Controversial MJ Documentary Leaving Neverland [GENERAL DISCUSSION THREAD]

[FONT=&amp]Hollywood Flashback: In 2005, Michael Jackson Faced Trial for Sex Crimes and Won

11:00 AM PST 1/24/2019 by Bill Higgins
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<figure class="main-media main-media--image main-media--landscape is-content-initialized" data-media-type="image" data-media-id="1177813" data-content-type="expandableImage" data-expanded-img-src="https://cdn1.thr.com/sites/default/files/2019/01/gettyimages-89216595-h_2019jpg.jpg" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; overflow: hidden; position: relative; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">
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<figcaption class="media__details-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Jonathan Exley/Contour by Getty Images
Michael Jackson in October 2005 at his 3,000-acre Neverland Ranch — which included a zoo and an amusement park — with two elephants, one of which was gifted to him by Elizabeth Taylor.</figcaption>
</figure>[FONT=&amp]The singer's history of alleged pedophilia will be explored in HBO's 'Leaving Neverland' (premiering Friday at Sundance), with the mother of a key witness speculated to be the reason Jackson was acquitted of all charges.

There's a veil of secrecy surrounding HBO's documentary Leaving Neverland (premiering Jan. 25 at Sundance), which focuses on Michael Jackson's history of alleged pedophilia. But the singer's 2005 trial in Santa Maria, California, was as public as you can get.
Jackson faced 10 counts involving child molestation, conspiracy and providing alcohol to minors. (The Neverland title comes from the 3,000-acre estate Jackson transformed into a private amusement park.) Santa Barbara County District Attorney Thomas Sneddon indicted Jackson, who was represented by Thomas Mesereau (the white-haired lawyer who in 2018 would unsuccessfully defend Bill Cosby in his sexual assault case). Jackson was acquitted of all charges on June 13, 2005. THR speculated it was because the mother of a key witness, a 15-year-old boy, appeared to be "bent on using her son to extort money from Jackson" and was not viewed sympathetically by the jury, to whom she was "arrogant … snapping her fingers at them from the witness stand."

Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed tells THR that her "erratic performance … turned a starstruck jury against the boy." The impression one juror took away from the proceedings was Jackson had a "giggly, stupid relationship with children that was misconstrued." Jackson died in 2009, at 50, of acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication.
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https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/2005-michael-jackson-faced-trial-sex-crimes-won-1178128
 
Two documentaries on Channel 5 tonight in the UK. The second one looks like a repeat:

10pm: Michael Jackson - Bad & Dangerous

&#8220;Biopic charting the King of Pop&#8217;s meteoric rise to global pop domination and his subsequent fall from grace.&#8221;

12.05am: Michael Jackson - Guilty or Innocent

&#8220;A look at how the worlds biggest pop star faced charges of child molestation and, with the very best defence lawyers in the business, was able to prove himself innocent&#8221;
 
dmehta;4237897 said:
Two documentaries on Channel 5 tonight in the UK. The second one looks like a repeat:

10pm: Michael Jackson - Bad & Dangerous

“Biopic charting the King of Pop’s meteoric rise to global pop domination and his subsequent fall from grace.”

12.05am: Michael Jackson - Guilty or Innocent

“A look at how the worlds biggest pop star faced charges of child molestation and, with the very best defence lawyers in the business, was able to prove himself innocent”


Oh here we go again. Everybody jumping on the anti-Jackson band wagon. Just like 2003 all over again.
 
MJTruth;4237899 said:
Oh here we go again. Everybody jumping on the anti-Jackson band wagon. Just like 2003 all over again.

