Leaving Neverland: How to watch the Michael Jackson documentary

The controversial show airs this week

Michael Jackson

by Carl Smith |
Updated on

The Dan Reed-directed Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland - featuring tales of alleged sexual abuse from Wade Robson and James Safechuck - will air in the UK this week following its Sundance Film Festival debut earlier this year.

Find out everything you need to know about the show - which has gained a lot of interest following the release of Surviving R. Kelly - below including details of the allegations against the singer, which channel the documentary will be shown on, how to watch Leaving Neverland online and its cultural impact.

What is the Leaving Neverland: Michael Jackson and Me documentary?

Leaving Neverland features interviews from two men - Wade Robson and James Safechuck - both of whom have made fresh claims of how Michael Jackson 'sexually abused' them as children. The documentary also hears from Robson and Safechuck's families, who speak of their relationships with the singer.

In an interview with BBC's Victoria Derbyshire last week, Robson explained: "Every time I stayed the night with him, he abused me. Fondling, touching, my entire body and my penis."

BELOW: Michael Jackson through the decades

Gallery

Michael Jackson through the decades

Michael Jackson and The Jackson 51 of 6
CREDIT: Getty

1969

Michael Jackson (bottom right) with his brothers Jermaine, Jackie, Tito and Marlon as The Jackson 5.

Michael Jackson2 of 6
CREDIT: Getty

1977

Michael poses in a New York City apartment in the late '70s.

Michael Jackson3 of 6
CREDIT: Getty

1988

Jackson performs at Madison Square Garden during The Bad Tour in March 1988.

Michael Jackson4 of 6
CREDIT: Getty

1990

Michael Jackson plays London's Wembley Stadium in 1990.

Michael Jackson5 of 6
CREDIT: Michael Jackson

2002

Jackson testifies at Santa Maria Superior Court in November 2002 in a trial in which he is accused of cancelling concert appearances, costing the promoter millions of dollars.

Michael Jackson6 of 6
CREDIT: Michael Jackson

2009

In his last public appearance, Jackson announces his This Is It Tour residency at a press conference at London's O2 Arena. Here, he confirmed he would play an initial run of 10 dates at the arena the following July (2009).

Where can I watch Leaving Neverland in the UK?

Leaving Neverland will air on Channel 4, and will then be available via their on-demand service All 4.

When is Leaving Neverland on TV in the UK?

Leaving Neverland airs at 9pm GMT on Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th March 2019.

How to watch Leaving Neverland part 1 online

Part 1 of the Michael Jackson documentary is now available on Channel 4's on-demand service All 4.

How to watch Leaving Neverland part 2 online

Part 2 of the documentary will be available on All 4 after it airs on March 7th 2019.

How to watch Leaving Neverland online

Following its broadcast on Channel 4, the documentary will likely be added to the channel's on-demand catch-up service All 4.

Viewers in the US can watch Leaving Neverland online legally with a 7-day free trial of HBO via Amazon Prime or Hulu.

How else can I watch Leaving Neverland?

If you're in the US, the documentary will air on HBO at 8pm ET on March 3rd and March 4th. The episodes will be followed by Oprah Winfrey Presents: After Neverland at 10pm ET.

How has Michael Jackson's estate responded to Leaving Neverland?

Jackson's estate called the documentary 'yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson.'

In a statement, they said: "Wade Robson and James Safechuck have both testified under oath that Michael never did anything inappropriate toward them,” the statement continued.

"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."

They added: "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."

The Michael Jackson estate is said to be suing HBO for $100m over the documentary.

How many episodes of Leaving Neverland are there?

Leaving Neverland will air in two 90-minute episodes.

Is there a Leaving Neverland trailer?

Channel 4 uploaded the official Leaving Neverland trailer to their YouTube channel on February 19th 2019.

Watch it below:

Who is Wade Robson and what has he accused Michael Jackson of in Leaving Neverland?

Wade Robson is a 36-year-old Australian-born dancer and choreographer.

Robson appeared in three of Michael Jackson's music videos - Black or White, Jam and Heal the World - and has claimed he was molested by Jackson at his Neverland Ranch as a child.

Describing Jackson's home as 'nothing but a well-orchestrated trap,' Wade says he was abused by the singer for seven years and sued Jackson's estate for £1.2billion; a lawsuit which was dismissed when the judge ruled the estate of Jackson couldn't be held responsible for the dancer's allegations.

Wade Robson leaving court after 2005 Michael Jackson trial
Wade Robson leaves court in 2005 ©Getty

Who is James Safechuck and what has he accused Michael Jackson of in Leaving Neverland?

Unlike Wade Robson, 41-year-old James Safechuck is accusing Jackson of sexual abuse for the first time in Leaving Neverland.

In a preview of the documentary, Safechuck claims Jackson held a mock wedding ceremony for the pair. He says: "We did this in his bedroom and we filled out some vows like we would be bonded forever.

"It felt good. And the ring is nice. It has a row of diamonds. The wedding ring."

What is Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch?

Jackson's Neverland Valley Ranch - recently renamed Sycamore Valley Ranch - was his home in Santa Barbara County, California.

It was first named Neverland in 1988, with the star taking inspiration from the fantasy island in the tale of Peter Pan.

The ranch is now owned by Colony Capital.

Who is Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed?

British filmmaker Dan Reed - director of Leaving Neverland - has previously worked on Dispatches and 2014 documentary The Paedophile Hunter.

Speaking about his latest project, Dan told Billboard: "The film was never about Michael Jackson and I don't really know that much about Michael Jackson.

