Dan Reed Reveals Intense Backlash Ahead of ‘Leaving Neverland 2’ Premiere
The filmmaker behind the controversial Michael Jackson documentary says he’s been targeted with violent threats from angry fans
London, March 15: Dan Reed, director of Leaving Neverland and its upcoming sequel, has revealed he has received thousands of death threats from Michael Jackson’s fans, including some from individuals he claims are armed and actively seeking him out.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Reed spoke candidly about the severe backlash he has faced since releasing Leaving Neverland in 2019—a documentary that featured Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who alleged that Jackson sexually abused them as children during his peak years in the music industry.
“I’ve had murderers try to find me. I’ve had people threaten to shoot me who are armed. I’ve been threatened many, many times,” Reed stated.
"People Have Tried to Track Me Down" – Reed Speaks on Threats
Reed claims that Jackson’s most ardent supporters have gone to extreme lengths to intimidate him, attempting to track down his personal information and even send him potentially harmful packages.
“The threats delivered face to face, I took seriously. People trying to find my home address to post me a parcel—I took seriously. But people in China sending me emails? I don’t take so seriously. They’re going to have to get on a plane,” Reed remarked.
Since the release of the first documentary, both Reed and the film’s subjects, Robson and Safechuck, have been relentlessly attacked by Jackson’s supporters, many of whom insist the allegations are false and motivated by money.
‘Leaving Neverland 2’ Takes on Jackson’s Estate
The sequel, ‘Leaving Neverland 2’, picks up where the first film left off, chronicling Robson and Safechuck’s ongoing legal battle with the Jackson estate as they seek to hold the singer’s enablers accountable for the alleged abuse.
Unlike the first documentary, HBO is not involved in the sequel, which will instead premiere on March 18 on Channel 4 in the UK and later be available in North America via Real Stories, the premium documentary channel on YouTube, produced by Little Dot Studios.
Despite the backlash, Reed remains “genuinely excited” about the new documentary’s ability to reach a broad audience.
“I believe in transparency. The people who are against this film are the ones who don’t want to hear both sides of the story,” he added.
A Storm of Controversy Surrounds the Sequel
With the first film sparking global debates, lawsuits, and intense fandom outrage, the release of Leaving Neverland 2 is expected to reignite divisive discussions about Jackson’s legacy.
While many believe the documentary sheds light on long-buried truths, others vehemently defend the late pop icon, dismissing the allegations as fabricated.
With Reed now facing personal security concerns, the documentary’s release is bound to stir another wave of controversy, media scrutiny, and heated public debate.
Last Updated on March 15, 2025 by Sandeep
