Michael Jackson‘s estate on Thursday filed a $100
million lawsuit against HBO over plans to air a documentary that alleges
the singer sexually abused two young boys.
The 53-page suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims HBO was violating a “non-disparagement” agreement by airing “Leaving Neverland” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this year. “Michael Jackson is innocent. Period,” the suit says.
“In 2005, Michael Jackson was subjected to a trial where rules of
evidence and law were applied before a neutral judge and jury and where
both sides were heard -and he was exonerated by a sophisticated jury.
“Ten years after his passing, there are still those out to profit
from his enormous worldwide success and take advantage of his
eccentricities,” ithe suit adds.
The four-hour, two-part documentary that is set to air next month
includes the testimonies of two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck,
who say the King of Pop sexually abused them when they were seven and
10.
However, HBO in a statement said it planned to broadcast the
documentary as scheduled. “Despite the desperate lengths taken to
undermine the film, our plans remain unchanged. HBO will move forward
with the airing of ‘Leaving Neverland,’ the two-part documentary on
March 3rd and 4th. This will allow everyone the opportunity to assess
the film and the claims in it for themselves.”
