HBO gets its documentary line-up one of two ways. It either commissions someone to create one on a certain topic or it purchases an existing film outright or at least, purchases the right to air one. One of the hot documentaries that made it around the film festivals was LEAVING NEVERLAND and HBO snatched it to air on its platforms. Now, as a result, a battle of words and a lawsuit have erupted over the matter.
For those out of the loop, the documentary boldly examines the abuse allegations levied against the late pop icon Michael Jackson. The two-part documentary explores the separate but parallel experiences of two young boys, James “Jimmy” Safechuck, at age ten, and Wade Robson, at age seven, both of whom were befriended by Michael Jackson. They and their families were invited into his wondrous world, entranced by the singer’s fairy-tale existence as his career reached its peak. Through gut-wrenching interviews with Safechuck, now 37, and Robson, now 41, as well as their mothers, wives and siblings, LEAVING NEVERLAND crafts a portrait of sustained abuse, exploring the complicated feelings that led both men to confront their experiences.
The piece, produced and directed by Dan Reed (HBO’s Emmy-nominated “Three Days of Terror: The Charlie Hebdo Attacks” and “Terror at the Mall”) will debut in two parts. Part I debuts SUNDAY, MARCH 3 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT), followed by the second part the following night, MONDAY, MARCH 4 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.
It does so despite pleas from the Jackson Estate to not air the damaging documentary. The attorney of the Jackson Estate, Howard Weitzman, wrote HBO Chief Richard Plepler words similar to the ones expressed to our news source:
“HBO breached its agreement not to disparage Michael Jackson by producing and selling to the public a one-sided marathon of unvetted propaganda to shamelessly exploit an innocent man no longer here to defend himself. HBO could have and should have ensured that Leaving Neverland was properly sourced, fact checked and a fair and balanced representation. Instead they chose to fund and produce a film where they knew the two subjects had for many years testified under oath and told family, friends and law enforcement that Mr. Jackson did nothing inappropriate to either of them. Nearly four years after Michael died they suddenly changed their recollections, sued the Estate of Michael Jackson for hundreds of millions of dollars and had all of their lawsuits dismissed. Yet they are still seeking money, having appealed. HBO and the director were well aware of their financial motives and that ample opposing facts are available from numerous sources, but made the unconscionable decision to bury any evidence casting doubt on their chosen narrative. Had they made an objective film it would have allowed viewers to make up their own minds about these allegations, instead of having a television network dictate to them that they must accept these false claims about Michael Jackson.”
If that wasn’t a big enough a statement the law firm Weitzman represents slapped a lawsuit on top of it.
“The Jackson Estate will seek all damages proximately caused by HBO’s reprehensible disparagement of Michael Jackson, which could exceed $100 million should HBO succeed in the damage it is intending to cause to the legacy of Michael Jackson.”
HBO is moving forward in airing the documentary as advertised across its platforms. HBOWatch will review.
(Source: Deadline)
