There are few documentaries more talked about at the moment than HBO’s Leaving Neverland. The HBO film chronicles the story of two men who are given the opportunity to tell their account of allegedly being molested by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The film made its major debut last month at the Sundance Film Festival to a standing ovation. In response to the film’s great reception, Jackson’s estate responded, “The film takes uncorroborated allegations that supposedly happened 20 years ago and treats them as fact.” From there, the estate requested a meeting with the premium cable channel.
This week, HBO released the latest trailer for the documentary. In the trailer, we get our first look at the two men who steer the course of the film, Wade Robinson and Jimmy Safechuck. The trailer opens with the words, “Everyone wanted to be with Michael or be with Michael. Then, he likes you.” Towards the end, we hear the words, “I want to speak the truth as loudly as I had to speak the lie.”
As one would expect, the new trailer did not sit well with Michael Jackson’s estate who has long been against the film. This weekend, tensions have boiled over and his estate has decided to pursue formal legal action. Michael Jackson’s estate is accusing HBO of violating a non-disparagement clause. Initial reports indicate that Jackson’s estate is seeking $100 million or more. In response to the suit, HBO has stated, “Despite the desperate lengths taken to undermine the film, our plans remain unchanged.”
Leaving Neverland will air in two parts on March 3rd and March 4th on HBO.