Pretty certain the second one is a repeat. Plus it&#8217;s being shown at midnight.
 
terrell;4237866 said:
I have to say. it’s encouraging to see Sundance staff standing strong behind the filmmakers. Anyone who lived through the MJ years know for a fact he was a twisted, body-bleaching weirdo that gave children booze (Jesus Juice) and slept in the same bed with them. He was acquitted after the victims’ families received over 12 million dollars, BTW. He could have used the money to defend himself but paid them off instead. And now a whole new generation is worshipping at the feet of Jackson’s ghost because the family spends their days sanitizing his legacy. He was a straight-up creep who died in an illegal drug haze, surrounded by circus animals. Yet, just like Roman Polanski, his sexual sins were forgiven because he made money for the suits.


And who wrote this trash. Look at all the false sentences this nut wrote from the beginning to the end. Illegal drug haze. The med MJ used BY A DOCTOR was legal. And body beaching. REALLY when his DEATH REPORT even said MJ has a skin disorder. Whoever this idoit is DEAL WITH IT THAT MICHAEL JACKSON IS LOVED, WILL BE LOVED, even when this clown is dead and gone and this stupid film is gone. This is someone who is jealous of Mike.

Who is this nutjob and where's he/she from?
 
Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

Someone explained very interesting things about that yesterday. It's a bit long but it shows very well why this case is so complex :

Thank you. I read that the other day and respectfully disagree, that what was posted somehow "might" explain Wade's situation.

Firstly, REAL victims do not testify in court for their alleged abuser. Sometimes they don't want to testify at all and if they do chose to testify, it's for the Prosecution and NOT the Defense.

Secondly, REAL victims do not dance in a Tribute to their alleged abuser.

Thirdly, REAL victims do not want to be the Choreographer/Artistic Director for a show that would be honoring their alleged abuser.

Lastly, REAL victims don't go on a "Tour," defending their alleged abuser, for the better part of 20+ years.
 
Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

So today is the day huh? Hold on tight...
 
Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

So today is the day huh? Hold on tight...

YEP, The Big Reveal.

I'll say one thing: Although there are not wall-to-wall articles out there about this documentary, in the COMMENT SECTION, for the articles that are out there the fans are really coming through. POSTING STRAIGHT UP FACTS! It fills my heart knowing that some of the fans are out there doing their collective best in posting facts.

Job Well Done!!!!!!!!!
 
Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

The film should be starting now. Here we go.

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Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

@Zetor of Lipstickalley, and if she/he is not a member here, please someone pass this to her/him.

A police officer testified in 2005 that the two books found in 1993 were found in a drawer the keys to which were with Blanca Francia. He testified that they had waited for Francia, who resigned in 1991, to come to Neverland with the keys to open that specific cabinet. Bear in mind that the police on that date brought with them a locksmith who broke into everything that was locked inside MJ's bedroom (and video taped how he was doing so) but surprisingly he spared the cabinet that had the only 'incriminating' evidence they managed to get that day. How convenient! How did they know about Branca? How Branca who left employment two years before the raid knew where the books would be found? why she had the keys? why the locksmith spared that cabinet? my guess she stole them from Heavenhurst where she was working before Neverland was bought (she was stealing from MJ memorabilia all the time), the police called her to bring them on the day of the raid when they realised they would end up with nothing from that search otherwise.
if he's not here, I will pass on to Zetor today, especially since they keep arguing about the 2 books.
I always find it odd that no one questioned or explained why they would call Blanca, who had resigned two years before, for a key to that particular file cabinet when they were drilling everything else open.
Makes no sense whatsoever.
She obviously called the police and said she had the books.
 
Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

The film should be starting now. Here we go.

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I understand they're showing it in 2 parts today. What time is the second half?

On another note, Robert Redford stepped down yesterday and will only work BTS.
He stayed long enough to make that announcement at the opening, and then left.
(He usuallly participates in the opening panel discussion)
Sundance, His little baby of promoting only little indie films, has turned into a multi million dollar Hollywood conglomerate.
 
Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

What if a REAL victim is a bit twisted in his head ?

Well, in my opinion, a person would have to be MORE than a "bit" twisted in his head to pull off what Wade Robson did, before he remembered that Michael allegedly abused him.

