Leaving Neverland#Controversy

Director Dan Reed described Leaving Neverland as a "study of the psychology of child sexual abuse, told through two ordinary families ... groomed for twenty years by a pedophile masquerading as a trusted friend."{{cite news |last=Reed |first=Dan |author-link=Dan Reed (director) |publication-date=March 10, 2019 |title=I’m shocked by those who still won’t accept Michael Jackson as abuser |work=The Guardian |location=London, England |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/10/dan-reed-shocked-those-wont-accept-michael-jackson-abuser |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303161815/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/10/dan-reed-shocked-those-wont-accept-michael-jackson-abuser |url-status=live |access-date=March 3, 2025}} In the film, Wade Robson and James Safechuck allege that Jackson sexually abused them when they were children{{ndash}}Safechuck from 1988 to 1992 and Robson from 1990 to 1996. They give graphic descriptions of Jackson's alleged sex acts, including masturbation, oral sex and anal sex, which they say took place at his home, Neverland Ranch, and other locations.

Robson and Safechuck claim that Jackson said these acts were "romantic", and that they did not realize they were inappropriate until adulthood. Safechuck says Jackson once took him shopping for an engagement ring and later held a mock wedding. He began therapy in 2013 and recalled his trauma for the first time. Safechuck's mother Stephanie describes feeling elated and dancing upon hearing of Jackson's death in 2009. Robson says Jackson told him to distrust women. Both men claimed that Jackson tried pushing them away from their families and "brainwashing" them. Jackson allegedly sent the two men love letters and set up security systems at Neverland to prevent other people from witnessing the abuse.

Safechuck says Jackson eventually replaced him with Brett Barnes; Robson claims he was replaced by the actor Macaulay Culkin, who is two years older, because Jackson preferred prepubescent boys. Robson says he was given Jackson memorabilia as a child, and is photographed burning the items.

{{Main|1993 Michael Jackson sexual abuse allegations}}

In 1993, Jackson was accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy, Jordan Chandler. Jackson denied the claims and settled the case out of court for US$23 million.{{cite news |last=Steinhaus |first=Rochelle |publication-date=June 16, 2004 |title=Jackson settlement from 1993 allegations topped $20 million |work=CNN |publisher=Court TV |location=Atlanta, Georgia |url=https://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/06/16/michael.jackson/ |archive-date=August 18, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040818011752/https://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/06/16/michael.jackson/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 3, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Sisario |first=Ben |author-link=Ben Sisario |publication-date=January 31, 2019 |title=What We Know About Michael Jackson’s History of Sexual Abuse Accusations |work=The New York Times |location=New York, New York |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/31/arts/music/michael-jackson-timeline-sexual-abuse-accusations.html |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303171426/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/31/arts/music/michael-jackson-timeline-sexual-abuse-accusations.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=March 3, 2025}} No charges were filed after a criminal investigation due to a lack of evidence and testimony from Chandler.{{cite news |last=Booth |first=William |publication-date=March 3, 2019 |title=‘Jury Acquits Jackson’: How the King of Pop’s child molestation trial was reported in 2005 |work=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2019/03/03/jury-acquits-jackson-how-king-pops-child-molestation-trial-was-reported/ |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303172428/https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2019/03/03/jury-acquits-jackson-how-king-pops-child-molestation-trial-was-reported/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 3, 2025}}{{cite magazine |last=McDonell-Parry |first=Amelia |title=Michael Jackson Child Sexual Abuse Allegations: A Timeline |publication-date=January 29, 2019 |magazine=Rolling Stone |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |location=New York, New York |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/michael-jackson-child-sexual-abuse-allegations-timeline-785746/ |url-status=live |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303172917/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/michael-jackson-child-sexual-abuse-allegations-timeline-785746/ |access-date=March 3, 2025}} In 1996, Jackson made an out-of-court settlement with the mother of another boy, Jason Francia, for more than US$2 million, who, in 1993, previously told police that Jackson never molested him.{{cite news |last=Glaister |first=Dan |publication-date=April 4, 2005 |title=Jackson abused me and gave me money to keep silent, witness says |work=The Guardian |location=Santa Maria, California |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/apr/05/michaeljacksontrial.music |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303200552/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/apr/05/michaeljacksontrial.music |url-status=live |access-date=March 3, 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Pfeifer |first1=Stuart |last2=Chawkins |first2=Steve |publication-date=April 5, 2005 |title=Maid’s Son Testifies Jackson Molested Him |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-apr-05-me-jackson5-story.html |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303200918/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-apr-05-me-jackson5-story.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=March 3, 2025}} The Francias never filed a lawsuit.{{cite news |last=Elsworth |first=Catherine |publication-date=April 5, 2005 |title=Jackson put his hand inside my trousers, says ex-maid's son |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=Santa Maria, California |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/1487168/Jackson-put-his-hand-inside-my-trousers-says-ex-maids-son.html |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118115825/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/1487168/Jackson-put-his-hand-inside-my-trousers-says-ex-maids-son.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 3, 2025}} In 2005, Jackson was criminally tried for several counts of child molestation following concerns raised in the 2003 documentary Living with Michael Jackson. In that film, he was seen holding hands with 12-year-old Gavin Arvizo and talked about sharing a bed with him. Jackson was acquitted of all charges.