Explaining his reasoning behind Leaving Neverland, Reed explained: "If we can begin to tell that bigger story to the world, then it doesn't matter if it's Michael Jackson or the priest or the guy next door or the uncle or the beloved family friend that you trusted with your child.

"That is a really great, positive difference that we can make."

When and how did Michael Jackson die?

Michael Jackson died on June 25th 2009 in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, California of acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication.

Michael's personal physician Conrad Murray said he found the singer in bed and not breathing; calling paramedics after attempting to revive him for ten minutes.

He was pronounced dead at 2.26pm at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Centre after over an hour of unsuccessful attempted resuscitation.

Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson at his This Is It press conference in London ©Getty

Is Leaving Neverland on Netflix?

Channel 4 has exclusive UK rights to Leaving Neverland, with no plans to add the documentary to Netflix at present.

Can I watch Leaving Neverland on Hulu?

Yes, Leaving Neverland is available to watch on Hulu (via HBO) in the US.

Is Leaving Neverland on Amazon Prime?

In the US, the Michael Jackson documentary is available on Amazon Prime via HBO.

How to watch Oprah Winfrey Presents: After Neverland online

There are currently no plans to air Oprah Winfrey's follow-up show, After Neverland, in the UK. The programme was originally show after the second episode of Leaving Neverland on HBO in the US.

WATCH the Oprah Winfrey Presents: After Neverland trailer

Has the BBC banned Michael Jackson's music?

It had been reported the BBC 'dropped' Michael Jackson's music from their playlists in light of Leaving Neverland.

After announcing its commission of new documentary Michael Jackson: The Rise and Fall - set to air on BBC2 - the public service broadcaster was said to have 'banned' the artist; something a spokesperson has since denied.

A rep said: "It is not true that Michael Jackson has been dropped off the Radio 2 playlist - which is new releases - as he hasn’t been featured on it.

"We don’t ban songs or artists and Michael Jackson, like any other artist could, be played on BBC Radio - as we have said, we consider each piece of music on its merits and decisions on what we play on different networks are always made with relevant audiences and context in mind."

Has Michael Jackson's music been banned from radio in New Zealand?

Jackson's back catalogue has officially been dropped from all MediaWorks Radio stations in New Zealand in light of the documentary.

Company Director of Radio Leon Wratt released a statement explaining: "Michael Jackson isn't currently on any MediaWorks Radio stations' playlists."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Radio NZ told CNN it would only play Michael Jackson's music as 'part of a news story or to provide colour around a commentary piece.'

What is the Stop Leaving Neverland petition?

Some Michael Jackson fans were against the premiering of Leaving Neverland at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year; starting a #StopLeavingNeverlandNOW hashtag and petition asking for the documentary to be pulled.

What did Louis Theroux say about the Michael Jackson abuse claims?

Speaking to LadBible in light of the new claims of sexual abuse, documentary maker Louis Theroux explained he 'accepts' Jackson is a 'serial predator.'

"Jimmy Savile was never found guilty of anything in a court of law," he said. "But I think it's widely accepted – I certainly accept – that he was a serial predator and a sex offender.

"I believe that Michael Jackson was a paedophile. He was never found guilty in a court of law, so someone would come back to me and say, 'Well he's innocent until proven guilty' – to which I would say, 'Well, look, do some research and I think you'll find that the evidence is compelling.'"

What did Corey Feldman say about the Michael Jackson abuse claims?

American actor Corey Feldman - a former friend of Michael Jackson - has clarified a series of tweets he posted which seemingly defended the star.

After he deemed Leaving Neverland '1 sided' and claimed his memories of Jackson were 'mostly fond,' he spoke to CNN in defense of his words.

Corey explained: "I want to be very clear. I stand for any and all victims of sexual abuse or assault.

"As a survivor and someone who has been fighting for this to become a focal topic of our society for decades and is fighting diligently to abolish the statutes of limitations across the country, I applaud all victims for letting their voices be heard and I encourage the public debate to continue."

What has Celebrity Big Brother's Roxanne Pallett said about the Michael Jackson abuse claims?

Breaking her eight-month social media silence, CBB star Roxanne Pallett jumped to Jackson's defense.

Claiming she backs the star and does not believe Robson and Safechuck, she tweeted: "Just because you read it in a magazine or see it on the TV screen, don’t make it factual...' (Lyrics Junkie) #michaeljackson #mjinnocent #mjfam" [sic].

What is Finding Neverland?

The title of 2004 movie Finding Neverland, starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, is often confused for Leaving Neverland: Michael Jackson and Me. It is, obviously, in no way associated with Michael Jackson or the 2019 documentary.

How to stream Leaving Neverland online without Channel 4 or HBO

Not legally possible, sorry hun.

What is Michael Jackson's Instagram?

The singer's official Instagram account is @michaeljackson. No reference to the Leaving Neverland documentary has been made.

What is Michael Jackson's Twitter?

Jackson's official Twitter account can be found @michaeljackson. Again, no reference to the documentary has been made on the social media platform.

Will Thriller Live - the Michael Jackson musical on London's West End - continue?

There are no plans to end Thriller Live's West End stay at Lyric Theatre, London following the broadcast of Leaving Neverland.

Will there be a Leaving Neverland: Michael Jackson and Me sequel?

Director Dan Reed has teased a sequel to Leaving Neverland, featuring the stories of other men who've made accusations against the star.

Speaking to the Mirror about the prospect of a follow-up involving Jordan Chandler and Gavin Arvizo, Reed said: "What’s interesting is to look at the Jordan Chandler civil case and criminal trial.

"Those are two films I’d like to make. But Gavin and Jordan would have to come forward."

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