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Michael Jackson

The trailer for the new Michael Jackson documentary, Leaving Neverland: Michael Jackson and Me, has been released and it's more than a little uncomfortable to watch.

Scenes of allegations of sexual abuse against children emerge, detailing interviews with two men; Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who claim to have been sexually assaulted by the King of Pop as kids.

Leaving Neverland will air on Channel 4 from March 6, and is an exhausting four hours long series of footage and testimony. 

In the trailer, which is 40 seconds long,  Wade says of Michael Jackson;

"He said, “Do you and the family want to come to Neverland?” ‘He was one of the kindest people I knew and he also sexually abused me. I was seven-years-old."

Wade Robson was seven-years-old at the time, and James Safechuck was 10. Both detail abuse at the hands of Michael Jackson at his Neverland Ranch.

“It’s undeniably a kind of true-life horror movie,” Variety’s review of the documentary read. “You walk out of it shaken, but on some level liberated by its dark exposé… Devastating.” 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Michael Jackson (@michaeljackson) on

The Hollywood Reporter wrote that the programme is; “Complicated and heartbreaking. It’s doubtful you’ll feel exactly the same after watching.”

“The sheer variety and volume of horrifying disclosures made here… make Leaving Neverland both riveting and grueling, impossible to turn away from and the definition of a tough sit.”The Los Angeles Times wrote.

The first trailer was released this morning ahead of its launch on HBO in the US and Channel 4 in the UK on March 6, and the documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Premiers on HBO in March (@leavingneverlandofficial) on

The interviews with the now adult Robson and Safechuck and their mothers as they try to process their trauma are incredibly powerful. Robson’s mother especially struggles to deal with just how complicit she was in the alleged abuse.

“Secrets will eat you up, you feel so alone,” Safechuck says at one point.

“Jackson told me, if they ever found out what they were doing he and I would go to jail for the rest of our lives,” Robson says. “I want to be able to speak the truth as loud as I had to speak the lie for so long.” 

The Dan Reed-directed two part docu-series has been plagued with controversy since January, when it debuted at the Sundance Film Festival. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Premiers on HBO in March (@leavingneverlandofficial) on

The Jackson estate has slammed the documentary, disavowing the claims;

 “This is yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson,” a statement from the estate read.

“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.”

Jackson’s brother Jermaine added: “Just leave us alone, leave him alone, let him rest, please. He deserves to rest.” 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The filmmakers of Leaving Neverland have responded to the criticism of their work by stressing how vital it is to listen to survivors of abuse;

In a statement, director Dan Reed said: “If there’s anything we’ve learned during this time in our history, it’s that sexual abuse is complicated, and survivors’ voices need to be listened to. 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.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Speaking to Variety, Dan Reed added that the documentary is not about Jackson;. “This is not a movie about Michael Jackson abusing little boys,” Reed said.

“It’s a movie about two families and how two families came to terms with what their sons revealed to them many years after Jackson died.”

Jackson had always vehemently denied any allegations of abuse. Legal proceedings were brought against him in 2005, but Jackson was acquitted on all counts of child molestation, child intoxication and conspiracy to kidnap a child.

Feature image: rttnews.com

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Paris Jackson, daughter of the late King of Pop Michael Jackson, is seeking treatment for issues relating to her emotional and mental health.

According to Entertainment Tonight, Paris is currently living in a mental health facility following a whirlwind year of work engagements, new music releases, photoshoots and public appearances.

A source spoke to ET, saying; "After a busy year of work engagements that took her all over the globe, Paris decided that she needed to take some time off to reboot, realign and prioritize her physical and emotional health."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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"She checked herself into a treatment facility to aid in her wellness plan and is looking forward to coming out of this revitalized and ready to tackle the exciting new projects that await her," the insider added.

The young model suddenly ceased sharing any images on social media from the middle of December, and failed to join her family on holiday in Toyka over Christmas.

This is an unusual move for the star, who is very close with her younger brothers especially. Her followers then began to speculate that her mental health may have been suffering.

The 20-year old has had a manic year career-wise, and had to face the heartbreaking death of her grandfather Joe Jackson.

She has been hugely sought after in the fashion world, and since her Hollywood debut, it's apparent that the youngster is a new 'It Girl' on the scene.

Paris last hit the headlines in September 2018 for calling out paparazzi who were verbally attacking her as she left a New York Fashion Week event.

She has regularly discussed her struggles with self-confidence and depression, which drove her to attempt to commit suicide for the first time when she was only 13-years-old.

She later attempted to take her own life again aged 15 multiple times, leading her to enter a therapeutic school;

"I was going through a lot of, like, teen angst. And I was also dealing with my depression and my anxiety without any help," she told Rolling Stone in 2017. 