Robson states in his 2013 complaint that he had suffered two nervous breakdowns in April 2011 and March 2012.{{cite news |last=Rao |first=Sonia |publication-date=March 5, 2019 |title=Who is Wade Robson? The choreographer accuses Michael Jackson of sexual abuse in ‘Leaving Neverland.’ |work=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/03/05/who-is-wade-robson-choreographer-accuses-michael-jackson-sexual-abuse-finding-neverland/ |archive-date=March 4, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250304015714/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/03/05/who-is-wade-robson-choreographer-accuses-michael-jackson-sexual-abuse-finding-neverland/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=March 4, 2025}}{{cite magazine |last=Desta |first=Yohana |title=Leaving Neverland: What Was Wade Robson Burning in the End-Credits Sequence? |publication-date=March 5, 2019 |magazine=Vanity Fair |publisher=Condé Nast |location=New York, New York |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/03/leaving-neverland-wade-robson-end-credits?srsltid=AfmBOooFNUist2jT05qpZS7lwB59NjQNGrL6Ei6OG5NYbLRJJao0la-I |url-status=live |archive-date=March 4, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250304020421/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/03/leaving-neverland-wade-robson-end-credits?srsltid=AfmBOooFNUist2jT05qpZS7lwB59NjQNGrL6Ei6OG5NYbLRJJao0la-I |access-date=March 4, 2025}}{{cite web |title=Wade Robson vs. Doe 1 et al. — Case number: BC508502 |website=Los Angeles County Superior Court |publication-date=November 6, 2014 |url=https://www.lacourt.org/casesummary/ui/casesummary.aspx?#EVT81 |access-date=March 3, 2025}} In 2013, Robson filed a lawsuit alleging that Jackson had sexually abused him for seven years, beginning when he was seven years old; the suit was reportedly worth US$1.5 billion.{{cite magazine |last=Reilly |first=Dan |title=The 8 Biggest Takeaways From Oprah’s After Neverland Special |publication-date=March 5, 2019 |magazine=Vulture, New York |publisher=Vox Media |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/03/leaving-neverland-oprah-michael-jackson.html |url-status=live |archive-date=March 4, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250304022015/https://www.vulture.com/2019/03/leaving-neverland-oprah-michael-jackson.html |access-date=March 4, 2025}}{{cite AV media |people=Wade Robson |interviewer-last=Lauer |interviewer-first=Matt |interviewer-link=Matt Lauer |title=Choreographer: Michael Jackson ‘sexually abused me’ |date=May 16, 2013 |type=Television production |location=New York, New York |publisher=The Today Show |url=https://www.today.com/video/choreographer-michael-jackson-sexually-abused-me-30450243877 |archive-date=March 4, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250304034228/https://www.today.com/video/choreographer-michael-jackson-sexually-abused-me-30450243877 |url-status=live |access-date=March 4, 2025}} The following year, Safechuck filed a lawsuit alleging he was sexually abused by Jackson over four years, beginning when he was ten years old.{{cite news |last=Kuo |first=Christopher |publication-date=August 18, 2023 |title=Sexual Abuse Suits Against Michael Jackson’s Companies Are Revived |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/18/arts/music/michael-jackson-sexual-abuse-lawsuits.html |archive-date=March 4, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250304035247/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/18/arts/music/michael-jackson-sexual-abuse-lawsuits.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 4, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Selby |first=Jenn |publication-date=August 7, 2014 |title=Michael Jackson hit with new child sex abuse claims more than five years after his death |work=The Independent |location=London, England |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/michael-jackson-hit-with-new-sex-abuse-claims-five-years-after-his-death-9650832.html?dkdk |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305005830/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/michael-jackson-hit-with-new-sex-abuse-claims-five-years-after-his-death-9650832.html?dkdk |url-status=live |access-date=March 5, 2025}} Safechuck said he realized he was abused by Jackson after seeing Robson on The Today Show in 2013. A probate court dismissed Safechuck's suit in 2017.{{cite magazine |last1=Tracy |first1=Brianne |last2=Green |first2=Mary |title=Alleged Jackson Victim Admits He Still Feels Protective of Michael: 'I Felt Like I Let Him Down' |publication-date=March 1, 2019 |magazine=People |publisher=Dotdash Meredith |location=New York, New York |url=https://people.com/music/alleged-michael-jackson-victim-still-feels-protective-of-him/ |url-status=live |archive-date=March 4, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250304023146/https://people.com/music/alleged-michael-jackson-victim-still-feels-protective-of-him/ |access-date=March 4, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Hoffman |first=Matthew |publication-date=November 20, 2019 |title=Breaking Down the Law: The new lawsuit against Michael Jackson's estate |work=KSNV |publisher=Sinclair Broadcast Group |location=Las Vegas, Nevada |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/breaking-down-the-law-the-new-lawsuit-against-michael-jacksons-estate |archive-date=March 4, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250304023836/https://news3lv.com/news/local/breaking-down-the-law-the-new-lawsuit-against-michael-jacksons-estate |url-status=live |access-date=March 4, 2025}} Both men had previously testified that Jackson never molested them—Safechuck as a child during the 1993 investigation, and Robson as a child in 1993 and as a young adult in 2005.{{cite news |last=Broder |first=John M. |publication-date=May 6, 2005 |title=2 Witnesses Say They Shared Jackson's Bed and Were Never Molested |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/06/us/2-witnesses-say-they-shared-jacksons-bed-and-were-never-molested.html |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305010144/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/06/us/2-witnesses-say-they-shared-jacksons-bed-and-were-never-molested.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=March 5, 2025}}{{cite magazine |last=Sperling |first=Nicole |title=“Michael Is Everywhere”: Two Michael Jackson Accusers Explain Why They’re Speaking Out in HBO’s Leaving Neverland |publication-date=February 21, 2019 |magazine=Vanity Fair |publisher=Condé Nast |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/02/michael-jackson-accusers-explain-speaking-out-hbo-leaving-neverland |url-status=live |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305010502/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/02/michael-jackson-accusers-explain-speaking-out-hbo-leaving-neverland |access-date=March 5, 2025}}

In 2015, Robson's case against Jackson's estate was dismissed because it was "untimely." His attorney, Maryann Marzano, said they would appeal the ruling and that they would pursue Jackson's business entities.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |publication-date=May 28, 2015 |title=Child sex abuse claims against Michael Jackson's estate ruled to be too late |work=The Guardian |location=London, England |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/may/28/child-sex-abuse-claims-against-michael-jacksons-estate-ruled-to-be-too-late |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305011519/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/may/28/child-sex-abuse-claims-against-michael-jacksons-estate-ruled-to-be-too-late |url-status=live |access-date=March 5, 2025}}{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |publication-date=December 20, 2017 |title=Michael Jackson Sex Abuse Lawsuit Dismissed |work=Voice of America |location=Washington, D.C. |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/michael-jackson-sex-abuse-lawsuit-dismissed/4172010.html |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305011659/https://www.voanews.com/a/michael-jackson-sex-abuse-lawsuit-dismissed/4172010.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 5, 2025}} In 2017, it was ruled that the corporations formerly owned by Jackson could not be held accountable for his alleged past actions.{{cite news |last=Dalton |first=Andrew |publication-date=December 20, 2017 |title=APNewsBreak: Michael Jackson Sex Abuse Lawsuit Dismissed |work=U.S. News & World Report |publisher=Associated Press |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/entertainment/articles/2017-12-19/apnewsbreak-michael-jackson-sex-abuse-lawsuit-dismissed |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305012245/https://www.usnews.com/news/entertainment/articles/2017-12-19/apnewsbreak-michael-jackson-sex-abuse-lawsuit-dismissed |url-status=live |access-date=March 5, 2025}} The rulings were appealed because of a change in California law that extended that statutes of limitation. On October 20, 2020, Safechuck's lawsuit against Jackson's corporations was again dismissed, with the presiding judge ruling that as a matter of law, Jackson's companies had no duty to keep Safechuck safe from Jackson's alleged predation.{{cite news |last=Kanter |first=Jake |publication-date=October 21, 2020 |title=‘Leaving Neverland’ Director Dan Reed Fights Subpoenas As He Shoots Sequel To Channel 4/HBO’s Michael Jackson Film |work=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/leaving-neverland-director-dan-reed-shooting-follow-up-film-1234599714/ |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305012801/https://deadline.com/2020/10/leaving-neverland-director-dan-reed-shooting-follow-up-film-1234599714/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 5, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Feldman |first=Kate |publication-date=October 21, 2020 |title=Michael Jackson estate tries to block documentarian from filming ‘Leaving Neverland’ sequel: report |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2020/10/21/michael-jackson-estate-tries-to-block-documentarian-from-filming-leaving-neverland-sequel-report/ |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305152020/https://www.nydailynews.com/2020/10/21/michael-jackson-estate-tries-to-block-documentarian-from-filming-leaving-neverland-sequel-report/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 5, 2025}} On April 26, 2021, Robson's case was dismissed because of a lack of supporting evidence that the defendants exercised control over Jackson.{{cite news |last=Dalton |first=Andrew |publication-date=April 26, 2021 |title=Judge tosses lawsuit of man who alleged Jackson molestation |work=ABC News |publisher=American Broadcasting Company |location=New York, New York |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/judge-tosses-lawsuit-man-alleged-jackson-molestation-77329272 |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407183716/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/judge-tosses-lawsuit-man-alleged-jackson-molestation-77329272 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 5, 2025}} In 2023, an appellate court overturned the decisions and allowed both cases to move to a jury trial.{{cite news |last=Aratani |first=Lauren |publication-date=August 19, 2023 |title=Lawsuits from two Michael Jackson accusers can move to trial, court rules |work=The Guardian |location=London, England |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/aug/19/michael-jackson-lawsuit-leaving-neverland-hbo-documentary |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305152707/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/aug/19/michael-jackson-lawsuit-leaving-neverland-hbo-documentary |url-status=live |access-date=March 5, 2025}}

