January 10 : Statement from the Estate of Michael Jackson
Earlier today certain media ran an item relating to a film included in the lineup of the Sundance Film Festival. The Estate issued the following statement to media reporting the story:
“This is yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson. 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 Michael’s Estate, asking for millions of dollars. Both lawsuits were dismissed. 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.”
Unfortunately, anyone can release a documentary and they do not have to secure permission to do so. The only time the Estate has any potential recourse is when a documentary or other film uses intellectual property such as music or video that is owned by the Estate and is not protected under “fair use” claims, which of course the Estate is monitoring. You may recall the Estate filed litigation against Disney earlier this year for violating its intellectual property rights. As the Estate said, the individuals featured in this documentary have had their claims rejected in court. Furthermore, Michael was declared innocent in the criminal case against him. No documentary can change that.
January 25 : The Michael Jackson estate has issued a statement on the film “Leaving Neverland,” which premiered at Sundance on Friday morning (Jan. 25). The documentary was screened at Park City, Utah’s Egyptian Theater. The Estate issued its statement about 12 hours after the film debuted, taking issue with what it calls “the kind of tabloid character assassination Michael Jackson endured in life, and now in death.”
Dan Reed’s film follows two accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, as they describe intense and graphic acts they say Jackson committed against them, as well those they say the pop icon coached them to commit on him. Robson met Jackson through a dance competition at age 5, and alleges the sexual abuse began when he was 7. Safechuck was cast in a Pepsi commercial starring Jackson around age 8, and the alleged abuse began after months of close friendship.
Taj & TJ defend MJ on Twitter and plan to make a documentary to end all the lies.
January 28 : The Jackson family releases a statement regarding the “Leaving Neverland” documentary.
January 30 : Jermaine gives an interview to Good Morning Britain to defend Michael in the “Leaving Neverland” controversy. Many friends defend MJ on social medias including Brett Barnes, Frank Cascio, Karen Faye & Talun Zeitoun.
February 8 : The Estate’s letters to RadarOnline, HBO & Channel 4
The Estate of Michael Jackson has communicated with the fans some of the letters they have been sending to RadarOnline and HBO and also reassure the fans that they are working hard to dismiss the so called “Documentary” “Leaving Neverland”. Fans around the world have been campaigning to bring the truth to the media and to the general public but also trying to cancel this horrible and full of lies (and liars) “Documentary”
February 11 : Brandi Jackson exposes Wade Robson’s lies in twitter and reveals that she dated him for 7 years and Michael introduced them to each other.
February 21 : Lawsuit filed by the Estate of Michael Jackson
This morning, The Estate of Michael Jackson filed a lawsuit against HBO. HBO is not just a distributor but a co-producer of this so-called documentary Leaving Neverland. As many of you know, in 1992 HBO entered into an agreement for the broadcast of “Live From Bucharest” which became HBO’s highest rated special. As part of that agreement, HBO agreed to non-disparagement provisions which remain in effect. This program is the epitome of disparagement. Therefore, HBO stands in breach of contract. Even though Michael is not here to defend himself and there is no claim for defamation, this is a contractual obligation.
February 24 : During a TV interview, LaToya refuses to comment the “Leaving Neverland” controversy : “Let’s keep Michael at peace and where he is. He has given the world so much joy. Let’s not take that away from him”.
February 27 : The Jackson family reacts to “Leaving Neverland”. Brandi Jackson gives a radio interview while Marlon, Tito, Jackie & Taj are guests on CBS This Morning.
March 3 + 4 : HBO airs two-part HBO documentary Leaving Neverland,
March 4 : HBO and OWN present Oprah Winfrey Presents: After Neverland, a conversation hosted by Oprah featuring Wade Robson and James Safechuck.
March 5-11 : Many family and friends defend MJ on social medias including Karen Faye, Corey Feldman, Brett Barnes, Macauley Culkin, Jermaine, Austin, Yashi, Brandi, the Schleiter Family, Grace Rwaramba etc
Taj flies to London to give interviews (the doc is aired on Channel 4)
Katherine, Rebbie, Janet, LaToya, Randy, Prince & Paris remain silent.
March 13 : Paris on Twitter : “there’s nothing i can say that hasn’t already been said in regards to defense. Taj is doing a perfect job on his own. and i support him. but that’s not my role. I’m just tryna get everyone to chill out and go with the flow, be mellow and think about the bigger picture. that’s me.”
March 18 : Statement from the Estate of Michael Jackson
March 23 : Diana Ross supports MJ on Twitter.
The Jackson family provided Billboard with a 24-page working PowerPoint document, titled “Leaving Neverland and the Truth,” that questions the accusers’ memories and the filmmakers’ motives in detail. The estate also attached recent news clips in which the singer’s defense attorney called the accusations “hogwash.” The document goes into detail about the documentary being bias, inconsistent, and notes that the footage that was featured was misused.
May 24 : Michael Jackson’s Estate and Tohme Tohme settle lawsuit
The settlement announced Thursday with Tohme Tohme ends one of the last remaining legal fights involving Michael Jackson’s estate. The deal came after five days of the trial had already been held. Terms of the agreement were not released.
September 20 : Judge Declines HBO’s Request to Throw Out ‘Leaving Neverland’ Lawsuit
October 22 : HBO Taking Michael Jackson ‘Leaving Neverland’ Dispute to Appeals Court
November 19 : Lawsuits by Michael Jackson accusers likely to be restored
Jackson Dynasty 