Documentary Accusing Michael Jackson of Sexually Abusing Boys to Premiere at Sundance

Leaving Neverland, a documentary that accuses Michael Jackson of sexually abusing a pair of young boys, is set to premiere at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.

At the height of hisstardom, Michael Jackson began long-running relationships with two boys, aged 7 and 10, and their families, the films synopsis states. 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.

The two-part, 233-minute Leaving Neverland, named after Jacksons famed California ranch, will receive its world premiere as part of the festivals Special Events category before airing on HBO this spring.

In a release, the filmmakers confirmed the accusers featured in the film as choreographer Wade Robson, the now-36-year-old who filed a sexual abuse lawsuit against Jackson in 2013 claiming Jackson molested him when he was seven years old, and James Safechuck, Jacksons companion as a child who sued Jacksons estate over sexual abuse claims. Both Robsons and Safechucks lawsuit weredismissed in 2017. The film interviews both accusers alongside their wives, mothers and siblings.

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Dan Reed, who previously helmed the documentaries The Pedophile Hunters and Three Days of Terror: The Charlie Hebdo Attacks, directed and produced Leaving Neverland.If theres anything weve learned during this time in our history, its that sexual abuse is complicated, and survivors voices need to be listened to, Reed said in a statement. It took great courage for these two men to tell their stories and I have no question about their validity. I believe anyone who watches this film will see and feel the emotional toll on the men and their families and will appreciate the strength it takes to confront long-held secrets.

This is yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson, a rep for the estate said. 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 Michaels estate, asking for millions of dollars. Both lawsuits were dismissed.This so-called documentary is just another rehash of dated and discredited allegations. Its baffling why any credible filmmaker would involve himself with this project.

In addition to Leaving Neverland, Sundance also added The Brink, a documentary about Steve Bannons time in the Trump White House, to its 2019 slate. This years Sundance runs from January 24th to February 4th in Utah.