Leaving Neverland was conceived by Channel 4 editors. After Reed produced enough material to make a four-hour film, HBO joined the production.{{cite magazine |last=Keslassy |first=Elsa |title=‘Leaving Neverland’ Sets Streaming Record for U.K.’s Channel 4 |publication-date=March 12, 2019 |magazine=Variety |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/leaving-neverland-michael-jackson-channel-4-streaming-record-1203161163/ |url-status=live |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305155127/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/leaving-neverland-michael-jackson-channel-4-streaming-record-1203161163/ |access-date=March 5, 2025}} He felt the length was necessary to present the story "in a way that makes it fully understandable in all its complexity." Reed said he did not use the film to comment on Jackson's actions or motivations and did not want to interview other key figures because they might complicate or compromise the story he wanted to tell.{{cite web |author= |title=Q&A with Dan Reed director of Leaving Neverland: Michael Jackson and Me |website=Channel 4 |publication-date=February 25, 2019 |url=https://www.channel4.com/press/news/qa-dan-reed-director-leaving-neverland-michael-jackson-and-me |archive-date=March 4, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250304024718/https://www.channel4.com/press/news/qa-dan-reed-director-leaving-neverland-michael-jackson-and-me |url-status=live |access-date=March 4, 2025}} The UK version of the film was trimmed by 47 minutes.

In February 2017, Reed and the assistant producer Marguerite Gaudin flew to Hawaii to interview Robson, who agreed to tell his story chronologically and without omitting details. A camera failed shortly after shooting began, but a solution was found; shooting continued until nighttime and continued throughout the second day. Reed traveled to Los Angeles later that week to shoot Safechuck's story in two days.{{cite magazine |last=Carr |first=Flora |title=Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed: 'Michael Jackson groomed young boys — and their mothers' |publication-date=March 8, 2019 |magazine=Radio Times |publisher=Hubert Burda Media |location=London, England |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/documentaries/leaving-neverland-michael-jackson-director-dan-reed/ |url-status=live |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305160336/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/documentaries/leaving-neverland-michael-jackson-director-dan-reed/ |access-date=March 5, 2025}} Reed said that Robson, Safechuck, and their families received no financial compensation for the film.{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Aisha |author-link=Aisha Harris |publication-date=March 4, 2019 |title=In ‘After Neverland,’ Oprah Winfrey Processes Michael Jackson Allegations |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/04/arts/television/oprah-michael-jackson.html |url-access=subscription |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305161657/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/04/arts/television/oprah-michael-jackson.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 5, 2025}}

After filming, Reed returned to London and began corroborating the stories. Wondering how Robson's and Safechuck's mothers could have allowed their sons to be abused, he returned to Los Angeles in November 2017 and interviewed their families. The interview in which Safechuck discusses and shows the wedding ring was filmed in July 2018.{{cite magazine |last=Garrett |first=Stephen |title=‘Leaving Neverland’ Director Dan Reed Talks Michael Jackson Allegations, #MeToo |publication-date=January 29, 2019 |magazine=Rolling Stone |location=New York, New York |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/leaving-neverland-director-dan-reed-michael-jackson-interview-785817/ |url-status=live |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305170407/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/leaving-neverland-director-dan-reed-michael-jackson-interview-785817/ |access-date=March 5, 2025}} Reed decided that footage he had shot of former detectives and prosecutors from the 1993 case and the 2005 trial was unnecessary. Reed was unable to contact Jordan Chandler for the documentary and assumed he preferred to remain private. Reed also said the Chandler and Arvizo stories could form the basis for a second documentary.{{cite magazine |last=Low |first=Elaine |title=‘Leaving Neverland’ Director Open to Potential Sequel to Controversial Michael Jackson Doc |publication-date=February 19, 2019 |magazine=Variety |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/leaving-neverland-michael-jackson-sequel-1203142185/ |url-status=live |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305171003/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/leaving-neverland-michael-jackson-sequel-1203142185/ |access-date=March 5, 2025}}

The documentary was scored by Chad Hobson. His approach was to "imagine a walk through a beautiful and magical forest ... But as you travel deeper into the forest it becomes darker, more distorted, the limbs of the trees becoming more twisted and sinister."{{cite magazine |last=Burlingame |first=Jon |title=‘Leaving Neverland,’ ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ Composers on How They Scored Sexual Abuse Docs |publication-date= |magazine=Variety |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/leaving-neverland-surviving-r-kelly-music-score-composers-interview-1203167261/ |url-status=live |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305171938/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/leaving-neverland-surviving-r-kelly-music-score-composers-interview-1203167261/ |access-date=March 5, 2025}}

Leaving Neverland premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2019. For television, it was split into two parts, broadcast on March 3{{ndash}}4 on HBO in the US and on March 6{{ndash}}7 on Channel 4 in the UK.{{cite news |last=White |first=Peter |publication-date=March 4, 2019 |title=‘Leaving Neverland’ Goes Global After Kew Media Sells Controversial Michael Jackson Doc Into 130 Territories |work=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://deadline.com/2019/03/leaving-neverland-goes-global-1202568761/ |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305191738/https://deadline.com/2019/03/leaving-neverland-goes-global-1202568761/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 5, 2025}} The Channel 4 version was edited from four hours to three to create space for commercials. It broke Channel 4 streaming records and became the most downloaded Channel 4 show ever, taking a 45% share of young television audiences. An audience of 2.1 million watched Part 1 on Channel 4, and 1.9 million watched Part 2;{{cite news |last=White |first=Peter |publication-date=March 7, 2019 |title=Channel 4 Scores 2.1M Viewers For Michael Jackson Doc ‘Leaving Neverland’ As UK Ratings Top U.S. Numbers |work=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://deadline.com/2019/03/channel-4-leaving-neverland-ratings-1202571206/ |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305194007/https://deadline.com/2019/03/channel-4-leaving-neverland-ratings-1202571206/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 5, 2025}}{{cite magazine |last=Clarke |first=Stewart |title=‘Leaving Neverland’ Draws 2 Million Viewers in U.K. as Jackson Fans Protest |publication-date=March 8, 2019 |magazine=Variety |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/michael-jackson-leaving-neverland-ratings-protest-hbo-channel-4-1203158273/ |url-status=live |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250305194805/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/michael-jackson-leaving-neverland-ratings-protest-hbo-channel-4-1203158273/ |access-date=March 5, 2025}} after 28-days of catch-up viewing, improving substantially to 5 million and 4 million respectively.{{cite web |title=Weekly top 50 shows, 04 Mar 2019–10 Mar 2019 |website=Broadcasters' Audience Research Board |url=https://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/most-viewed-programmes/ |access-date=March 6, 2025 |quote=In regards to Channel 4 (UK): Part one is ranked 24 on the list with 5,067,742 views. The second part is ranked 43 with 4,054,758 views. }} In the US, Part 1 drew a 0.4 rating and 1.285 million viewers, the third-largest audience for an HBO documentary in the decade, behind only Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief and Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. Part 2 drew a 0.3 rating and 927,000 viewers in its initial airing.{{cite news |last=Petski |first=Denise |publication-date=March 6, 2019 |title=‘Leaving Neverland’ Documentary Draws Solid Ratings For HBO |work=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://deadline.com/2019/03/leaving-neverland-documentary-ratings-hbo-michael-jackson-1202570489/ |archive-date=March 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306061116/https://deadline.com/2019/03/leaving-neverland-documentary-ratings-hbo-michael-jackson-1202570489/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 6, 2025}}{{cite magazine |last=Porter |first=Rick |title=‘Leaving Neverland’ Draws HBO’s Third-Largest Doc Audience in a Decade |publication-date=March 5, 2019 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |publisher=Penske Media Corporation, Eldridge Industries |location=Los Angeles, California |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/leaving-neverland-ratings-third-largest-hbo-doc-2010s-1192299/ |url-status=live |archive-date=March 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306061547/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/leaving-neverland-ratings-third-largest-hbo-doc-2010s-1192299/ |access-date=March 6, 2025}}

