Dan Reed’s latest documentary revisits the legal battles of Wade Robson and James Safechuck as they seek justice against Michael Jackson’s estate.
A Sequel That Aims to Hold the Powerful Accountable
It’s been six years since Leaving Neverland shook the world, forever altering the legacy of Michael Jackson with the harrowing allegations of child abuse by Wade Robson and James Safechuck. Now, director Dan Reed is back with Leaving Neverland 2, a follow-up documentary chronicling the ongoing legal fight between the accusers and Jackson’s estate.
“I want my day in court,” Robson says fiercely, setting the tone for a film that feels like a prelude to an impending legal showdown. Reed himself calls it a “stepping stone” to the trial set for next year, where the allegations will be formally tested before a jury.
Legal Battles, Personal Trauma, and a Fight for Justice
🔹 Robson and Safechuck’s ongoing struggle for justice is at the heart of Leaving Neverland 2, filmed intimately in their homes. The documentary follows their years-long legal fight, capturing their exhaustion, frustration, and determination.
🔹 Director Dan Reed remains steadfast in his belief that the accusers are telling the truth. He argues that their long legal battle proves that they are not merely seeking financial gain, stating:
“If James and Wade had wanted to make a quick buck, why didn’t they just go to the estate? Five more victims came forward after Leaving Neverland and got paid $16-17 million for their life rights.”
🔹 The documentary also sheds light on the legal obstacles they have faced, from courtroom delays to the passing of key figures, such as their attorney Vince W. Finaldi, who announced his retirement.
HBO Backs Out—And Major Streamers Stay Silent
While Leaving Neverland premiered with the backing of HBO, its sequel has struggled to find a major distributor. HBO reportedly declined to participate due to its ongoing legal battles with the Jackson estate over a contract dispute related to Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous Tour concert special.
🔸 Reed expressed disappointment over HBO’s exit, calling them a “fantastic partner” in the original film.
🔸 Netflix and Apple also declined to support Leaving Neverland 2, which Reed attributes to an increasingly risk-averse industry, where major streaming platforms are wary of controversial content.
🔸 Instead, Reed has turned to YouTube for distribution, a move that reflects the shifting landscape of documentary filmmaking.
Hollywood’s Complicity: The Jackson Biopic Controversy
In the wake of Leaving Neverland 2, Reed has also criticized Hollywood’s approach to Jackson’s legacy, particularly Lionsgate’s Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic, which he accuses of whitewashing the singer’s alleged abuses.
🔹 According to Reed, an early draft of the script included Jackson’s arrest at Neverland, but later drafts removed references to Jordan Chandler’s abuse accusations due to a previous settlement agreement between Chandler and Jackson’s estate.
🔹 Reed sarcastically called this a “massive f* up”**, questioning how the film will still meet its planned October release date amid rumored re-shoots.
The Backlash Begins—And Reed Stands Firm
🔹 On the day of his interview, Reed revealed that he had already received his first abusive email regarding Leaving Neverland 2—an early sign of the wave of backlash expected from Jackson’s fans.
🔹 Despite efforts to include the estate’s perspective, Reed claims that Jackson’s legal team refused to participate. The documentary even includes an email exchange showing Reed “begging” Jonathan Steinsapir, a lawyer for the Jackson estate, to appear. In response, Steinsapir mocked Reed in court, asking: “Still begging?”
🔹 Reed maintains that his transparency in seeking both sides of the story strengthens the film’s credibility. He asserts:
“This is the road we took to get to the place where I can confidently say, ‘I tried to make this film showing both sides.’”
🔹 However, he acknowledges that documentary storytelling is becoming harder, stating:
“For long-form storytelling that tries to elucidate complex areas of danger in our society, the road is going to get rougher.”
As Leaving Neverland 2 prepares for release, the debate over Michael Jackson’s legacy, his accusers, and the power of the entertainment industry is reigniting once again.
Tags: Michael Jackson, Leaving Neverland, Leaving Neverland 2, Dan Reed, Wade Robson, James Safechuck, HBO, Michael Jackson Estate, Documentary, Hollywood, Antoine Fuqua, Netflix, Apple, Child Abuse, Controversy, Biopic, Lionsgate, Jackson Fans