Opinions have been divided since HBO documentary Leaving Neverland has aired. The two-part special detailed claims of sexual abuse against late music icon Michael Jackson by two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, both of whom met the singer when they were young boys.
While some viewers have been convinced by the allegations, others have been more sceptical. When it comes to Jackson’s extended family, however, the reaction has been adamantly in support of the deceased star.
Jackson’s daughter, Paris
Michael Jackson’s 20-year-old daughter hasn’t explicitly gone on the record about Leaving Neverland, but in a series of social media posts (some now deleted), the model and actress has engaged with fans about the documentary, saying, “I know injustices are frustrating and it’s easy to get worked up. but reacting with a calm mind usually is more logical than acting out of rage and also…. it feels better to mellow out.”
In response to another follower worried about Jackson’s legacy, she tweeted, “yeah they do that to everyone with a good heart and tries to make a difference but do you really think that it’s possible to tear his name down ? like do you truly believe they stand a chance ? relax and have peace.”
Jackson’s brothers Tito and Jermaine
Tito Jackson posted a photo with his brothers Marlon and Jackie, and son Taj, saying “We’re defending our brother and uncle, because Michael is not here anymore to defend himself. Facts don’t lie, people do.” Another of Jackson’s brothers, Jermaine, took aim at Oprah Winfrey for “blindly taking #LeavingNeverland at face value” in her interview with Robson and Safechuck.
Jackson’s son Blanket
Michael’s younger son, Prince Michael Jackson II (also known as Blanket and Biji), has reportedly stopped talking in the wake of Leaving Neverland. The 17-year-old’s uncle Taj told British current affairs show Victoria Derbyshire that “Biji is the most talkative kid at school and he isn’t talking any more. We’re all worried about him.”
Jackson’s nephews TJ, Taj and Taryll
The three sons of Tito Jackson, who performed in the 1990s as boy band 3T, have all taken to social media in support of their late uncle, with whom they collaborated on “Why”. TJ wrote a lengthy post on Instagram accompanied by a picture of Jackson with the word “innocent” across his mouth. Taryll also posted the image. Taj thanked fans for their support on Twitter, saying, “While they have stories…we have the truth.”
Jacksons sisters Janet and LaToya
Neither Janet nor LaToya Jackson has gone on the record regarding Leaving Neverland yet. According to Taj Jackson, Janet, who has previously supported her brother, “doesn’t want to make it any bigger”. Attention has turned, meanwhile, to an interview LaToya gave in 1993 in the midst of child sex abuse allegations against Jackson by Jordan Chandler.
At the time, she spoke out against her brother, saying, “You stop and think for one second and you tell me, what 35-year-old man is going to take a little boy and stay with him for 30 days? And take another boy and stay with him for five days in a room and never leave the room?” she asked. “How many of you out there are 35 years old? How many men are out there? How many would take little kids and do that? That are 9, 10, 11 years old? I love my brother but it’s wrong. I don’t want to see these kids hurt.” She subsequently recanted her comments.
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