"Leaving Neverland“ Director Doesn't Expect People To Stop Listening To Michael Jackson Music

For director Dan Reed, the focus of Leaving Neverland was never Michael Jackson—it was the personal accounts of Wade Robson and James Safechuck. The 2019 documentary detailed their allegations of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of the late pop star, and now, six years later, Reed is returning with Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson.

The follow-up, set to premiere on YouTube via Channel 4 in the U.K. and Real Stories in the U.S., provides a deeper look into Robson and Safechuck’s legal battle against Jackson’s estate. Their lawsuits claim Jackson’s companies failed to protect them as children, and after years of legal obstacles, a California appeals court ruled in 2023 that their case could go to trial in 2024. Reed, who has followed their journey closely, considers this documentary a crucial bridge between the original Leaving Neverland and what he hopes will be a dramatic courtroom resolution.

Unlike the first film, which was distributed by HBO, Leaving Neverland 2 will bypass major streaming services. This decision follows the Jackson estate’s lawsuit against HBO, which cited a 1992 non-disparagement clause. Instead, Reed opted for YouTube, ensuring the film reaches audiences directly and freely.

The controversy surrounding Jackson persists, especially with the upcoming Lionsgate-backed biopic Michael, which is overseen by the Jackson estate. Reports suggest the film originally attempted to address the allegations but had to remove references to Jordan Chandler’s 1993 accusations due to a legal agreement. Reed calls this a “massive mistake” and questions how the biopic will now portray Jackson’s past.

Despite the ongoing debate, Reed acknowledges that Jackson’s legacy as a musician is untouchable. “I really don’t expect people to stop listening to Michael Jackson’s music,” he says. However, he hopes audiences will take a deeper interest in how child abuse cases unfold and how difficult it is for survivors to seek justice. “My goal is not to knock Jackson off his pedestal—it never has been. I just want to tell these two men’s story to the end.”

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Source: Variety

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