Michael Jackson's family respond to 'Leaving Neverland' with their own 30-minute documentary
A new documentary featuring Michael Jackson's family members has been released in which they shut down claims made by the singer's sexual abuse accusers.
In Neverland Firsthand: Investigating the Michael Jackson Documentary, Michael's nephew Taj Jackson and niece Brandi Jackson question the credibility of Wade Robson and James Safechuck's allegations in the two-part Leaving Neverland doco.
EPA/AAP
The two men claimed in the HBO series that the King of Pop had molested them for years when they would visit his Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, but Taj -- the son of Tito Jackson -- believes the duo are simply opportunists.
From left to right: Wade Robson, director Dan Reed and James Safechuck promote 'Leaving Neverland' at the Sundance Film Festival in January. AAP
"When you have a certain niceness, people take advantage of it," said Taj, who has set up a Go Fund Me page to raise money for a separate documentary to refute the HBO film.
Taj Jackson believes Wade Robson and James Safechuck are opportunists. YouTube
In the 30-minute documentary hosted by producer Liam McEwan, Taj's cousin Brandi argued that Wade's claims of being abused by Michael from the age of seven to 14 didn't add up. For starters, he spent most of his teenage years with her as they dated for seven years, splitting in 2001 when they were both 19. In fact, they were even set up by Michael himself.
"He has always been a bit of an opportunist," said Brandi, who is the daughter of Jackie Jackson. "He knows how to position himself into different situations that will benefit him in a financial way.
Wade Robson, Michael Jackson and Brandi Jackson on the set of a commercial in the '90s. Instagram
"He's saying that he was in a relationship with my uncle, that they were in love, and that they were having a relationship, if you will. He's saying that my uncle kept him from women, which is not true. We were just talking about how my uncle put us together. It would discredit the things that he's trying to claim, and I find it fascinating that he thinks he's able to just erase 10 years of his life."
Brandi Jackson dated Wade Robson for seven years. YouTube
Michael's long-time technical director Brad Sundberg is also interviewed in the new documentary, as he regularly stayed at Neverland Ranch.
"Not in a million years did I ever see a child around Michael Jackson that looked like they had been distressed, hurt, abused," he told Liam the producer. "[Neverland] was such a peaceful, safe, fun place."
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