Hopefully she's getting the help she needs.

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A documentary focusing on sexual abuse allegations made by two men against the late King of Pop Michael Jackson will be aired this spring.

Leaving Neverland features stories told by two men who claim to have been abused by Jackson when they were kids.

Channel 4 commissioned the documentary and say it will be shown on TV in two-parts, to be premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in late January.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Michael Jackson (@michaeljackson) on

A portion of the Sundance website reads;

"At the height of his stardom Michael Jackson began long-running relationships with two boys, aged 7 and 10, and their families. 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."

Michael Jackson's estate sent a statement to Variety saying;  “This is yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Michael Jackson (@michaeljackson) on

In 2005, the former child star was acquitted of child molestation charges. Close personal friend and actor Macaulay Culkin was among those who stood on the stand to defend him.

Amos Pictures are creating the film and Dan Reed is heading the production. Reed created the BAFTA award-winning documentary The Paedophile Hunter as well as From Russia with Cash.

The documentary will air on HBO in America in the same week that it airs on Channel 4 in the UK, but no date has been set as of yet.

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Joe Jackson has sadly lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at age 89.

His granddaughter, Paris Jackson has paid an emotional tribute to the music manager.

The 20-year-old also revealed how Joe spent his last moments.

Paris took to Instagram calling her grandfather the "first true Jackson."

Adding to the array of photos, Paris penned a lengthy and heartfelt message in the wake of his passing.

"Spending those last few moments with you were everything. Being able to tell you everything I needed to tell you before saying goodbye was such a blessing. everyone that came to visit you, came with love, respect, and so much pride in their hearts for you. Proud of you, proud to be your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, proud to have your strength and share the dynasty you spent your life creating, and proud to be Jackson," she said.

"You are the first true Jackson. the legend that started it all. None of us would be anywhere near where we’re at if it weren’t for you. You are the strongest man I know. your life’s work will go down in history, as will you, to be known as one of the greatest patriarchs to ever live. I will cherish every moment with you til the day I die, especially our last moments. Being able to hold your hand, lay with you and cuddle you, give you kisses all over your cheeks and forehead, meant more to me than you’ll ever know," she added. 

Paris continued by explaining how wonderful their relationship had been from her childhood, right through to the present day.

"Quoting advice you gave me when I was a little kid and seeing your eyes light up, sharing stories my dad used to tell me about you, telling a joke and hearing you laugh for the last time… My heart is full knowing we left each other in that way. I made you promise me you’ll come to visit me.

"You agreed and I’m going to hold you to it. and I promised you that we will keep telling your story, over and over. to never be forgotten. my great grandchildren will know who Joseph Jackson is. I love you, grandpa. so so so much that words can’t describe." 

The daughter of the King of Pop finished by thanking her grandfather and that they will see each other soon. 

"I have immense gratitude for you, and always will. we all feel that way. Thank you for everything. Truly. Rest in peace and transition. I’ll see you in my dreams very very soon."

Reports have indicated that the 89-year-old passed away on Wednesday morning. 

In their time of grief, members of the Jackson family have asked to respect their loss and stop commenting negatively.

Tributes to the 89-year-old have been pouring in on Twitter and Instagram.

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By Amy Donohoe

Michael Jackson died on the 25th of June nine years ago. The star rose to fame in the 1970s. He was the first black superstar of the post civil-rights era and he was the first breakthrough black performer on MTV.

He was the best-selling American singer, songwriter and dancer. As a child, Jackson became the lead singer of his family's popular Motown group, the Jackson 5. He went on to a successful solo career, delivering Number one hits from the albums Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad.

He wasn’t just an American popstar, he was a global icon from a black family. He made culture accept a person of colour way before Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama did. Beyonce said that "The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. He will always be the King of Pop!" '

Thriller was released in 1982. It was Jackson’s sixth solo album. It’s the best-selling album in history, with seven Top 10 hits. The album stayed on the charts for 80 weeks, holding the No. 1 spot for 37 weeks.

On the album, the child R&B star matured into a soulman: a singer, dancer and songwriter. He and his producer Quincy Jones created the something-for-everyone album with a firm fusion of dance beats and pop phrases.

The star who inspired artists such as Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars and Usher made history when he became the first artist to win eight Grammys in one night at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards on the 28th February 1984. He won these awards due to his work which was diverse and original. He won best album of the year. He also earned a Grammy due to his songwriting talents for best rhythm and blues song Billie Jean.

Thriller won best male pop vocal performance and Beat it won best male rock vocal performance. On a 1983 television special honoring Motown, Jackson performed his No. 1 hit Billie Jean and debuted his famous dance move, the Moonwalk.