Kew Media Group sold the documentary to channels in 130 territories. In New Zealand, the first episode was watched by 716,000, making it one of the most-watched broadcasts in the country's history not dealing with sports or news.{{cite news |author= |publication-date=March 10, 2019 |title=Leaving Neverland: Divisive Michael Jackson documentary rakes in massive audience for TVNZ |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=New Zealand Media and Entertainment |location=Auckland, New Zealand |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/leaving-neverland-divisive-michael-jackson-documentary-rakes-in-massive-audience-for-tvnz/HNOUQNDWKDHXNGXM4OSFT7HCCY/?c_id=1501119&objectid=12211519 |archive-date=March 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306064018/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/leaving-neverland-divisive-michael-jackson-documentary-rakes-in-massive-audience-for-tvnz/HNOUQNDWKDHXNGXM4OSFT7HCCY/?c_id=1501119&objectid=12211519 |url-status=live |access-date=March 6, 2025}} Dutch broadcaster VPRO referred viewers to the MIND Korrelatie organization for victims of sexual abuse, and attracted callers in large numbers.{{cite news |author= |publication-date=March 11, 2019 |title=Drie dagen na Michael Jacksondocu is het nog druk bij MIND Korrelatie |trans-title=Three days after Michael Jackson documentary, MIND Korrelatie is still busy |work=NOS Journaal |language=nl |publisher=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2275544-drie-dagen-na-michael-jacksondocu-is-het-nog-druk-bij-mind-korrelatie |archive-date=March 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306064453/https://nos.nl/artikel/2275544-drie-dagen-na-michael-jacksondocu-is-het-nog-druk-bij-mind-korrelatie |url-status=live |access-date=March 6, 2025}}

The American broadcast was followed by Oprah Winfrey Presents: After Neverland (recorded March 2, 2019), in which Robson, Safechuck, and Reed were interviewed by Oprah Winfrey before an audience of victims and their families.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-michael-jackson-documentary-oprah-20190301-story.html|title=Oprah Winfrey's intense interview with Michael Jackson accusers from 'Leaving Neverland'|last=Blake|first=Meredith|date=March 1, 2019|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=March 3, 2019|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306132439/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-michael-jackson-documentary-oprah-20190301-story.html|url-status=live}} Winfrey later spoke of the "hateration" she received from Jackson's supporters and others who criticized the film, yet said her support of the accusers has not wavered.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/oprah-winfrey-defends-her-interview-with-alleged-leaving-neverland-victims-the-daily-show-2477002|title=Oprah Winfrey defends her support for alleged 'Leaving Neverland' victims|last=Clarke|first=Patrick|date=2019-04-15|website=NME|access-date=2019-06-18|archive-date=April 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416051120/https://www.nme.com/news/music/oprah-winfrey-defends-her-interview-with-alleged-leaving-neverland-victims-the-daily-show-2477002|url-status=live}}

Channel One Russia planned to release the film on nighttime television on March 15, but relegated it to their website, available until March 20, because of "mixed reception, speculation, and aggression from both supporters and opponents of the film".{{cite web|url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3909775|title="Первый канал" перенес показ фильма о Майкле Джексоне на сайт|date=2019-03-14|website=www.kommersant.ru|language=ru|access-date=2019-06-09|archive-date=June 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626221957/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3909775|url-status=live}} A soundtrack album was released by Redrocca in the US and UK in digital format on April 1, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.awardsdaily.com/2019/05/12/leaving-neverland-composer-chad-hobson-interview/|title='Leaving Neverland' Composer Chad Hobson Reveals Why He Didn't Want to Release the Soundtrack|last=McLachlan|first=Megan|website=Awards Daily|date=13 May 2019|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=May 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515025035/http://www.awardsdaily.com/2019/05/12/leaving-neverland-composer-chad-hobson-interview/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Chad_Hobson_Leaving_Neverland_Original_Motion_Pict?id=Bxtuj7kyplatij7jps5ikomsai4|title=Leaving Neverland (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)|website=Google Play|date=1 April 2019|access-date=8 August 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/leaving-neverland-surviving-r-kelly-music-score-composers-interview-1203167261/|title='Leaving Neverland,' 'Surviving R. Kelly' Composers on How They Scored Sexual Abuse Docs|last=Burlingame|first=Jon|website=Variety|date=19 March 2019|access-date=8 August 2019|archive-date=March 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190319212420/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/leaving-neverland-surviving-r-kelly-music-score-composers-interview-1203167261/amp/|url-status=live}}

On Rotten Tomatoes, Leaving Neverland holds an approval rating of 98% based on 95 reviews, with an average score of 8/10. Its consensus states: "Crucial and careful, Leaving Neverland gives empathetic breadth and depth to the complicated afterlife of child sexual abuse as experienced by adult survivors." On Metacritic, it holds a weighted average of 85 out of 100, indicating "universal acclaim", based on 23 reviews.{{cite web|url = https://www.metacritic.com/tv/leaving-neverland|title = Leaving Neverland Reviews|website = Metacritic|publisher = CBS Interactive|access-date = March 3, 2019|archive-date = September 9, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200909192924/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/leaving-neverland|url-status = live}}

