New film ignores child abuse allegations against late singer, director says
The director who made the documentary about him Michael Jackson “Leaving Neverland” has criticized the maker of a new biopic for ignoring allegations of child sexual abuse against the late singer.
Production on director Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming film ‘Michael’ has been launched and is being filmed in collaboration with the foundation that manages the artist’s assets and copyrights.
The film is described as a credible cinematic portrayal of the singer’s legacy.
Early reports of the cast seem to suggest that the film will focus on Jackson’s positive contributions to the music industry and his legacy. It is currently unknown how the film will deal with allegations that Jackson molested young boys.
In a new interview with the Sunday Times, Dan Reid, director of HBO’s 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland about the allegations, said he saw a draft of the upcoming film’s script and called it a “complete purge” that leaves out some details about the allegations against Jackson.
Michael Jackson Biopic “A Complete Whitewash,” Claims ‘Leaving Neverland’ Director https://t.co/83mSpJcQsK
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 17, 2024
The Michael Jackson Foundation strongly denies allegations that the singer sexually abused young boys, which were never proven in court. Jackson was acquitted of child abuse charges in 2005.
“Leaving Neverland”however, brought renewed attention to the allegations by presenting the perspective of two accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who claim the singer molested them as young boys.
“This is a clear attempt to completely rewrite the claims and dismiss them as unwarranted and contains complete lies”Reed said of the film’s draft.
The Michael Jackson Foundation is suing HBO over “Leaving Neverland,” claiming the network violated a non-defamation clause. The case is still before the courts.
Reid is filming a documentary titled “After Neverland,” which will follow the lives of Robson and Safechuck after the charges were made public and chronicle their legal efforts.
Source :Skai
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