Michael Jackson accuser Wade Robson is NOT backing down!
As we reported, in his new Netflix comedy special Sticks & Stones, Dave Chappelle defended MJ against the rehashed sexual abuse allegations made in HBO‘s Leaving Neverland by Robson and James Safechuck.
Related: MTV Kept Michael Jackson’s Name On Video Vanguard Award
On Wednesday, the choreographer — who has worked with pop artists such as N*SYNC and Britney Spears — SLAMMED the comedian for his victim-blaming remarks AND the streaming service for airing the program.
The 36-year-old told TMZ the content serves to “shame victims,” and is “disgusting, irresponsible, and inexcusable.”
The dancer believes Netflix is just as guilty as the Chappelle’s Show alum for trivializing and condoning sexual abuse as they gave him a platform to express his openly controversial views.
Robson added:
“1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused before the age of 18, and considering their actions, Dave Chappelle, Netflix, and the Michael Jackson Estate, who have recently supported Chappelle’s views, are part of the problem. I believe we can and should do better than this.”
On Wednesday, John Branca — the co-executor of the Michael Jackson Estate — backed up Chappelle by telling the publication:
“We agree with Dave Chappelle – these guys are damn liars. After years of exploiting Michael’s generosity, they waited until he was gone and unable to defend himself before accusing him. They did this in secrecy. They did not do any independent investigation.”
He continued, speaking about HBO and the Leaving Neverland filmmakers:
“They did not verify the stories. They didn’t talk to anyone because they did not want another side. This isn’t R. Kelly – there are no videos. This isn’t Harvey Weinstein, there aren’t multiple accusers… They interviewed only two guys out of the thousands who visited Neverland – oh, and surprise surprise – they are the only two with lawsuits for hundreds of millions of dollars. Why wasn’t their financial interest disclosed? The whole documentary is bogus. Robson and Safechuck are liars and they know the truth, which is why Dave’s comedy touched a nerve.”
There aren’t multiple accusers? Um…
We’ve actually counted quite a few over the years, more than one of which yielded an investigation, one of which led to a criminal trial!
On Wednesday, after Robson’s comments were posted, Branca added:
“Wade’s accusations emerged only after his book failed and we turned him down for a job with our Las Vegas show 9 years ago. He couldn’t get a job until HBO and [Leaving Neverland director] Dan Reed hired him… He’ll say anything to avoid answering the question of why people like Dave Chappelle don’t believe him or to address the factual holes and inconsistencies in this one sided documentary that did not interview a single person other than the two guys and their families, who are in it for the money.”
Hmm. If he truly believes that, fine. But he’s definitely mischaracterizing the case against MJ here.
Previously, on Tuesday, Robson had said simply to TMZ:
“He can say whatever he wants. It reveals him, not us.”
Wade’s lawyer — Vince Finaldi — continued:
“Although Mr. Chappelle is entitled to his opinions, however misinformed they may be, it’s unfortunate that he has chosen to use his platform to shame sexual abuse victims, and spread his ignorance of sexual abuse and the way it is perpetrated upon children, in an attempt to resurrect his career… Mr. Chappelle should look to fellow comedian Hannibal Buress, who instead used his platform as a mode of social change, by addressing the injustice of Bill Cosby’s alleged sexual abuse of many women head on when no other comedian would, as an example of positive work done from a place of intestinal fortitude.”
Safechuck also released a statement that day, saying:
“I’m heartbroken for all those children who look to see how they will be received when they finally find the courage to speak out about their sexual abuse. I just want to reach out to other survivors and let them know that we can’t let this type of behavior silence us. Together we are strong.”
In the controversial special, Chappelle told the audience:
“I’m gonna say something that I’m not allowed to say, but I gotta be real. I don’t believe these motherf**kers. I do not believe it.”
Frankly Dave was funnier back on his famous mid-2000s show when he delivered a much stronger take…
In 2013, Robson accused Jackson of wrongdoing after previously defending the singer in his 2005 child sexual abuse trial — where MJ was acquitted.
In 2015, Wade’s case was dismissed because he missed the 12-month statutory deadline after Jackson’s 2009 death.
What do YOU think about all this, Perezcious readers? Is Dave’s new commentary just trying to be funny? Or spreading a dangerous message??
[Image via HBO/Sheri Determan/WENN.]
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