In Vanity Fair, Owen Gleiberman described Safechuck and Robson's stories as "overwhelmingly powerful and convincing".{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/leaving-neverland-review-michael-jackson-1203117883/|title=Film Review: 'Leaving Neverland'|first1=Owen|last1=Gleiberman|author-link=Owen Gleiberman|date=January 26, 2019|work=Variety|access-date=March 6, 2019|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428040247/https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/leaving-neverland-review-michael-jackson-1203117883/|url-status=live}} Hank Stuever of The Washington Post thought the documentary was "riveting" and "devastating", ending his review with a plea: "Turn off the music and listen to these men."{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/a-devastating-and-credible-leaving-neverland-will-turn-you-off-michael-jackson-for-good/2019/02/27/1b3809f4-393a-11e9-aaae-69364b2ed137_story.html|first=Hank|last=Stuever|author-link1=Hank Stuever|title=A devastating and credible Leaving Neverland|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=February 28, 2019|access-date=March 27, 2019|archive-date=February 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213145617/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/a-devastating-and-credible-leaving-neverland-will-turn-you-off-michael-jackson-for-good/2019/02/27/1b3809f4-393a-11e9-aaae-69364b2ed137_story.html|url-status=live}} Melanie McFarland of Salon believed the film's "intent isn't to merely grant these men and their families a platform to air their stories in all their painful fullness, but to place the viewer inside the perspectives of everyone who was taken in by the dream... it does leave the viewer in the thorny clarity of what we know now."{{cite web|first=Melanie|last=McFarland|url=https://www.salon.com/2019/03/03/letting-go-of-michael-jackson-leaving-neverland-wakes-us-from-a-false-dream/|title=Leaving Neverland wakes us from a false dream|website=Salon|date=March 3, 2019|access-date=March 26, 2019|archive-date=April 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410135212/https://www.salon.com/2019/03/03/letting-go-of-michael-jackson-leaving-neverland-wakes-us-from-a-false-dream/|url-status=live}} Matthew Gilbert of The Boston Globe wrote that the film was not "particularly imaginative", yet he admired how it chronicled Robson's and Safechuck's emotional narrative: "It accounts for every stage of their respective recoveries, which are still in progress, including their darkest feelings of fear, denial, and shame."{{Cite news|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/television/2019/02/28/michael-jackson-documentary-leaving-neverland-riveting-shattering/DC4pbr2dIQqTP5sub7c7zH/story.html|first=Matthew|last=Gilbert|title=Leaving Neverland is riveting, shattering|newspaper=The Boston Globe|date=February 28, 2019|access-date=March 27, 2019|archive-date=May 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518171131/https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/television/2019/02/28/michael-jackson-documentary-leaving-neverland-riveting-shattering/DC4pbr2dIQqTP5sub7c7zH/story.html|url-status=live}}

In Entertainment Weekly, Kristen Baldwin gave the film a B grade. She criticized it as "woefully one-sided" and concluded: "As a documentary, Leaving Neverland is a failure. As a reckoning, though, it is unforgettable."{{Cite news|first=Kristen|last=Baldwin|url=https://ew.com/tv-reviews/2019/02/21/leaving-neverland-review/|title=Leaving Neverland is brutal, powerful, and flawed|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=Meredith Corporation|location=New York City|date=February 21, 2019|access-date=February 21, 2019|archive-date=December 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205210249/https://ew.com/tv-reviews/2019/02/21/leaving-neverland-review/|url-status=live}} In The Hollywood Reporter, Daniel Fienberg wrote: Leaving Neverland is "about the 20+ years... Robson and Safechuck [held secrets, lied, covered up] — and the damage that can do — as it is about the alleged crimes." He concluded: "It's doubtful you'll feel exactly the same after watching."{{Cite magazine|first=Daniel|last=Feinberg|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/leaving-neverland-review-1179355|title='Leaving Neverland': TV Review {{!}} Sundance 2019|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|publisher=Valence Media|location=Los Angeles, California|date=January 25, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114092123/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/leaving-neverland-review-1179355|url-status=live}} The Daily Telegraph awarded it five out of five, describing it as "a horrifying picture of child abuse".{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2019/01/26/leaving-neverland-review-michael-jackson-victims-paint-horrifying/|title=Leaving Neverland, review: Michael Jackson 'victims' paint horrifying picture of child abuse|last=Mulkerrins|first=Jane|date=January 26, 2019|work=The Telegraph|access-date=January 28, 2019|issn=0307-1235|archive-date=March 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302171536/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2019/01/26/leaving-neverland-review-michael-jackson-victims-paint-horrifying/|url-status=live}}

David Fear wrote in Rolling Stone: "By offering these men a forum, this doc has clearly chosen a side. Yet the thoroughness with which it details this history of allegations, and the way it personalizes them to a startling degree, is hard to shake off."{{Cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-features/leaving-neverland-michael-jackson-doc-sundance-784801/|title='Leaving Neverland': Sundance's Michael Jackson Doc Leaves Audience Shellshocked|last=Fear|first=David|date=January 26, 2019|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129074411/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-features/leaving-neverland-michael-jackson-doc-sundance-784801/|url-status=live}} IndieWire's David Ehrlich wrote that the film was "dry" and "hardly great cinema", but a "crucial document for a culture that still can't see itself clearly in Michael Jackson's shadow".{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2019/01/leaving-neverland-review-michael-jackson-hbo-sundance-1202038317/|title='Leaving Neverland' Review: Devastating Four-Hour Doc Proves Michael Jackson Sexually Abused Children|last=Ehrlich|first=David|date=January 25, 2019|website=IndieWire|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204090945/https://www.indiewire.com/2019/01/leaving-neverland-review-michael-jackson-hbo-sundance-1202038317/|url-status=live}} Alissa Wilkinson described the documentary as "a devastating case" that "may forever" change Jackson's legacy.{{cite web|url = https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/2/27/18241432/leaving-neverland-review-michael-jackson-hbo-safechuck-robson|title = Leaving Neverland makes a devastating case against Michael Jackson|date = February 27, 2019|access-date = March 4, 2019|website = Vox|last = Wilkinson|first = Alissa|archive-date = April 21, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210421052227/https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/2/27/18241432/leaving-neverland-review-michael-jackson-hbo-safechuck-robson|url-status = live}} In the Chicago Sun-Times, Richard Roeper described it as a "devastating and undeniably persuasive film".{{cite news|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment/in-hbo-documentary-michael-jackson-is-possibly-a-molester-definitely-a-weirdo/|title=In HBO documentary, Michael Jackson is possibly a molester, definitely a weirdo|date=February 27, 2019|access-date=March 7, 2019|work=Chicago Sun Times|last=Roeper|first=Richard|authorlink=Richard Roeper|archive-date=March 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190318054032/https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment/in-hbo-documentary-michael-jackson-is-possibly-a-molester-definitely-a-weirdo/|url-status=live}} Leaving Neverland earned the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special{{cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |title=‘Leaving Neverland,’ ‘Springsteen on Broadway’ Win Creative Arts Emmys |publication-date=September 15, 2019 |magazine=Rolling Stone |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |location=New York, New York |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/springsteen-on-broadway-leaving-neverland-beyonce-creative-arts-emmys-884578/ |url-status=live |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303055913/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/springsteen-on-broadway-leaving-neverland-beyonce-creative-arts-emmys-884578/ |access-date=March 3, 2025}} and the TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in News and Information.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Meyer|date=2019-08-05|title=Fleabag Sweeps & Fosse/Verdon's Michelle Williams Wins at 2019 TCA Awards|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/fleabag-sweeps-and-fosse-verdons-michelle-williams-wins-at-2019-tca-awards|website=playbill.com|access-date=2019-08-07|archive-date=August 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807093208/http://www.playbill.com/article/fleabag-sweeps-and-fosse-verdons-michelle-williams-wins-at-2019-tca-awards|url-status=live}}