Testifying, UNDER OATH, in Court is a trying event, and even harder, when the ENTIRE world is watching. Then you have the Prosecution trying to trip you up. I can't even imagine the pressure that comes with all of that. But Robson handled it all (including the Prosecution's brutal cross-examination), and did an excellent job, according to Tom Mesereau.

In my opinion, Robson is just a greedy liar, trying to catch a ride on The Michael Jackson Gravy Train!!!
 
Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

In the last days I ask myself:
What whould be the best thing now for Michael and us that could happen besides a good documentery Taj wants to make?
My answer is: The best thing is that one accuser from the past finally find the courage to step out in public and tell the truth!
The only accuser from who we can expect that is Jordan Chandler.
I found this video today on youtube with a confession which semes to be from Jordon Chandler who he said that everything was a lie, why he lied and explained why he won't come out in public to tell truth.
PLEASE WATCH IT HERE:
https://youtu.be/0pE3pOcxvPg
When I read this I can understand why he didn't choosed to come out in public in 2009.
( He was veeeeeeeeery afraid of angry MJs fans.)
BUT actully times have changed now.
THIS is now the best time EVER to finally come out and tell the truth and free his soul!
There will NEVER be a better moment for him!
Cause NOW he can expect some support from MJs fans.
He can be something like "a celebrated hero who finally rescued Michael and gave him reportation."
I think it whould be a good try to contact him and show him some support (I know this is veeeeeeeeeeery difficult for us) to find the courage and take away his fear.
Maybe he decided to help and can also testify against Robson because I think he must know him!
What do you think about this....?
 
Here is the email I just fired off to Sundance. Obviously not to get the film pulled (too late for that) but to make my feelings known. More of us should do this, PLUS we should all email HBO and Channel 4 about their decisions to air this.

Email:


Hi,


I am e-mailing regarding the decision to air Leaving Neverland at the Sundance Film Festival this weekend.


Sundance is a by word for excellence in the world of film, debuting many outstanding pieces of work.


Therefore, I was surprised and somewhat dismayed on hearing that you will be debuting Leaving Neverland. Whilst it is imperative that we treat claims of child sexual abuse with the utmost seriousness, the reasons I have grave concerns about this film being aired are as follows:


- The primary subject of the film is Wade Robson, a man who had befriended Michael Jackson back in the late 1980’s and maintained a friendship with him until the latter’s death in 2009. Wade testified under oath, voluntarily, at Jackson’s trial in 2005, repeatedly declaring that he had never been sexually abused at any time during their relationship. During his testimony, he was asked explicit and very specific questions about what Jackson may have done to him, each time declaring the accusations to be unfounded and untrue. Robson, in addition to making these denials, talked openly about the friendship he had enjoyed with Jackson as a child and as an adult.


- After Jackson died in 2009, Mr Robson continued to speak about him with love, affection and fondness, even writing in a book commissioned by Jackson’s Estate in 2009: “...Michael Jackson changed the world and, more personally, my life forever. He is the reason I dance, the reason I make music, and one of the main reasons I believe in the pure goodness of human kind. He was a close friend of mine for 20 years. His music, his movement, his personal words of inspiration and encouragement and his unconditional love will live inside of me forever. I will miss him immeasurably, but I know that he is now at peace and enchanting the heavens with a melody and a moonwalk."


- Robson continuedhis praise throughout 2010, 2011 and the early part of 2012, after which his story suddenly changed. In 2011, he was filmed talking about his potential involvement in the Michael Jackson Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas, also commissioned by Jackson’s Estate. Shortly after, it was revealed that Robson would not be the Creative Director of that show, as he possibly believed he would be. He then suffered two nervous breakdown’s, primarily related to career pressures. Shortly after, he made his allegations.


