Michael Jackson’s mother is in poor health and has been left wheelchair-bound amid the mental anguish in dealing with the sex abuse allegations against her son, DailyMailTV can reveal.
Distraught Katherine Jackson, 88, saw her health suddenly deteriorate over the past few weeks, as she became aware of Wade Robson and James Safechuck’s shocking claims in HBO film Leaving Neverland.
Family members fear the matriarch may never walk unaided again, and is at a ‘severe low’ due to the ‘destructive allegations’, according to family sources.
Former Jackson family attorney Brian Oxman, who is also a close family friend, confirmed the news, telling DailyMail.com: ‘I have spoken to family members who have told me that Mrs Jackson is in a wheelchair.
‘The Wade Robson and James Safechuck allegations and documentary has affected her enormously, and she is terrifically upset by it. It is affecting her health and condition.’
Katherine Jackson’s (pictured in 2014) health suddenly deteriorated as she became aware of Wade Robson and James Safechuck’s claims in the HBO film Leaving Neverland, family sources have exclusively told DailyMailTV
Jackson family sources say mother-of-ten Katherine is particularly angry that one of her son’s accusers is Robson (pictured together), who she has told friends and family has ‘betrayed her and her son’ after they showed him so much love
Robson and James ‘Jimmy’ Safechuck (pictured with Jackson in 1988) claim Jackson raped and sexually abused them during sleepovers at the Neverland ranch
Robson and Safechuck claim the King of Pop raped and sexually abused them during sleepovers at the Neverland ranch.
In Leaving Neverland the pair reveal lurid details of how Jackson allegedly groomed them before engaging in sexual acts.
Jackson family sources say mother-of-ten Katherine is particularly angry that one of her son’s accusers is Robson, who she has told friends and family has ‘betrayed her and her son’ after they showed him so much love.
She is said to be sickened at the allegations after welcoming Robson into her home many times before and after the singer’s 2009 death.
A family source told DailyMail.com: ‘Katherine is now wheelchair bound, and emotionally crippled by what these two men are saying about Michael. This is not a short term thing, she will likely never be able to walk unaided again.
‘It is so terrifically sad. While her mind is still strong, the emotions have taken a toll on her body – everyone can see that.
‘Katherine has round the clock care helping her now and those close to her have seen her health badly deteriorate in recent weeks.
‘She just cannot believe that these two have been allowed to make this film after they both publicly supported Michael at his trial.’
The source said Katherine has been seen visibly weeping when her children call her to give updates.
Jackson family sources say mother-of-ten Katherine is particularly angry that one of her son’s accusers is Robson, who she has told friends and family has ‘betrayed her and her son’ after they showed him so much love. Pictured: Tito, Marlon and Jackie Jackson, as well as Michael’s nephew Taj, protesting the late star’s innocence on CBS This Morning
The source added: ‘The last year has really taken its toll on Katherine. She knew how the criminal trial wrecked Michael mentally, even after he was cleared and it deeply impacted her too.’ Pictured: Katherine and Michael at his trial hearings in 2005
‘She can’t understand why these men are doing this. She feels that they have betrayed Michael, who showed them nothing but love in their lives,’ the source added.
The last time Katherine spoke to Robson she remembers him telling her that he loved Michael and will never forget what he did for him, the source claimed.
The source said: ‘She is convinced that this is all about money. Her (late) husband Joseph told her that everyone always acts against Michael to get money, and now she believes that.
‘She has asked her lawyers to find a way to stop the show being broadcast, but is too frail to sit down for any interviews on TV to debunk the allegations.
‘She wants to speak out, but family members are also worried about her getting ill.’
The source added: ‘The last year has really taken its toll on Katherine.
‘She lost Joseph after a long battle with cancer and it deeply affected her, but this is a whole different level.
‘She knew how the criminal trial wrecked Michael mentally, even after he was cleared and it deeply impacted her too.
‘This is a reminder of that time again and Katherine is 15 years older and it is really wrecking her health.’
Pictured: Jackson’s Neverland estate where his two accusers claim he sexually abused them
A second family source told DailyMail.com there is ‘grave concern’ over the impact the documentary, if released to the wider public, will have on Katherine’s health in the future. Pictured: Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed (center), Wade Robson (left) and James Safechuck
A second family source told DailyMail.com that there is ‘grave concern’ over the impact the documentary, if released to the wider public, will have on Katherine’s health in the future.
So far the film has only aired at the Sundance Film Festival where it premiered in January. It is set to premiere on HBO in March.
‘Katherine is having to relive an ordeal that she thought had ended with Michael’s exoneration, after his innocence had been validated by a jury, an FBI investigation and an LA Child Services inquiry.
‘This documentary is digging everything up when Michael is no longer here to defend himself.
‘Katherine is getting older, she’s frailer than she was and certainly not as strong as she was back in 2005 when she stood by Michael’s side during the entire trial.
‘Katherine is also a devoutly religious person and is of a certain opinion that Wade Robson has to live with himself and his conscience for this betrayal.’