A 30-minute documentary rebutting the claims in the film, Neverland Firsthand: Investigating the Michael Jackson Documentary, was released on YouTube on March 30, 2019. It was directed by journalist Liam McEwan and features interviews with Jackson's family and colleagues.{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/5141785/neverland-firsthand/|title=Jackson family responds to 'Leaving Neverland' in 30-minute YouTube documentary|date=2019-04-08|website=globalnews.ca|language=en|access-date=2019-07-21|archive-date=July 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716195414/https://globalnews.ca/news/5141785/neverland-firsthand/|url-status=live}} It featured Jackson's niece Brandi Jackson, who dated Robson from 1991 onward for years. She has been countering Robson's claims and the narrative of Michael always being around him.{{cite magazine | title=Brandi Jackson on 'Neverland' and Wade Robson: 'It's Very Upsetting to See What He Would Do to a Friend' - Billboard | magazine=Billboard | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/features/8503375/brandi-jackson-on-leaving-neverland-and-wade-robson-relationship | access-date=2021-07-04 | archive-date=June 26, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626222001/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/features/8503375/brandi-jackson-on-leaving-neverland-and-wade-robson-relationship | url-status=live }} "Wade gives this narrative that he and Michael were always together. They weren’t. We used to go to the ranch, Wade and I and his family. We would go a few times a month. My uncle was never there. He was always on the road working and traveling." Another documentary challenging the film, Michael Jackson: Chase the Truth, was released on August 13.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/new-documentary-chase-truth-defending-michael-jackson-released-2538518|title=New documentary 'Chase The Truth' defending Michael Jackson is released|last=Trendell|first=Andrew|website=NME|date=August 15, 2019|access-date=2019-08-31|archive-date=August 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815165422/https://www.nme.com/news/music/new-documentary-chase-truth-defending-michael-jackson-released-2538518|url-status=live}} On August 13, 2019, parts of Robson's 2016 video deposition were released in an online video essay, Lies of Leaving Neverland.{{cite web|title=Michael Jackson Accuser Wade Robson's 2016 Deposition Released In Video Exposing 'Lies of Leaving Neverland'|url=https://theblast.com/c/michael-jackson-wade-robson-video-deposition-lies-leaving-neverland|date=2019-08-13|website=The Blast|language=en|access-date=2020-06-01|archive-date=May 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530231614/https://theblast.com/c/michael-jackson-wade-robson-video-deposition-lies-leaving-neverland|url-status=live}} The essay argues that his deposition statements contradict statements he made in Leaving Neverland.{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/michael-jackson-accuser-wade-robsons-224957776.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=tw|title=Michael Jackson Accuser Wade Robson's 2016 Deposition Released In Video Exposing 'Lies of Leaving Neverland'|last=Walters|first=Mike|website=Yahoo!|date=August 13, 2019|access-date=2019-08-31|archive-date=August 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814085847/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/michael-jackson-accuser-wade-robsons-224957776.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=tw|url-status=live}} Another documentary, Square One: Michael Jackson, examined the first accusations made against Jackson and made a case for his innocence, portraying him as a victim of tabloid journalism.{{Cite web |last=Vrieze |first=Atze De |date=October 18, 2019 |title=Nieuwe documentaire duikt in de eerste misbruikaanklacht tegen Michael Jackson |url=https://3voor12.vpro.nl/update~4880b5e7-1911-4637-85cf-db2ca0711d0d~nieuwe-documentaire-duikt-in-de-eerste-misbruikaanklacht-tegen-michael-jackson~.html |access-date=November 26, 2019 |website=3VOOR12 |language=nl |archive-date=December 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221133918/https://3voor12.vpro.nl/update~4880b5e7-1911-4637-85cf-db2ca0711d0d~nieuwe-documentaire-duikt-in-de-eerste-misbruikaanklacht-tegen-michael-jackson~.html |url-status=live }}

Leaving Neverland led to a media backlash against Jackson.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/04/media/reliable-sources-03-03-18/index.html|title='Leaving Neverland' sparks a re-examination of Michael Jackson's legacy|last=Stelter|first=Brian|website=CNN|date=March 4, 2019|access-date=June 11, 2019|archive-date=December 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207192017/https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/04/media/reliable-sources-03-03-18/index.html|url-status=live}} Commentators suggested Jackson's music could fall from favor, similarly to the work of convicted child sexual abuser Gary Glitter.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/dec/18/was-surprised-how-unceasing-the-abuse-was-fallout-leaving-neverland-michael-jackson-dan-reed|title='I was surprised how unceasing the abuse was': the fallout from Leaving Neverland|last=Freeman|first=Hadley|date=December 18, 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=December 18, 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=December 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218181811/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/dec/18/was-surprised-how-unceasing-the-abuse-was-fallout-leaving-neverland-michael-jackson-dan-reed|url-status=live}} Reed said he was not interested in this debate, and said: "I'm not about cancelling Jackson. But I think people should know that he was, at times, a monster to children."

All Cogeco-owned radio stations in Canada pulled Jackson's music from their playlists,{{cite web|url=https://ontheaside.com/music/quebec-radio-stations-have-pulled-michael-jackson-from-airwaves-following-leaving-neverland-allegations/|title=Quebec radio stations have pulled Michael Jackson from airwaves following "Leaving Neverland" allegations|date=2019-03-07|website=A.Side|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-11|archive-date=July 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721211054/https://ontheaside.com/music/quebec-radio-stations-have-pulled-michael-jackson-from-airwaves-following-leaving-neverland-allegations/|url-status=live}} but later re-added it.{{Cite web|url=https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2019/10/29/fin-du-boycott-de-michael-jackson|title=Fin du boycott de Michael Jackson|first=Marc-André|last=Lemieux|website=Le Journal de Montréal|date=October 29, 2019 |access-date=October 31, 2019|archive-date=January 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127202443/https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2019/10/29/fin-du-boycott-de-michael-jackson|url-status=live}} NH Radio in the Netherlands{{cite news|url=https://nltimes.nl/2019/03/06/first-dutch-radio-station-boycotts-michael-jackson-music|title=First Dutch radio station boycotts Michael Jackson music|date=March 6, 2019|work=NL Times|access-date=March 6, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203125244/https://nltimes.nl/2019/03/06/first-dutch-radio-station-boycotts-michael-jackson-music|url-status=live}} and MediaWorks New Zealand, New Zealand Media and Entertainment and Radio New Zealand also pulled Jackson's music,{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/mar/05/michael-jackson-abuse-allegations-canada-radio-stations-ban-music|title=Michael Jackson songs pulled from radio stations in New Zealand and Canada|last=Roy|first=Eleanor Ainge|date=March 6, 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=March 6, 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=March 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305173648/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/mar/05/michael-jackson-abuse-allegations-canada-radio-stations-ban-music|url-status=live}} but some New Zealand radio stations eventually re-added it, citing "positive listener survey results".{{Cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/117143093/michael-jackson-songs-back-on-new-zealand-radio-airwaves|title=Michael Jackson songs back on New Zealand radio airwaves|last=Ramsey|first=Teresa|date=November 14, 2019|access-date=November 14, 2019|archive-date=November 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114035550/https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/117143093/michael-jackson-songs-back-on-new-zealand-radio-airwaves|url-status=live}} A 1991 episode of The Simpsons guest-starring Jackson, "Stark Raving Dad", was pulled from circulation;{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/simpsons-episode-featuring-michael-jacksons-voice-to-be-pulled-11552007802|title='Simpsons' Episode Featuring Michael Jackson's Voice to Be Pulled|last=Flint|first=Joe|date=2019-03-08|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=2019-06-11|language=en-US|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=March 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190309063639/https://www.wsj.com/articles/simpsons-episode-featuring-michael-jacksons-voice-to-be-pulled-11552007802|url-status=live}} the co-writer, Al Jean, said he believed Jackson had used the episode to groom boys for sexual abuse.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-simpsons-boss-al-jean-michael-jackson-used-the-show-to-groom-boys|title='The Simpsons' Boss Al Jean: Michael Jackson Used the Show to 'Groom Boys'|last=Stern|first=Marlow|date=2019-03-13|work=The Daily Beast|access-date=2019-03-13|language=en-US|archive-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313213546/https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-simpsons-boss-al-jean-michael-jackson-used-the-show-to-groom-boys|url-status=live}} A London concert produced by Jackson's collaborator Quincy Jones removed Jackson's name and album titles from its advertisements;{{cite web|website=Newsbeat|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-48185956|title=Michael Jackson's name has been taken out of Quincy Jones' show|date=May 7, 2019|access-date=May 7, 2019|archive-date=May 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508000106/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-48185956|url-status=live}} the organizers said the modified artwork reflected the show's inclusion of Jones's repertoire unrelated to his work with Jackson.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/organisers-respond-to-criticism-of-quincy-jones-changing-michael-jackson-tribute-show-billing-2504691#S7R1qEEyhcAqjRba.99|title=Organisers respond to criticism of Quincy Jones changing 'Michael Jackson albums show'|last=Trendell|first=Andrew|date=2019-06-04|website=NME|access-date=2019-06-22|archive-date=June 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626221936/https://www.nme.com/news/music/organisers-respond-to-criticism-of-quincy-jones-changing-michael-jackson-tribute-show-billing-2504691#S7R1qEEyhcAqjRba.99|url-status=live}} "Weird Al" Yankovic dropped his parodies of Jackson's music from his Strings Attached Tour.{{cite magazine|last=Graff|first=Gary|date=2019-06-27|title='Weird Al' Yankovic Explains His Decision to Drop Michael Jackson Parodies From Set List|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8517896/weird-al-yankovic-michael-jackson-parodies|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2019-06-29|archive-date=June 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629082857/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8517896/weird-al-yankovic-michael-jackson-parodies|url-status=live}}

