‘Leaving Neverland’ director outraged by stars defending Michael Jackson: ‘It’s horrific’
The director of the bombshell documentary, which has divided opinions on the one-time King of Pop, is criticizing celebs who have come to his defense
The filmmaker behind the polarizing Leaving Neverland documentary is now lashing out at celebrities who continue to defend Michael Jackson in the wake of the child molestation allegations against him.
According to The Daily Mail, Thursday, director Dan Reed spoke up about the film’s notable detractors, saying that their resistance to believe the victims spoke volumes about how sexual abuse is treated in the entertainment industry.
READ MORE: Michael Jackson’s ex-bodyguard says ‘Leaving Neverland’ left out important details
“People like Barbra Streisand are coming out and saying that it was not such a bad thing and that it didn’t kill them – that’s horrific,” said Reed
Earlier in March, The Times of London reported that Streisand admitted she “absolutely” believed the allegations against Jackson but then defended the late singer stating he was “very sweet, very childlike.”
“You can say ‘molested’, but those children, as you heard say, they were thrilled to be there,” she said. “They both married and they both have children, so it didn’t kill them … I feel bad for the children. I feel bad for (Jackson). I blame, I guess, the parents, who would allow their children to sleep with him.”
READ MORE: Jackson family says Oprah interview with Michael’s accusers is ‘ultimate betrayal’
After receiving backlash from fans, Streisand later apologized writing on Twitter and her website, “To be crystal clear, there is no situation or circumstance where it is OK for the innocence of children to be taken advantage of by anyone.”
Legendary singer Diana Ross also defended Jackson on Twitter by referencing one of her most popular Supremes songs “Stop in the Name of Love” as a plea for leniency for her longtime friend, whom she has known since he and his brothers auditioned for Motown Records in the 1960s.
“This is what’s on my heart this morning,” she wrote. “I believe and trust that Michael Jackson was and is A magnificent incredible force to me and to many others. STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE”
READ MORE: Diana Ross defends Michael Jackson despite ‘Leaving Neverland’ fallout
“It does tell you about attitudes in the industry – particularly among the older generation,” Reed said of these statements. “Stars having their way with fans was something that was accepted and it was all brushed under the carpet because money was being made.”
The director also highlighted that although many people supposedly backed the claims against the King of Pop, a lot of his interviewees were terrified of the lawyers of Jackson’s estate.
“I interviewed a lot of the police investigators and spoke to other people and the level of fear was quite high,” he explains. “People are afraid of the power of his lawyers and his wealth. He was known to be extremely aggressive to anyone who crossed his path.”
READ MORE: Michael Jackson estate SLAMS ‘Leaving Neverland’ documentary that alleges MJ was a sexual predator