He created this step himself and choreographed the dance sequences for the video of the album's other No. 1 hit, Beat It. Michael Jackson was a child prodigy, a musical genius and one of the most idolised artists worldwide.

From a gifted child with the Jackson Five to a global pop icon, he was always a source of fascination for his fans and the media.

Although he was the “King of Pop” Jackson was shy, quiet and a gentle spirit person off-stage. He wasn’t comfortable with the media attention he received and seldom gave interviews.

“I'm just like anyone. I cut and I bleed and I embarrass easily.” By the late 1980s, he had created his own fantasy escape called Neverland. This is where he had amusement park rides and exotic pets, such as a chimpanzee named Bubbles.

He also had a hideaway in Ireland located in Westmeath. He was relieved that he had found a place hidden away from the paparazzi which was rich in history, myth and folklore.

 

A post shared by Michael Jackson (@mj_unbreakable) on

The singer pushed the boundaries of pop and R&B. He dominated the 1980s the way Elvis Presley towered the 1950s. He revolutionised the world of music. His dancing, singing, and the way he dressed was unique.

Although he was a naive and vulnerable person in everyday life, when he performed it was powerful, breathtaking and magnificent.

He once said, “Often people just don’t see what I see. They have too much doubt. You can’t be your best when you’re doubting yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, who will?” Michael Jackson presented clarity.

His audience understood what he was about within seconds and then they were treated to an bombardment of over-delivery.

 

A post shared by King of Pop (@smoothmichael_fin) on

He blended difficulty with simplicity; from his dance moves and stage settings down to the memorable props like the glove and hat for the song Billie Jean. Hours of work went into crafting the perfect performance. He always left a lasting impression.

He put all his efforts and feelings and soul into his song and no matter what the media said about him, it never stopped him from achieving. He never lost sight of the bigger picture – the worldwide stage, including desires for world peace, harmony and unity.

He loved the planet and its people and wanted to make the world a better place. He had high standards, he always aimed to always better himself. Each album, song, concert and video was an opportunity to set a whole new level.

An example of this is the video for the song Thriller. It was more than a pop video; It was a mini film production.

Michael Jackson was a perfectionist; he was one of the greatest performers of all time, who left an immortal legacy.

When he was born into a large family on the 29th of August 1958, no one could have imagined that he would’ve became one of the most influential entertainers on this planet.

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Paris Jackson has paid an emotional tribute to her late father, Michael Jackson, on what would have been his 59th birthday, admitting she would never “feel love again” the way she did with him.

The 19-year-old took to Instagram to share a throwback photo of her giving her father a kiss as a child.

The heartfelt caption read: “Birthday wishes to the love of my life, the one person who showed me what passion truly was, the one that gave me solid morals to live by and how to dream.”

“I will never feel love again the way i did with you. you are always with me and i am always with you. though i am not you, and you are not me, i know with all of my being that we are one. and our souls will never change in that way.”

“Thank you for the magic, forever and always,” she concluded.

Music fans across the globe have also been paying tribute to the late singer.

Paris was just 11-years-old when her father died of cardiac arrest in June 2009.

Since then Paris has become a celebrity in her own right and even presented an award at last Sunday's VMAs.

While on stage, the political activist urged viewers to rise against “Nazi white supremacist jerks” following the Charlottesville violence.

“If we were to all put our voices together, do you realise the difference we would make?”

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Sky Arts have cancelled an episode of their highly anticipated television movie Urban Myths, which featured Michael Jackson, after the trailer received major backlash from fans. 

Paris Jackson was adamantly against the casting of Joseph Fiennes as her father, Michael Jackson, in the upcoming flick.

“I’m so incredibly offended by it, as I’m sure plenty of people are as well,” Paris responded on Twitter, when asked for her thoughts on the portrayal.

"It makes me want to vomit."

The TV movie was set to focus on an alleged road trip across America that Michael Jackson took with Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando, after 9/11.

However, people were outraged by the depiction of MJ in the TV movie.

"We have taken the decision not to broadcast Elizabeth, Michael And Marlon, a half-hour episode from the Sky Arts Urban Myths series, in light of the concerns expressed by Michael Jackson's immediate family.

We set out to take a light-hearted look at reportedly true events and never intended to cause any offence. Joseph Fiennes fully supports our decision," read a statement from Sky Arts. 

Paris took to Twitter to express her surprise and gratitude at the fact that the opinion of the family was taken into consideration. 

Michael's nephew, TJ, also took to Twitter to thank people for helping to preserve Michael's dignity. 

The trailer of the film has been set to private on YouTube. 

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Paris Jackson was adamantly against the casting of Joseph Fiennes as her father, Michael Jackson, in an upcoming Sky Arts television movie Urban Myths.

