Crime

Michael Jackson’s family speaks out about ‘Leaving Neverland’ documentary

ROLLINGOUT.COM — The Jackson family is claiming Michael Jackson was “naive” about children but wasn’t an abuser.

Published

6 years ago

March 7, 2019

Oakland Post

By Rollingout.com

The Jackson family is claiming Michael Jackson was “naive” about children but wasn’t an abuser.

The late King of Pop’s siblings, Tito, Marlon, and Jackie Jackson, and his nephew Taj have addressed the controversial “Leaving Neverland” documentary, which features allegations from Wade Robson and James Safechuck that Jackson sexually abused them as children.

Tito’s son Taj, 45, has claimed that the family does not wish to “put more energy” into the claims against their late relative — who died in 2009 — because they don’t want to draw more attention to the documentary.

During their appearance on “CBS This Morning,” Taj said: “There’s a fear to put more energy [in]to it and more eyeballs to it.

“That’s why Janet [his aunt] hasn’t said anything, because she doesn’t want to make it any bigger.”

The siblings stated that they know the “Thriller” hitmaker was not a sexual predator and accused the documentary, which is due to air later this month, of spinning lies.

Jackie, 67, said: “I don’t have to see the documentary … I know my brother. I know what he stood for, what he was all about. … People that really know him, they know the truth.”

Marlon, 61, added: “This documentary is not telling the truth. “There has not been one piece of evidence that corroborates their story.”

Taj went on to explain that he believes the “Billie Jean” singer had a “naivete” about how “odd” it was for him to sleep in the same bed as the children who stayed at his Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, but insisted that it was “very innocent.”

He said: “I grew up in it, so for me, it wasn’t odd. You know, I think, to the outside world, yes, I think it can be odd. I mean, I’m not oblivious to what it sounds like.

“But when you’re actually there in that atmosphere and you’re around it, and you’re watching movies with his kids, whether it’s Little Rascals or Three Stooges, and you’re watching these things, it’s like, it’s very innocent.”

Taj added that he believes the accusers have filmed “Leaving Neverland” for the money despite their insistence they will not profit from the film.

He said: “It’s always been about money. I hate to say it when it’s my uncle, it’s almost like they see a blank check.”

Robson alleged he was sexually abused by Michael from the age of 7 until 14, while Safechuck — who previously testified on Jackson‘s behalf when he was accused of sexual abuse in 1993 — claimed he was a victim from the age of 10 until he hit puberty.

Jackson’s fans have hit out at the allegations in the documentary and hours after it premiered, Jackson’s estate lashed out at Safechuck and Robson, calling them “perjurers” and “admitted liars.” Jackson’s estate is reportedly suing HBO, which produced the movie with Channel 4.

The movie’s director, Dan Reed, has defended his decision to air the movie and claimed that it shows the other side of what he called Jackson’s “Peter Pan-ish image.”

This article originally appeared in Rollingout.com.

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The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of June 18 – 24, 2025

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Since his release over five years ago, Richard has committed himself to making a difference, particularly by reaching out to women and families who lack the presence of a father or husband. He knows he cannot undo the years lost behind prison walls, but he is determined to use his past to build a better future for others. His story mirrors that of many who have walked a similar path. Yet, it remains uniquely his own – a testament to the power of change, resilience, and the belief that even from tragedy, something good can emerge.

Published

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Richard Johnson and son Fati. Courtesy photo.

“California’s three-strike laws gave me 2 life sentences for drug possession. After serving 28 years, mostly in solitary confinement, I am free to lead a movement to get the formerly incarcerated to give back.”

By Richard Johnson

I have written this book in hopes of being able to help others from not traveling down the path that leads to imprisonment or a cemetery. At the very beginning of writing this book, it began as a message to my son Fati Yero Gaidi, who was only two years old at the time that I was given two life sentences in prison for drug possession, under the newly implemented three-strikes-you-out law. The more that I wrote, the book began to evolve beyond its intended purpose for my son; it became something that any and everyone could utilize on their separate journeys through life challenges that we encounter. The book helped me put my thoughts, reasoning, perceptions, and views on display, while opening doors that, for the most part, were closed. The book can be purchased via Amazon. Learning life lessons.

About the Author

By Post staff

Richard “Razor” Johnson, 74, is a man whose life journey is marked by hard-earned wisdom, redemption, and an unshakable commitment to guiding the next generation. Once sentenced to life under California’s Three Strikes Law, he was released through what he calls nothing short of divine intervention. His time behind bars, particularly in Pelican Bay State Prison, gave him a new raw and unfiltered understanding of life’s hardest truths.

With the realization that time is precious and the future is shaped by the lessons we learn, Richard writes with urgency and purpose. His book—a 300-page labor of love—is dedicated to young men who may not have a father to teach them the meaning of life’s most important words. Through definitions filled with wisdom, experience, and deep personal insight, he offers direction to those who find themselves lost, just as he once was.

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Post publishers Paul and Gay Cobb visited Johnson in San Quentin and attended his graduation while he was in prison. He became a columnist with the Post News Group and has continued his advocacy for the formerly incarcerated by urging them to “give something back”. Johnson says he will be speaking at prisons, colleges, and media outlets to help organize voter registration and community service projects.