Michael Jackson accuser, Wade Robson, whose story is featured in the new documentary Leaving Neverland, spoke out about the child abuse allegations at the film’s Sundance premiere on Friday.
As we previously reported, the singer’s estate slammed the doc as “the kind of tabloid character assassination Michael Jackson endured in life, and now in death.”
For those who don’t know, Robson and James Safechuck, who is also featured in Leaving Neverland, have both alleged the King of Pop groomed and sexually abused them when they were children in the ’90s. In 2013, Robson filed a molestation lawsuit against the artist, but it was later dismissed because he waited too long to file.
Related: Judge Dismisses Wade’s 2016 Molestation Lawsuit Against MJ’s Businesses
And speaking to the audience at Friday’s screening, the two made it clear they haven’t received any financial compensation for the film, but rather they hoped their involvement would help other childhood sexual abuse victims.
Safechuck expressed:
“This was really just trying to tell the story and shine light on it. The same way, knowing that Wade went through it, if we can give other people that same connection and comfort that we’ve gone through something like this, that’s the point.”
Robson continued:
“That was the goal of deciding to try the [legal] case route, was just looking for a platform to be able to tell the truth. … We can’t change what happened to us, and we can’t do particularly anything about stopping Michael. I mean, he’s dead, that’s gone. What happened, happened. So the feeling is, what can do with it now? How can we use this platform to tell the story? And hopefully, it helps other survivors feel less isolated, and it’s something they relate to and validates their story.”
The choreographer also went on to explain his response for MJ fans who disbelieve their claims, sharing:
“I understand that it’s really hard for them to believe because, in a way, not that long ago, I was in the same position they were in. Even though it happened to me, I still couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe that what Michael did was a bad thing up until six years ago. So I understand. We can only accept and understand something when we’re ready, and maybe we’ll never be ready. Maybe we will. So that’s their journey.”
Leaving Neverland will air on HBO later this year. Will U be watching??
[Image via Instagram & Chris Connor/WENN.]
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