Leaving Neverland

*Leaving Neverland* is a 2019 documentary directed by Dan Reed that centres on the personal accounts of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, two men who allege they were sexually abused as children by Michael Jackson. The film is nearly four hours long and unfolds almost entirely through in‑depth interviews with the men and their families, creating an intimate, testimonial style rather than relying on dramatic reconstructions or external commentary. The documentary follows both men as they describe how they met Jackson, how their families became involved in his world, and how what initially appeared to be a dreamlike friendship with a global superstar allegedly developed into sexual abuse. Their families recount how they were drawn into Jackson’s orbit, often unaware of what the boys say was happening behind closed doors. The storytelling is deliberately straightforward, focusing on the emotional and psychological impact of the allegations and the long‑term effects the men say they carried into adulthood. After premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, the film aired on HBO in two parts and later on Channel 4 in the UK. It received critical acclaim, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special, though public reaction was mixed and often polarised. The documentary sparked widespread debate, a reassessment of Jackson’s legacy in some circles, and significant media attention due to the seriousness of the allegations and the prominence of the figure involved.