Oprah Winfrey is giving Michael Jackson’s accusers an even bigger spotlight amid the television debut of the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland.
In a OWN special airing on Monday night, the former daytime TV queen sat down with Wade Robson and James Safechuck to discuss their allegations that they were groomed and sexually abused by the King of Pop for several years starting when they were 7 and 10 years old, respectively.
Recounting the claims they had detailed in the documentary, both men told Oprah that Jackson had manipulated them so effectively that they believed they had feelings for him and, at the time, didn’t understand that they were being abused.
Related: 7 Shocking Jackson Allegations From ‘Leaving Neverland’
Claiming how Jackson would use his fame and wealth to groom them with flattery, lavish gifts, and undivided attention, Robson recalled:
“The grooming had started long before we ever met him because he was such a massive figure and he presented himself as such an angel. My whole family was already surrendered before we ever met him.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ag39V0qCSo
But with flattery and professions of “love,” also allegedly came guilt trips and threats to ensure the boys would stay silent.
Due to MJ’s alleged claims that the boys would go to jail if they got caught, the men admitted they were scared into defending the singer against charges of molestation in 1993 and 2005. Even after his death, they apparently continued to fear speaking out against him.
Both confessed that having children helped motivate them to come forward with their allegations and, with the help of therapy, heal from the trauma they endured.
However, Safechuck made it clear he still has a long ways to go.
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After tearing up when Oprah asked about how he and Michael allegedly exchanged wedding vows, Safechuck explained:
“It’s gonna be a lifelong journey for me. This moment will end, and I still have a lot of work to do. I’m helping myself so I can be better for my kids and my family, and that’s the goal.”
Admitting that the ordeal still affects their families today, both accusers say they still haven’t entirely forgiven their parents for letting them spend so much time with Jackson unsupervised — including overnight stays in hotel rooms and his Neverland ranch.
Robson revealed his mother had watched the documentary but fast-forwarded through the graphic details of the alleged abuse, which include kissing, mutual masturbation, oral sex, and attempts to engage in anal sex.
Even now, after coming forward, both men claimed they still had irrational feelings of loyalty to Jackson. Safechuck admitted:
“I felt guilt this weekend, like I let him down. It’s still there. It just creeps out.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgdazvyyurw&t=8s
While both men said they’ve received death threats from Jackson’s supporters, Robson noted he’s been pleasantly surprised by the amount of support he’s received since the documentary aired, explaining:
“That’s not what I expected. I expected to be bashed and mowed over.”
The Jackson estate has denounced all of the claims made in Leaving Neverland, claiming the doc was “yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash” because it hadn’t interviewed any of Jackson allies.
When Oprah asked director Dan Reed about the condemnation the doc received from the Jackson family, he explained that Leaving Neverland “is not a film about Michael Jackson; it’s about what happened to Wade and James,” continuing:
“No one in the family disputes that he spent night after night with little boys… What is at issue here is what happened when the bedroom door closed and the lights went off… What is the journalistic value of interviewing someone who says, ‘Well, Michael was a really nice guy,’ especially if that person has a gigantic vested interest, a financial interest, in smearing these two young men?”
Oprah agreed that “this moment transcends Michael Jackson” — which is why the childhood sexual abuse survivor wanted to give Jackson’s accusers an even bigger platform. She explained:
“It is much bigger than any one person. It is a moment in time that allows us so see this societal corruption; it’s like a scourge on humanity. It’s happening right now; it’s happening in families. We know it’s happening in churches and in schools and sports teams everywhere. If it gets you, our audience, to see how it happens, then, some good will come of it.”
Do U think Leaving Neverland will permanently taint MJ’s legacy? Watch more of Oprah’s chat with the late superstar’s accusers (below) — and share your thoughts in the comments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_LE17cJt0w
[Image via OWN/YouTube.]
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