A controversial new documentary about Michael Jackson's sexual abuse allegations has stunned critics at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival in Utah
.During an intermission several reporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts and reactions, with The Daily Beast's Kevin Fallon stating: "The content of this is more disturbing than you could imagine", and Variety’s Matt Donnelly adding: "#Sundance has provided health care professionals in the theater for audience members potentially upset by #LeavingNeverland’s explicit descriptions of sexual abuse against underage boys. They are in the wings ready with counsel."
A documentary about the lives of two boys who accused Michael Jackson of sexual abuse has been added to this year's Sundance Film Festival lineup.
Leaving Neverland, from producer-director Dan Reed, says it will tell the stories of two boys, aged 7 and 10, who began long-running relationships with superstar Michael Jackson, at the height of his stardom. Now in their 30s, they tell the story of how they were sexually abused by Jackson, and how they came to terms with it years later.
Also set to have a world premiere at the first is Steve Bannon doc The Brink from director Alison Klayman and producer Marie Therese Guirgis.
The official logline for the movie reads: "Now unconstrained by an official White House post, Steve Bannon is free to peddle influence as a perceived kingmaker with a direct line to the President. After anointing himself leader of the “populist movement,” he travels around the U.S. and the world spreading his hard-line anti-immigration message."
Sundance runs from Jan 24 to Feb 4 in Park City.This article was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.
Read the full statement from the Michael Jackson Estate, below.
This is yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson.
Wade Robson and James Safechuck have both testified under oath that Michael never did anything inappropriate toward them.
Safechuck and Robson, the latter a self-proclaimed ‘master of deception,’ filed lawsuits against Michael’s Estate, asking for millions of dollars. Both lawsuits were dismissed.
This so called "documentary" is just another rehash of dated and discredited allegations. It’s baffling why any credible filmmaker would involve himself with this project.