Michael Jackson's family's complaint over his documentary gets rejected
Michael Jackson, considered the King of Pop, has returned to the spotlight in an unpleasant way. A new documentary titled Leaving Neverland had premiered at Sundance Film Festival and probed allegations of pedophilia against the singer. As we had reported, Jackson's family has slammed it as 'public lynching'. However, BBC Channel 4 has rejected the family's complaints and is set to air this documentary.
Praised for raw power, documentary explores Jackson's assault allegations
The documentary includes accounts from survivors James Safechuck and Wade Robson, now in their late-30s, who describe the way Jackson assaulted them when they were kids. With surprising eloquence, they launch into the tale of how Jackson befriended them when they were 11 and 7 respectively, and proceeded to sexually assault them. Suggesting they weren't the only victims, critics praised the documentary's raw power.
Apart from slamming documentary, Jackson's family also complained to broadcaster
Not only did Jackson's family slam the documentary, but they also sent a letter of complaint to the broadcaster. The channel was asked not to air Leaving Neverland since film-makers had not asked Jackson's family for their response to allegations. In a similar letter to Associated Press, the family said that programming guidelines were broken by not seeking a response from friends and family.
Channel 4, however, believes they are following the right procedure
Channel 4, however, believes that the response procedure they are following is correct. To this extent, they have released a statement saying, "Channel 4 viewers will make their own judgement about the testimony of the two victims interviewed in the film". Having thus rejected Jackson's family's letter of complaint, Channel 4 will air Leaving Neverland on 6 and 7 March, 2019.
Channel 4 and documentary's director also defend 'Leaving Neverland'
Channel 4 not only rejected Jackson's family's complaint but also defended Leaving Neverland. They said the film included a response to allegations in the form of Jackson's own denial. The documentary's director, Dan Reed, also defended his work saying, "Anyone who sees the film will know it is solely about hearing the stories of two specific individuals and their families in their own words".