The teen spoke out about the casting of Fiennes, to the point where she called it 'disgusting.'

Fans were shocked by Fiennes’ appearance as Jackson as the trailer for the movie launched this week. 

“I’m so incredibly offended by it, as I’m sure plenty of people are as well,” Paris responded on Twitter when asked for her thoughts on the portrayal.

"It makes me want to vomit."

The TV movie focuses on an alleged road trip across America that Michael Jackson took with Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando after 9/11.

A debate arose on Twitter when the casting of the film was originally released about the fact that MJ would be played by a white mad despite his African-American heritage.

“Where is the respect? They worked through blood sweat and tears for ages to create such profound and remarkable legacies. Shameful portrayal,” Paris continued.

“He made a point of it plenty of times to express his pride in his roots. He would never have wanted this.”

“It angers me to see how obviously intentional it was for them to be this insulting, not just towards my father, but my godmother liz as well," she finished.

“It is part of a series of comedies about unlikely stories from arts and cultural history. Sky Arts gives producers the creative freedom to cast roles as they wish, within the diversity framework which we have set,” Sky Arts previously told People

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His death – in June 2009 – shocked the world. And now, seven years on, Michael Jackson is still raking in the mega-bucks.

In fact, the iconic pop superstar is this year's biggest earning celebrity – dead or alive. 

According to Forbes, the King Of Pop topped raked in $825m (€752m) in pretax earnings.

Boosting Jackson’s estate for 2016  was the sale of his half of the Sony/ATV music-publishing catalogue, which included a library of Beatles songs; that alone fetched $750m (€684m) in March.

He originally purchased the catalogue in 1985 for $47.5m (€43.3m) and sold a 50 percent stake to Sony for $115m (€105m) in 1995, according to Forbes.

Living celebrities such as Dr Phil ($88m), Diddy ($62m) and Sofía Vegara ($43m) all pale in comparison.

Also joining Jackson on the Forbes list of richest dead celebrities were Peanuts creator Charles Schultz at No. 2 ($48m/€43.75m), golf legend Arnold Palmer ($40m/€36.5m) and Elvis Presley ($27m/€24.5m).

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Paris Jackson has sparked engagement rumours after stepping out in Malibu with a sizeable rock on her ring finger.

The 18-year-old daughter of Michael Jackson was snapped wearing a diamond ring on Monday while hanging out with her partner of six months Michael Snoddy.

However – as highlighted by The Mirror – later that day the popular teen used Instagram to share a photo of herself without the ring and in the caption she specifically referred to the rocker as her “boyfriend”.

Throughout their relationship, Paris and her 26-year-old beau have shared many of their intimate moments with fans online.

Just last week, the actress gave her followers a sneak peak of a steamy shoot she and Michael did for Flaunt Magazine and uploaded photos of the pair kissing while camping.

Centre image: Xposure

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She's only been with him for six months, but Paris Jackson is already moving her boyfriend, Michael Snoddy, into her father's mansion.

Michael Jackson recorded songs such as Billie Jean and Beat It, and now Snoddy is making himself at home there.

 

my pan..

A photo posted by Paris-Michael K. Jackson (@parisjackson) on

According to Page Six, the 18-year-old is "smitten" and some even suspect they have married in secret.

An insider told the website that Michael also quit his pizza delivery job in order to move in with his girlfriend.

"Michael quit his job around July and they moved into the house where Michael [Jackson] grew up.

"Now they're trying to do this happy family thing. They refer to themselves as a family a lot," the source said.

 

let me tell ya bout my besstt frennn

A photo posted by Paris-Michael K. Jackson (@parisjackson) on

The late King of Pop lived in the Californian home since he was a child, and then moved to the infamous Neverland Ranch in 1988.

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Michael Jackson died in 2009 at the age of 50… or DID HE?

The world has so many conspiracy theories, it is pretty hard to keep up on what's real and what's not. 

Well, the latest theory to hit the Internet is that The King of Pop is alive, and photo bombing his daughter's selfies. 

In a recent video posted on YouTube, a group of MJ fans who call themselves "believers", explain why they think Michael is alive. 

Paris Jackson, the daughter of the late musician, shared a picture on her Instagram that appears to have a shadowy figure lurking in the background. 

That shadowy figure is then altered to resemble Michael Jackson, leaving us all wondering what is going on!

We appreciate that this sounds ridiculous, but have a gawk at the video and let us know your thoughts…

The video has been viewed over 354,000 times since it was uploaded a few months back.

Hundreds of people have commented on the clip, saying that it's "ridiculous" and "let the man rest in peace!"

Still, it would leave you to wonder…

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