The film producer Jodi Gomes said she and the Jackson family had been working on a new documentary about the Jackson 5 for their 50th anniversary, but that it was canceled after the broadcast of Leaving Neverland. However, Gomes believed Jackson's legacy would continue "from this generation to the next".{{cite web|url=https://www.apnews.com/c9cb0206f6c6475480b8dedf31b071b1|title=Michael Jackson's popularity endures, even after new scandal|last=Landrum|first=Jonathan Jr.|date=2019-06-23|website=apnews.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-22|archive-date=June 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623173819/https://www.apnews.com/c9cb0206f6c6475480b8dedf31b071b1|url-status=live}} Items of Jackson's clothing and a Jackson poster were removed from the Children's Museum of Indianapolis,{{cite web|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/music/concerts/2019/03/15/michael-jackson-items-no-longer-display-childrens-museum/3154270002/|title=Michael Jackson items no longer on display at Children's Museum of Indianapolis|last=Lindquist|first=David|date=March 11, 2019|website=The Indianapolis Star|language=en-US|access-date=March 16, 2019|archive-date=March 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190319231653/https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/music/concerts/2019/03/15/michael-jackson-items-no-longer-display-childrens-museum/3154270002/|url-status=live}} but Jackson's photographs from the museum's Ryan White exhibit were kept.{{cite news|title=Indianapolis children's museum removes Michael Jackson's hat and gloves but will keep some photos|first=Eliott C.|last=McLaughlin|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/17/us/michael-jackson-indianapolis-museum-artifacts-leaving-neverland/index.html|website=CNN.com|date=2019-03-17|access-date=2019-06-09|archive-date=April 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411200258/https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/17/us/michael-jackson-indianapolis-museum-artifacts-leaving-neverland/index.html|url-status=live}} The fashion house Louis Vuitton canceled Jackson-inspired products planned for its 2019 collections.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/fashion/la-ig-louis-vuitton-mens-collection-michael-jackson-leaving-neverland-20190315-story.html|title=Louis Vuitton drops Michael Jackson-inspired items from 2019 men's collection|last=Harper|first=Marques|website=Los Angeles Times|date=March 15, 2019|access-date=2019-06-11|archive-date=June 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610221013/https://www.latimes.com/fashion/la-ig-louis-vuitton-mens-collection-michael-jackson-leaving-neverland-20190315-story.html|url-status=live}} The American gymnast Katelyn Ohashi removed Jackson's music and Jackson-inspired dance moves from her floor routine at the 2019 PAC-12 Championships.{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5556925/katelyn-ohashi-removes-michael-jackson-music-from-routine/|first=Cady|last=Lang|title=UCLA Gymnast Speaks Out About Cutting the Michael Jackson Music From the Floor Routine|magazine=Time|date=March 22, 2019|access-date=March 24, 2019|archive-date=March 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324011316/http://time.com/5556925/katelyn-ohashi-removes-michael-jackson-music-from-routine/|url-status=live}} The city council of Brussels cancelled plans to dress the Manneken Pis sculpture in Jackson's signature clothing.{{cite web|title=Brussels cancels plans to dress its famous Manneken Pis statue as Michael Jackson|first=Patrick|last=Clarke|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/brussels-cancels-plans-dress-manneken-pis-statue-michael-jackson-2512498|website=NME|date=2019-06-21|access-date=2019-06-21|archive-date=June 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622003513/https://www.nme.com/news/music/brussels-cancels-plans-dress-manneken-pis-statue-michael-jackson-2512498|url-status=live}}

Despite the negative publicity, Jackson's honors were not rescinded, as had happened following sexual assault allegations made against Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein, and there were no mass calls to stop playing his music, as had happened following allegations against Gary Glitter and R. Kelly. Jackson's combined music sales, including his work with the Jackson 5, increased by 10%. Streams of his music and videos increased by 6%, rising from 18.7 million between February 24 and 26 to 19.7 million between March 3 and 5.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8501755/michael-jackson-sales-streaming-airplay-decline-leaving-neverland|title=Michael Jackson's Streams & Sales Increase, Airplay Declines, After 'Leaving Neverland' Broadcast: Update|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 23, 2019|archive-date=March 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313141900/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8501755/michael-jackson-sales-streaming-airplay-decline-leaving-neverland|url-status=live}} His videos were viewed 22.1 million times, an increase of roughly 1.2 million from the week prior, and three of his albums re-entered the UK iTunes chart.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/michael-jackson-album-charts-leaving-neverland-child-sex-allegations-a8815081.html|title=Michael Jackson albums climb the charts following Leaving Neverland broadcast|date=March 9, 2019|website=The Independent|access-date=March 23, 2019|archive-date=May 14, 2022|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220514/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/michael-jackson-album-charts-leaving-neverland-child-sex-allegations-a8815081.html|url-status=live}}

In June 2019, around the time of the tenth anniversary of Jackson's death, various industry executives said that his legacy would endure. Darren Julien, president of Julien's Auctions, which has sold millions of dollars' worth of Jackson memorabilia, said Jackson "still commands prices compared to most any other celebrity". The senior Billboard editor Gail Mitchell said she interviewed about 30 music executives who believed Jackson's legacy could withstand the controversy. In a Guardian article reassessing Jackson's legacy, the biographer Margo Jefferson expressed her support for Jackson's accusers and concluded: "The task is to read the art and the life fully as they wind and unwind around each other, changing shape and direction."{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/jun/07/margo-jefferson-on-michael-jackson|title=Was I in denial? Margo Jefferson on Michael Jackson's legacy|last=Jefferson|first=Margo|date=2019-06-07|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=2019-06-08|author-link=Margo Jefferson|archive-date=June 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607213703/https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/jun/07/margo-jefferson-on-michael-jackson|url-status=live}}

