Watch Leaving Neverland

Leaving Neverland is a two-part documentary series that premiered on HBO in March 2019. It is directed by Dan Reed and tells the story of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, two young boys who were befriended by Michael Jackson in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Over the course of several years, Michael Jackson allegedly groomed and sexually abused both boys, using his fame and influence to control them and keep their families quiet.

The documentary begins with Robson and Safechuck recounting their experiences with Jackson, using home videos and photos to illustrate their stories. The two men describe how they first met Jackson, how he invited them to his Neverland Ranch, and how he gradually gained their trust with gifts, affection, and attention. They talk about the sexual acts Jackson performed on them, including oral sex, masturbation, and penetration, as well as the emotional toll it took on them.

As the documentary unfolds, we see how Jackson allegedly manipulated Robson and Safechuck and their families, using his celebrity status to isolate them from others and create a world in which he was the only one they could trust. He allegedly ingratiated himself with the families, inviting them on tours, buying them gifts, and even paying for Robson's dance lessons. He allegedly told them that he loved them and that their relationship was special, and he allegedly threatened them with violence or emotional harm if they ever told anyone about what was happening.

Leaving Neverland is a harrowing and disturbing portrayal of the ways in which sexual abuse can happen even in plain sight, with families and loved ones often being unaware or complicit in the abuse. The documentary is unflinching in its depiction of the trauma and shame suffered by Robson and Safechuck, who never fully recovered from their experiences with Jackson. It also raises important questions about celebrity culture, the media, and the justice system, which often prioritize the interests of the powerful over the vulnerable.

The documentary has been both praised and criticized for its content and its impact on the public perception of Michael Jackson. Some fans of the pop icon have accused the filmmakers of bias and inaccuracies, while others see the documentary as a long-overdue reckoning with the dark side of Jackson's legacy. Some have questioned the motives of Robson and Safechuck, who have both faced backlash and scrutiny for coming forward with their stories years after Jackson's death.

Overall, Leaving Neverland is a powerful and sobering examination of one of the most controversial and influential figures in music history, and the lasting damage he allegedly inflicted on two young boys. It is a reminder of the importance of believing survivors, and of the need to hold those in power accountable for their actions, regardless of their fame or fortune.

Leaving Neverland is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between March 3, 2019 and on HBO