'Leaving Neverland' Director Perfectly Explains Why Claims Accusers Were 'Out For Money' Are So Wrong

In Channel 4's shocking new documentary, Leaving Neverland: Michael Jackson And Me, which is still causing controversy since it dropped earlier this month, Wade Robson and James Safechuck share their claims that they were abused as children by fallen superstar Michael Jackson.

PA

The documentary made a lot of people feel uncomfortable with its graphic detail about the alleged abuse, but not everyone believes the two men were telling the truth, with some claiming they only told their stories in an attempt to make money from Jackson's estate.

But Leaving Neverland's director, Dan Reed, has addressed the accusations speaking to The Guardian.

Reed writes that the implications that James and Wade are in it for money is "flimsy".

"In 2013 Wade (joined later by James in a separate, but similar case) launched a lawsuit against Jackson's estate, claiming that Jackson's business associates knew he was molesting little boys but turned a blind eye," he began.

PA

"Their cases were dismissed on technical grounds, but the judge made no ruling on the validity of the abuse claims. The cases have both gone to appeal.

"So where will this "gold" come from? The answer is that Wade and James would have to win it in a hotly contested court battle.

HBO

"A jury would have to weigh up evidence - of which there is plenty - and decide that their claims were valid. And damages would then be awarded against the Jackson estate. Some people would call that justice."

Dan explained the criticism Wade faced for defending Michael in the past and at his criminal trial, when he was accused of abusing Gavin Arvizo in 2004.

"Wade states in my film that he had perjured himself because he could not bear to see Jackson, the man he loved, go to jail," he explained.

After the documentary dropped, MJ fans took to the streets of London to protest while radio stations around the world have since banned Michael Jackson's songs and The Simpsons producers have vowed to cut the iconic episode he voiced.

Controversial adverts have appeared on London buses in his defence but there's been a surge for his music in the charts since the documentary aired.

And with a clap back documentary in the works from Michael Jackson's nephew, Taj Jackson, the debate continues.

Topics: Celebrity News, TV News, TV Entertainment, Celebrity Entertainment

Amelia Jones

Amelia is a freelance journalist and editor specialising in beauty, health, fitness and lifestyle. She has previously worked for titles including Women's Health, Cosmopolitan, Stylist, Red and the Mail on Sunday.

@ameliajeanjones