Michael Jackson fans have been left “sickened” and “upset” after watching the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland last night.
On Wednesday evening (6 March), die-hard fans and critics alike sat down to watch the first part of the controversial film, which features the testimonials of two men who allege the singer sexually abused them as children, as it aired on Channel 4.
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And some lifelong fans have changed their minds about the pop star, and become convinced the claims are true.
Viewers were left horrified as James ‘Jimmy’ Safechuck, now 40, and Wade Robson, 36, described how their idol Michael sexually abused them.
The documentary uses old footage and new interviews with the alleged victims and sees Wade tell the cameras he was abused at the Neverland Ranch by the Thriller singer when he was seven.
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He claimed the alleged abuse went on for seven years, and added that two Jackson firms were used to lure kids.
James – who, along with Wade, has since had years of therapy – also claimed the singer had sexually abused him while he was sleeping.
Fans were horribly shocked by the allegations, with one furious viewers tweeting: “Just watched #leavingneverland. I’m sick to my stomach! To think I was a big Michael Jackson fan. He was a crafty manipulative paedophile. ROT IN HELL.”
https://twitter.com/MrInsaf/status/1103428799474159616
#leavingnetherland just watched the documentary on leaving Neverland part 1 omg I was a Michael Jackson fan until now listen to that 2 men my god my heart go out to them boy having gone though that hell I am so sorry for believe in Michael Jackson all this time I believe u 2 x
— 🦄🧚♀️🧚♂️🧜🏼♀️🧡kate o ‘ rourke 🇬🇧🇨🇮 (@K10orourkeKate) March 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/katerowley96/status/1103406738110377990
I watched part 1 of Leaving Neverland last night and it was so terribly hard to watch. I was a huge fan of Michael Jackson’s for years but after that I just can’t anymore. I feel so empty and sad after watching. So so hard to watch and listen to.
— Lgoddy (@HotBody_LGoddy) March 6, 2019
#LeavingNeverland has me shook.
As a life long Michael Jackson fan it has made me reevaluate the trappings of “fandom” and our outlook towards atrocities committed by people we admire.
Michael gave so much beauty to this world but what he did… is unforgivable.
— Carl Chiang | Renhua Jiang (@CarlCTweets) March 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/realdanlm/status/1103430988414283781
#LeavingNeverland I’ve been an MJ fan for my entire life, I’ve never wanted to believe he was a paedophile & I defended him time & time again. I can’t do that anymore, I’m gutted that someone I looked up to could do such a thing, but I believe them and I can’t listen to MJ, now.
— Gina R (@georginaarobins) 6 March 2019
Another said: “OMG I was a Michael Jackson fan until now. Listen to those two men, my god. My heart goes out to them, having gone though that hell. I am so sorry.”
A third felt equally let down, typing: “#LeavingNeverland has me shook. As a lifelong Michael Jackson fan, it has made me re-evaluate the trappings of ‘fandom’ and our outlook towards atrocities committed by people we admire.
“Michael gave so much beauty to this world but what he did… is unforgivable.”
“It actually upsets me watching #LeavingNeverland, ” said another. “I proper loved MJ since forever.”
The documentary, by British director Dan Reed, was first shown at the Sundance Film Festival and has been slammed by Michael’s family who insist the singer is innocent.
Because Michael died in 2009, they claim the allegations are unfair as he cannot defend himself against them.
The estate of Michael Jackson has issued a statement denouncing the film as “yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson”.
The second part of Leaving Neverland will air at 9pm on Channel 4 tonight.
Now do you feel about Michael Jackson after watching the documentary? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!