Michael Jackson fans in France so upset by ‘Leaving Neverland’ that they’re suing

The controversial HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland” made many longtime Michael Jackson fans angry, but apparently several of his French fans have taken their outrage to court, CNN reports.

The fans allege that the two subjects of the documentary, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, are each being sued for for one euro, about $1.13, a symbolic sum for what they call “damaging the memory of the dead.” Neither of the men live in France, but in that country, it is illegal to make criminal accusations against the dead.

“It is not about money, it is an affair of the heart,” said Emmanuel Ludot, a lawyer who represents the fans.

The film, released in March, unleashed a firestorm of questions, outrage, confusion and anger in many people around the world as it describes allegations made by Robson and Safechuck, whose families Jackson had befriended when they were children.

Both men alleged that Jackson molested them in the late 1980s and early 90s while they were still minors. The four-hour documentary graphically detailed the alleged abuse and forced people to grapple with having to reshape their perceptions about the late icon. But three groups of Jackson’s French fans came together to file suit against Robson and Safechuck.

The MJ Community, a 600-member group community of French Jackson fans (which also has legal status as a religion), spearheaded the endeavor.

“I know that it is not possible,” said Myriam Walter, 62, a retired nurse who has never met Jackson and is president of the MJ Community. “It was rotten. It was to make a buzz. It was to make money.

“He had a great heart. It is not right to make these claims against someone who isn’t even alive to defend themselves,” she went on to say.

READ MORE: ‘Leaving Neverland’ director concedes one of Michael Jackson accuser’s claims may be wrong

French Jackson fans have been known for their deep passion for the late star. CNN reported that many of them booked tickets to Jackson’s “This Is It” concert, which was slated for 50 shows. When the concert was cancelled following his 2009 death, many did not ask for a refund despite spending about 800 euros per ticket.

According to Ludot, many were diagnosed with depression and other mental health problems following the release of “Leaving Neverland.”

CNN confirmed that neither Robson or Safechuck, nor anyone representing him, were present when the case was heard in Orleans, France earlier this month.  The Jackson family, who has spoken out against the HBO documentary, is in full support of the suit.