jackson more than 15 years ago.

Jackson's estate, however, has not taken these allegations without retaliation.

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Michael Jackson estate hits back at HBO Days prior to the airing of the first part of the documentary, Taj and Marlon Jackson the pop star's nephews defended their uncle's honour.

It's all about money and it is frustrating seeing how this is going along. They (HBO) have an appeal going on right now with the estate so it's in their best interest to get the public on their side so they can make as much money as possible, and we are talking hundreds of millions of dollars here, Taj said in an interview with The Breakfast Club.

Not only has Jackson's estate filed a R1.4-billion lawsuit against HBO for allegedly publishing inaccurate and defamatory things about the late artist but they have strategically attempted to discredit the documentary by releasing original concert films that show the icon in his best light.

The first concert film that was released came out at the same time Leaving Neverland was slated to air. Also, the show ran for the exact same length as that of the documentary.

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Don't miss the magic from the King of Pop himself! Immerse yourself in Michael Jackson. Live in Bucharest and Live at Wembley Stadium available for a limited time on Michael Jackson's @youtube!

Watch Now https://t.co/fnD2IonLsP pic.twitter.com/z9heNX3AGP

Michael Jackson (@michaeljackson) March 4, 2019 The second part of the documentary, the estate revealed, will have to compete with another concert film of Jackson that will air at the exact same time on Monday.

The director of the doccie, Dan Reedus, discounted claims that this was an attempt to rake in millions from the plight of a dead person.

When will part two of Leaving Neverland air? He noted that Robson and Safechuck were not paid for their feature in the documentary, something of which the Jackson nephews disregarded.

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We know what currency is as well. Fame is currency in today's world. You can turn being relevant into making money, Taj added.

The second part of the documentary will air on HBO at 20:00 PT (6:00 CAT).

Tags: celebrity culturechild abusedocumentariesEntertainment

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