James Safechuck, an accuser from the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, issued a message supporting childhood sexual abuse survivors, cautioning that promotion of the biopic Michael could be triggering. Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed criticized the film. Safechuck and Wade Robson are suing Jackson's estate for $400 million.
James Safechuck, who alleged in Leaving Neverland that Michael Jackson sexually abused him from age 10 into his early teens—a claim Jackson denied during his lifetime—released a video message via his attorney and a statement to Rolling Stone as the biopic Michael hits theaters. The film portrays Jackson's rise, including his Thriller-era success. Safechuck warned that Hollywood praise for alleged abusers, even after public claims, can retraumatize survivors, reminding them they are not alone. Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed also slammed the heavily promoted movie.