- Michael Jackson was tried and acquitted in a court of law in 2005. Wade’s previous denials, changing story, unreliable testimony in the subsequent lawsuit he filed against Jackson’s Estate/companies, all cast serious doubt on the validity of his current claims. He is claiming to have always known and remembered what Jackson allegedly did to him, yet continually associated himself with the star, praised him, wrote gushing tributes to him, took part in shows honouring him (MTV VMA’s 2009), wanted to direct a Cirque due Soleil show dedicated to him, attended his memorial service in 2009, stayed at Neverland Ranch on his own with his family in 2007, testified on Jackson’s behalf voluntarily in 2005. The list goes on.


- Robson has subsequently made the most disgusting and lurid accusations against Jackson, years after his death. He sued Jackson’s Estate and his companies (MJJ Productions & MJJ Ventures) seeking significant monetary damages for the alleged abuse he says he suffered. These lawsuits and a creditors claim were dismissed. Jackson’s Estate have now claimed over $100,000 in legal fees which is on Appeal.


There is so much more I could go into about this story, not least the claim made by Jimmy Safechuck (also part of this film).


Claims of child sexual abuse must always be taken seriously. Robson and Safechuck’s claims were heard in court, and their demands for money were dismissed.


Michael Jackson had his day in court when he was alive and was acquitted. He is no longer alive and is therefore unable to defend himself.


Whilst I don’t for a minute believe that we shouldn’t investigate cases of historical sexual abuse against the deceased, there is so much about the accuser’s history, previous denials, previous lavish praise for Jackson and his conflicting/inconsistent story in his subsequent lawsuits that means we MUST tread very carefully when airing something as damaging as these claims. There is no rebuttal or cross examination here. It is damaging and irresponsible to air these claims as if they are facts, particularly as most people in the general public will not be aware of the background, context or history.


I would have hoped an organisation as esteemed as Sundance would have thought twice about airing such a film. It is not as if Jackson did not have his time in court. He did. He was acquitted. He was investigated to within an inch of his life, including by the FBI. He is now a dead man with no means to defend himself. His family and children have to live with hearing these claims.


Yes, Robson and Safechuck should be heard if they have a genuine allegation, but they HAVE been heard in court. They wanted money, they didn’t get it.


I hope you take this email in good faith and reflect on the damage you are potentially about to inflict.


Regards
 
Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

Well, in my opinion, a person would have to be MORE than a "bit" twisted in his head to pull off what Wade Robson did, before he remembered that Michael allegedly abused him.

Testifying, UNDER OATH, in Court is a trying event, and even harder, when the ENTIRE world is watching. Then you have the Prosecution trying to trip you up. I can't even imagine the pressure that comes with all of that. But Robson handled it all (including the Prosecution's brutal cross-examination), and did an excellent job, according to Tom Mesereau.

In my opinion, Robson is just a greedy liar, trying to catch a ride on The Michael Jackson Gravy Train!!!

Ad lets not forget Wade defended MJ in his teens and he held up over the questioning.
 
Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

I have already (a while ago) written emails to Sundance, HBO and Channel 4. From Sundance I haven't heard anything. From the other two I got some automated response along the line of "thank you for your interest, bla bla bla".
I don't know what good would come from that, but I do hope they have received thousands of emails in support of MJ.

All we can do now is wait and see what the aftermath of this screening will be. Hopefully, a lot of people will see through the lies of these shameless guys.
 
Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

They advised they have therapists available for the audience after the showing... jesus wept

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Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

Just saw the following, on Twitter, from a guy named Gerrick D. Kennedy, who is at the documentary screening:

"THE ESTATE IS HERE TO SEE THE FILM FOR THE FIRST TIME."

I have no idea who Gerrick D. Kennedy is, but I hope what he said is true. I never thought about anybody from the Estate being there, but it makes sense, now that I think about it.

And if true, my next hope is that a Representative from MJ's Estate releases their own Statement!!!!!! We'll see.
 
Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

Well, Luckily Roger Stone, one of Trump's Russian conspirators just got indicted.
That should bury this film release in the US.
:eek:
 
Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

Seriously, why give these tabloid articles clicks? What do you expect of the Sun?

EXACTLY!!!!!

Aside from that fact, whomever is named in this tabloid article (I ain't clicking on it), should be null and void, if they shared their story with a tabloid, instead of testifying in court. There was a whole court case, and if you had a story to tell, THAT WAS THE TIME TO TELL IT.
 
Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

Well, Luckily Roger Stone, one of Trump's Russian conspirators just got indicted.
That should bury this film release in the US.
:eek:

Funny, I was thinking the same exact thing.

The news cycle for this entire weekend, in America, will be all about Roger Stone.
 
Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

They advised they have therapists available for the audience after the showing... jesus wept

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Why is it going to be that bad.you need to see a shrink with all that B.S ?
 
Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

EXACTLY!!!!!

Aside from that fact, whomever is named in this tabloid article (I ain't clicking on it), should be null and void, if they shared their story with a tabloid, instead of testifying in court. There was a whole court case, and if you had a story to tell, THAT WAS THE TIME TO TELL IT.
Its all a blitz of rehashed stories now, the 2 liars are on the offensive. The sun/mirror only preach to the converted anyway.

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Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

Seriously, why give these tabloid articles clicks? What do you expect of the Sun?

Exactly. This is what im talking about. Why post links that will give them clicks and show that theres an intrest which makes them keep printing crap. Its the sun what do you expect. Yes i agee fans, if they are going to go there then they should past facts to counter act the b.s. but how many are going there looking for rubbish then come back to the boards acting like omg shock horror the sun just reprinted some crap from 20 years ago. some come to the boards to escape such crap as they did in 03/05 they dont want to be seeing links to every lurid headline the scum print just become some fans cant stay away from looking for negativity.You expect them to suddenly support mj?
 
ILoveHIStory;4237922 said:
The Sun is having its agenda again.... Its like 2005 again...., but .... Its even worse

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/8278996/michael-jackson-sex-abuse-accusers/

One more point about your post....how exactly is this like 2005, or even worse than 2005? 2003-2005 was as low as it could get as an MJ fan. Day after day of negativity, front page headlines on all newspapers about BS allegations. This is a film. A shockingly bad, potentially damaging film I agree, but it&#8217;s not a criminal trial.

Even once this this is shown on Channel 4 and HBO it may cause a stir for a couple of days, but then it will quickly fall down the news agenda. And maybe, just maybe, some people will see through Wade and Jimmy&#8217;s blatant lies. These aren&#8217;t new allegations. He made them 6 years ago. He has spoken about them on tv several times. He sued MJ&#8217;s Estate. Yet, to date, his allegations have made limited headway. Agree that the documentary airing on prime time tv could be bad, but even then, this too shall pass.
 
Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

No one cares about this shit any more. MJ brand is the most immune brand to such allegations. He was already prosecuted (persecuted to be precise) tried and cleared. In my opinion this me-too movement has been nothing but a bless to MJ. People are now more aware that being 'weird' does not make one guilty since all those who were exposed as predators are normal by everyone's standards. Let's not go into the false allegations. Again people are now aware how easy it is to accuse someone of sexual misconduct. on top of that we have Weinstein's using MJ to deflect from his crimes. Who else have been doing so? All the powerful real predators and the 'gay mafia' in Hollywood as MJ described them. A bless by all means.
 
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Re: Sundance Festival 2019 - Controversial MJ Documentary "Leaving Neverland"

The Sun... they are like the worst tabloid you can imagine, right? They are just making these stories up as they go, aren't they? Never heard of this Terry George. So a "new story" then? Sigh.

As for Safechuck, I'm still wondering what his "story" is. Hadn't he been defending MJ through and through as well? What made this pos turn around and go against MJ after so many years?
 
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