Aussies react to shocking ‘Leaving Neverland’ documentary detailing ’horrendous abuse’ by Michael Jackson

Viewers have reacted with disgust to the “gobsmacking” Leaving Neverland documentary, as part one aired in Australia.

WARNING: Graphic

Australian viewers have reacted with shock and disgust at the disturbing allegations made in a documentary about Michael Jackson.

Channel 10 aired part one of the controversial HBO documentary Leaving Neverland on Friday night. The four-hour documentary focuses heavily on interviews with James Safechuck and Australian born Wade Robson, who met Jackson when they were young children, and allege they endured years of sexual abuse at the hands of the pop star.

Leaving Neverland also makes a number of allegations surrounding Jackson’s Neverland ranch, claiming Jackson set up bells and trip wires around his bedroom to avoid detection while the assaults took place.

Mr Safechuck also alleged Jackson trained him to quickly get dressed in hotel rooms in case they were caught mid way through the abuse.

He said Jackson showered him with gifts and flew him and his family all over the world in a lengthy exercise in grooming, and described their sexual relationship as “best friends” expressing “love”.

Related: Eight most shocking moments from Michael Jackson documentary

Related: Australian choreographer alleges Michael Jackson sexual abused him in new interview

“He would run drills with me where we would be in the hotel room and he would pretend like someone was coming in and you had to get dressed as fast as possible without any noise,” Safechuck said.

“So not getting caught was a big fundamental. It was very much a secret and he would tell me if anyone found out his life would be over and my life would be over, and that’s something he told me over and over again.”

Robson’s claims against Jackson were similar.

The Jackson family have strongly refuted claims Jackson abused children, and the estate is now suing HBO for “posthumous character assassination” for a sum of US $100 million.

j and I literally bought a tv so I could watching ‘leaving neverland’ tonight

— lauren (@laurencbf_) March 8, 2019

One minute in to #LeavingNeverland and I’m already suss on Mike.

— Nick Carr (@NicksaCarr) March 8, 2019

Watching #LeavingNeverland on @Channel10AU hadn't realised the Brisbane connection here with Wade Robson

— Lawrence Champness (@champy) March 8, 2019

As the documentary progresses, Safechuck explains his strange burgeoning relationship with Jackson, who would come to his house in the suburbs to watch movies and chat with him into the night.

What does he have hours to talk to a kid about? Someone 20 years younger than him? #LeavingNeverland

— Rebecca Pollard (@bex_s2) March 8, 2019

Watching "Leaving Neverland". I've never understood the obsession with celebrity. Such a dangerous thing to value others worth at the expense of your own.

— Patrick Hill (@Paddy_04) March 8, 2019

Aussie viewers were quick to express their feelings as the documentary unfolded. Throughout the documentary.

I’m watching Leaving Neverland now. I can see where it’s going. The long term grooming. So they should get a decent payout. Fancy waking up to this reality. No wonder Jackson was so drugged up. Knew the truth would come out?

— Petra Campbell (@PetraAu) March 8, 2019

Watching #LeavingNeverland and it's gob smacking. I believe both men and have so much sorrow for them for their lost childhood, their pain and the fact they were taken advantage of by someone they adored. Horrific for these guys.

— The Guidefather 👍🇦🇺📺 (@SteveMolk) March 8, 2019

Michael Jackson's child (now adult) victims appear to be telling the truth. Their micro-expressions, cognitive loads, and attention to remembering sensory details - I am sold on their story. #LeavingNeverland

— Hanan Dover (@HananDover1) March 8, 2019

Some found the detailed descriptions of the abuse deeply upsetting, calling Leaving Neverland frightening and sad. As the graphic accounts of sexual abuse continued, one person tweeted, “Just wow”.

Leaving Neverland is frightening and sad.

— Chuck Gutierrez (@chuckpinoy) March 8, 2019

Leaving Neverland. Just wow.

— Anna Ruth Lonsdale (@annarlonsdale) March 8, 2019

A lot of viewers had questions about the motivations of the parents, saying no matter the circumstances, leaving children that young in a bedroom with a grown up was an unusual choice.

Doesn’t matter how big the ‘star’ is, don’t think I would’ve let my 7-year-old stay with a grown human who the family didn’t know.
Or is that just me? 🤷🏼‍♀️🤔 #leavingneverland

— Melissa Hoyer (@melissahoyer) March 8, 2019

Mate if I were a parent I wouldn’t let my 7 year old out of my sight for 15 minutes!! These dick heads let their kids sleep with Michael Jackson ??

The real child abuse is committed by the parents.. who’s holding them accountable?? #LeavingNeverland

— teoman (@teodotnet) March 8, 2019

Watching this documentary and thinking how on earth did parents drop their kids off at MJ's house and just leave them there, it's just not making sense to me... #LeavingNeverland

— HappyMama (@HappyMama1M2L) March 8, 2019

This is just horrendous.#LeavingNeverland

— Cheryl Critchley (@CherylCritchley) March 8, 2019

Leaving Neverland has drawn masses of criticism online from ardent Jackson fans, who say the accusers are motivated by greed.

They’ve also pointed out that both Safechuck and Robson came to the aid of Jackson when another boy, Jordan Chandler, accused him of abuse in 1993. Safechuck said he was heavily coached by Jackson’s legal team and gave a denial of abuse that felt “robotic”.

They felt the documentary was one sided, and the interviewees were untrustworthy.

This #LeavingNeverland doco is a stubby short of a six-pack. Pure BS !! Ive seen dingos with more convincing stories . Off to play ariel ping pong instead .

— V (@BADnessee) March 8, 2019

I swore I wouldn’t watch this, yet here I am. I’m not believing their stories, too many holes and no substantial evidence. How are they not more affected by this ‘alleged’ abuse? A little too convenient now that he’s not here to defend himself yet again. #leavingneverland

— G (@GlennMillanta) March 8, 2019

And others just stand by the artist. Or a cardboard cutout of his likeness.

My sister who lives in Australia and does not do social media says #mjjinnocent #MichaelJackson we will never stop playing your music ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/JCOrFdsaOG

— hallie jade o’donovan (@jadekray) March 8, 2019

If you or someone you know needs support, see Reach Out for a list of organisations that can help.

The second instalment of Leaving Neverland airs on Saturday night on Channel 10 at 9.30pm.

Originally published as Aussies react to shocking ‘Leaving Neverland’ documentary detailing ’horrendous abuse’ by Michael Jackson