Sundance Michael Jackson Documentary ‘Leaving Neverland’ Is Already Stirring Up Controversy
By Chris Evangelista/Jan. 23, 2019 2:30 pm EST
Deadline is reporting that the Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland is causing concerns in Park City. “We have increased our staffing out of concerns for the potential for a protest,” said Captain Phil Kirk (that’s right, a real-life Captain Kirk) of the Park City Police. Word has it that there have been “direct threats” against Leaving Neverland filmmaker Dan Reed. Here’s the official Sundance synopsis of the doc:
Through gut-wrenching interviews with the now-adult men and their families, Leaving Neverland crafts a portrait of sustained exploitation and deception, documenting the power of celebrity that allowed a revered figure to infiltrate the lives of starstruck children and their parents.
Allegations against Jackson plagued his career, and in 2004, the singer was charged with molesting 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo. After 18 months, the pop star was acquitted on all charges. Jackson’s estate has called Leaving Neverland “another rehash of dated and discredited allegations.”
The plan, as of now, is for Reed and Wade Robson and James Safechuck, subjects of the doc who claim they were sexually abused by Jackson, to host a Q&A following the film’s screening. That might change now. There’s always a chance that Sundance might get cold feet and pull the doc at the last minute. For now, though, Leaving Neverland is set to premiere on January 25, with police – and even the bomb squad – standing by. The doc will air on HBO later this year.
“It has come to our attention that some of you may have received messages or social media posts from Michael Jackson fans who would like us to pull the screening of Leaving Neverland. We don’t currently plan to comment publicly or engage in the discourse around Leaving Neverland, and would recommend that you do the same. We plan to proceed with the screening as announced. If you do plan to participate in the conversation, we’d welcome the opportunity to collaborate on your messaging.”
