Michael Jackson’s nephew defends him against new abuse allegations

As a result of the claims featured in the documentary, three major radio stations in Canada have pulled Michael Jackson songs from their playlist following the audience response.

The family and estate of Jackson, who died in 2009, have said the documentary spreads lies about the musician.

His relatives called the documentary a “public lynching” and said he was “100% innocent”.

His estate said it was a “rehash of dated and discredited allegations” and filed a lawsuit against HBO in February, saying it breached a 1992 agreement that the channel would not belittle Jackson.

His brothers have spoken against the documentary but his sister Janet has stayed silent, with the family saying she does not want to give more “energy” to the allegations contained within it.

Director Dan Reed has defended Leaving Neverland and claims it shows the singer was very different from his “Peter Pan-ish image”.

Jackson was accused of molesting 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo, conspiring to kidnap him and his family and giving him alcohol, but was found not guilty of all charges following a high-profile four-month trial in 2005.

In 1994, the singer settled a sexual abuse lawsuit concerning another 13 year-old boy. – bbc.com