Michael Jackson's estate dismiss "pathetic" new documentary alleging abuse

10 January 2019, 11:50

The King of Pop is the subject of a controversial new film.

Michael Jackson's estate has hit out at a documentary that alleges the late singer sexually abused children.

Leaving Neverland premieres at the Sundance Film Festival later this month, and includes interviews with two alleged victims of Jackson.

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"This is yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson," his estate said.

Two men appear in the film saying they were aged seven and 10 when Jackson became friends with them and their families.

Now aged over 30, they claim that they were sexually abused by the Jackson.

Back in 2003, police raided Jackson's Neverland Ranch in California, while they investigated allegations Jackson had assaulted a 13-year-old boy.

However, the case went to trial and Jackson was acquitted of all charges in 2005.

The documentary's synopsis reads: "Through gut-wrenching interviews with the now-adult men and their families, Leaving Neverland crafts a portrait of sustained exploitation and deception, documenting the power of celebrity that allowed a revered figure to infiltrate the lives of starstruck children and their parents."