Two of Michael Jackson’s accusers have quit social media after receiving abusive messages from fans of the late pop star.
Wade Robson and James Safechuck reiterated their sexual abuse allegations against Jackson in the documentary ‘Leaving Neverland’ – which aired earlier this year – and director Dan Reed has now revealed that they’ve quit various social media platforms because of the criticism they’ve subsequently received from fans and members of the Jackson family.
Speaking about Robson and Safechuck – both of whom previously launched failed lawsuits against Jackson, accusing the singer of grooming them and abusing them as children – Reed explained: "I’m amazed at how serene they’ve been through all this.
"But the movie has been good for them: they feel like their story has been told and entered the public conversation. I think people who saw the movie found Wade and James very credible."
Reed’s award-winning ‘Leaving Neverland’ focused on the stories of Robson and Safechuck, and their accusations against the pop icon.
But Reed was shocked by the reaction to the documentary, which prompted Jackson fans to come to the defence of the deceased star, raising money to create their own counter-documentary.
He told the Guardian newspaper: "As soon as the movie was announced, people were denouncing the victims without even knowing who they were. It was just a knee-jerk reaction: these guys are liars.
"And you can’t challenge them with facts because it’s an article of faith for them and any challenges to that belief are blasphemy."
Despite making the documentary, Reed doesn’t want people to stop listening to Jackson’s hits.
Instead, he urges music fans to simply listen to the allegations.
He explained: "I’m not about cancelling Jackson. But I think people should know that he was, at times, a monster to children."
Michael Jackson’s accusers have quit social media, says Dan Reed
