British television viewers were split down the middle as the explosive child abuse claims against Michael Jackson were aired in the UK for the first time.
Many UK viewers reacted with disgust as two men accused Jackson of abusing them as children, taking to Twitter to voice support for the two alleged victims as they relived their ‘pain and trauma’.
However others leaped to the singer’s defence and said it was a ‘shame we can’t hear Michael’s side of the story’ after the King of Pop died in 2009.
The first half of Leaving Neverland aired on Channel 4 on Wednesday night, with part two due to be broadcast on Thursday night. It has already been shown in the US.
The first half of Leaving Neverland aired on Channel 4 on Wednesday night, in which Jimmy Safechuck (left) and Wade Robson (right) alleged that Michael Jackson abused them
Many viewers were moved by the testimony of James Safechuck and Wade Robson, who allege that they were sexually abused by the King of Pop.
One user called Millie said: ‘My heart breaks for these guys. They were so overjoyed and happy to meet this megastar – their idol and he abused them in return.
‘You can hear the pain and trauma in their voices when they’re recalling what happened.’
Caleb Staples said: ”I don’t know if I believe the victims in Leaving Neverland but if what they’re saying is true by heart goes out to them.’
Rayanne Rodier said: ‘I am so impressed by the courage of James Safechuck and Wade Robson. It breaks my heart to see how they are struggling with what happened to them.’
Many users watching the documentary as it aired in the UK for the first time took to Twitter to voice their support for the two men who allege that Jackson sexually abused them
Another user said: ‘Watching part one of the Leaving Neverland doc and my heart is literally shattered for these men.’
However fans of Michael Jackson were more skeptical of the claims against him, which have provoked a fierce reaction from the singer’s family.
One viewer said: ‘It’s such a shame that we can’t hear Michael’s side of the story and we never will.’
JReg said: ‘I’m only 30 minutes into this documentary but it’s a shame Michael Jackson is dead because I’d love to hear what he had to say about it.’
Another user called Rob said: ‘However terrible the things he did are, they don’t detract from the quality of the music he made.’
Steve M wrote: ‘Nothing would stop me listening to Michael Jackson’s music and this hash of a documentary with badly acted ‘victims’ certainly won’t.’
Other users leaped to Michael Jackson’s defence, saying it was a shame he was no longer alive to defend himself against the accusations
Christopher Wade said: ‘Massive fan of Michael Jackson. Don’t want to believe it, so not going to.’
Another commenter called Ashley said: ‘Nothing was any more proven in Leaving Neverland than it was in any of the old court cases. So don’t let this documentary taint Michael’s genius music.’
Mr Safechuck was 10 years old when he met Jackson in 1986 on the set of a Pepsi advert.
He alleges that Jackson, who throughout his life denied any allegations of sexually abusing children, showered him with gifts while grooming both him and his family.
Mr Robson, an Australian, was five when he first met Jackson after winning a dance competition in Brisbane. He alleges similar abuse.
In the wake of Leaving Neverland, there have been reports of radio stations dropping Jackson’s music from their playlists, while some fans on social media have said they are boycotting the star.
Michael Jackson fans stage a protest outside the headquarters of Channel 4 on Horseferry Road, London, on Wednesday ahead of the airing of the documentary Leaving Neverland
Fans gathered yesterday in London and were seen holding up a variety of different banners and placards. This one says ‘Michael Jackson #innocent’
Jackson’s estate wrote to Channel 4 last month claiming the documentary violates the network’s programming guidelines.
The family has denounced Leaving Neverland, saying: ‘Michael always turned the other cheek, and we have always turned the other cheek when people have gone after members of our family — that is the Jackson way.
‘But we can’t just stand by while this public lynching goes on…. Michael is not here to defend himself, otherwise these allegations would not have been made.’
The family points out that Jackson was subjected to a thorough investigation which included a surprise raid of his home, the Neverland Ranch, but was still acquitted at his criminal trial in 2005, in a case involving another young man.
Mr Robson testified at that trial, saying he had slept in Jackson’s room many times, but that Jackson had never molested him.
Mr Safechuck made similar statements to investigators as a boy.
From left to right, pictured on January 24: Accuser Wade Robson, Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed and alleged victim James Safechuck
A screenshot from Leaving Neverland showing Jackson shaking hands with a young James Safechuck who says he was abused by the singer
Both men filed lawsuits in 2013 saying stress and trauma had forced them to face the truth and admit they were sexually abused.
The British director of Leaving Neverland has insisted the two men accusing Michael Jackson of child abuse and rape are not after payouts from the singer’s estate.
Dan Reed called Mr Robson and Mr Safechuck ‘very credible witnesses’ and insisted there was strong corroborating evidence backing up their harrowing claims.
‘They want justice, they are not fussed about the money. I don’t know what they would do with the money when they get it,’ Mr Reed said yesterday.
‘The thing you have to understand about child sexual abuse is that, very often, a strong bond forms between the predator and the child and that bond can last for many, many years and that’s what’s happened in this case.
‘The corroborating evidence around their accounts is very strong, I’ve looked at that. If you watch the film and you see how their families have just been devastated by what happened.’
Michael Jackson and Jimmy Safechuck, who alleges that the singer – who died in 2009 – showered him with gifts while grooming both him and his family
Michael Jackson waves to his supporters as he arrives for his trial in 2005. He was acquitted in that case, involving another young man