Reed said he had received abuse and death threats from Jackson fans.{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Zoe |date=2025-03-14 |title=‘I’ve had murderers try to find me. I’ve had armed people say they’ll shoot’ – Dan Reed on the fallout from his Michael Jackson films |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/14/dan-reed-fallout-michael-jackson-films-neverland |access-date=2025-03-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} In January 2019, he said: "There must be dozens of men out there who have been sexually abused by [Jackson] ... others will see this film and come out."{{cite web |date=January 26, 2019 |title='Leaving Neverland' director talks Michael Jackson sexual abuse accusations |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-leaving-neverland-sundance-dan-reed-20190125-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127202444/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-leaving-neverland-sundance-dan-reed-20190125-story.html |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |access-date=December 9, 2021 |website=Los Angeles Times}} In June, he said he would film a sequel if other victims came forward.{{cite web |date=March 6, 2019 |title=Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed said he will film a follow-up as soon as two other victims of Michael Jackson come forward |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/michael-jackson-doc-leaving-neverland-14097615 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127202448/https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/michael-jackson-doc-leaving-neverland-14097615 |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |access-date=December 9, 2021 |website=Daily Mirror}} A follow-up documentary, Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson, premiered on Channel 4 on March 18, 2025.{{Cite magazine |last=Paul |first=Larisha |date=February 20, 2025 |title='Leaving Neverland' Director Has More to Reveal in 'Surviving Michael Jackson' Documentary |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/michael-jackson-documentary-finding-neverland-sequel-release-date-1235274021/ |access-date=February 21, 2025 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} It followed Robson and Safechuck as they took their allegations against Jackson to trial.{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=KiMi |date=February 20, 2025 |title='Leaving Neverland' sequel will follow Michael Jackson accusers' journey to trial |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2025/02/20/leaving-neverland-michael-jackson-sequel/79337577007/ |access-date=February 21, 2025 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}}

On February 7, 2019, shortly before broadcast, Howard Weitzman, attorney for the Jackson estate, wrote a letter to HBO chief executive Richard Plepler criticizing Leaving Neverland as journalistically unethical. The letter asserted that HBO is "being used as part of Robson's and Safechuck's legal strategy [both of which are currently seeking appeals]", and that Reed intentionally did not interview anyone who detracted from the story. The letter said that the two accusers had been caught lying in testimony, and the documentary would only bolster their credibility. "We know that this will go down as the most shameful episode in HBO's history," the letter said.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/michael-jackson-estate-wants-hbo-meeting-leaving-neverland-will-become-hbos-greatest-shame-10-page-l-1184415|title=Michael Jackson Estate Wants HBO Meeting; Letter Warns 'Leaving Neverland' Will Be HBO's Greatest Shame|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 8, 2019|language=en|access-date=2019-09-19|archive-date=September 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921001428/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/michael-jackson-estate-wants-hbo-meeting-leaving-neverland-will-become-hbos-greatest-shame-10-page-l-1184415|url-status=live}}

On February 21, the Jackson estate sued HBO for violating a non-disparagement clause in a 1992 contract by agreeing to run the documentary. The suit sought to compel HBO to litigate the issue in a public arbitration process and claimed that the estate could be awarded $100 million or more in damages. The suit accused HBO of fabricating lies with a financial motive. HBO did not stop the airing of the documentary.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/michael-jackson-estate-sues-hbo-violating-disparagement-deal-1188759|title=Michael Jackson Estate Sues HBO Over 'Leaving Neverland' Documentary|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 21, 2019|language=en|access-date=2019-09-19|archive-date=February 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222013114/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/michael-jackson-estate-sues-hbo-violating-disparagement-deal-1188759|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/michael-jackson-leaving-neverland-hbo-suit-1203145085/|title=Michael Jackson Estate Sues HBO for Non-Disparagement Contract Breach|last=Maddaus|first=Gene|date=2019-02-21|website=Variety|access-date=2019-09-19|archive-date=September 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913215453/https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/michael-jackson-leaving-neverland-hbo-suit-1203145085/|url-status=live}}

The suit sought to compel HBO to participate in a non-confidential arbitration that could result in US$100 million or more in damages being awarded to the estate.{{Cite magazine|first=Eriq|last=Gardner|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/michael-jackson-estate-sues-hbo-violating-disparagement-deal-1188759|title=Michael Jackson Estate Sues HBO Over 'Leaving Neverland' Documentary|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en|date=February 21, 2019|access-date=September 20, 2019|archive-date=February 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222013114/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/michael-jackson-estate-sues-hbo-violating-disparagement-deal-1188759|url-status=live}} HBO denied claims of a breach of contract and filed an anti-SLAPP motion against the estate. Judge George Wu denied HBO's motion to dismiss the case, allowing the Jackson estate to compel arbitration,{{cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/document/426736009/MJ-Estate-v-HBO-Final-Ruling-on-Arbitration|title=MJ Estate v HBO Final Ruling on Arbitration {{!}} United States District Court {{!}} Government Information|website=Scribd|language=en|access-date=2019-09-21|archive-date=August 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804035858/https://www.scribd.com/document/426736009/MJ-Estate-v-HBO-Final-Ruling-on-Arbitration|url-status=live}} but granted HBO's motion to stay the arbitration proceedings with the Jackson estate pending HBO's appeal to the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.MARTIN MACIAS JR,[https://www.courthousenews.com/judge-pauses-arbitration-in-neverland-spat-pending-9th-circuit-review/ "Judge Pauses Arbitration in 'Neverland' Spat Pending 9th Circuit Review"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127205229/https://www.courthousenews.com/judge-pauses-arbitration-in-neverland-spat-pending-9th-circuit-review/ |date=January 27, 2023 }}, Courthouse News Service, November 7, 2019. Retrieved November 7, 2019. On December 14, 2020, a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit upheld the lower court ruling favoring the Jackson estate.{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/michael-jackson-leaving-neverland-lawsuit-appeal-1234853036/|title=Michael Jackson Estate Wins Appeal in HBO 'Leaving Neverland' Suit|first=Gene|last=Maddaus|work=Variety|date=December 14, 2020|access-date=December 15, 2020|archive-date=December 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214232849/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/michael-jackson-leaving-neverland-lawsuit-appeal-1234853036/|url-status=live}} The sex abuse lawsuits Robson and Safechuck filed which were based on the allegations they later described in Leaving Neverland would eventually be dismissed as well.{{cite news|url=https://www.euronews.com/culture/2022/02/09/michael-jackson-biopic-in-the-works-after-leaving-neverland-lawsuits-dismissed|title=Michael Jackson biopic in the works after 'Leaving Neverland' lawsuits dismissed|first=Tim|last=Gallagher|publisher=Associated Press|date=February 7, 2022|accessdate=January 13, 2023|archive-date=January 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113230332/https://www.euronews.com/culture/2022/02/09/michael-jackson-biopic-in-the-works-after-leaving-neverland-lawsuits-dismissed|url-status=live}}

On February 28, Plepler resigned from HBO. He was rumored to have chafed under the leadership of John Stankey, WarnerMedia's new chief. The Jackson estate said Plepler "must have known" about the 1992 contract, since he had been senior vice president of communications then.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dawnchmielewski/2019/02/28/hbo-chief-richard-plepler-bows-out/|title=HBO Chief Richard Plepler Bows Out|last=Chmielewski|first=Dawn|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=2019-09-19|archive-date=July 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715173336/https://www.forbes.com/sites/dawnchmielewski/2019/02/28/hbo-chief-richard-plepler-bows-out/|url-status=live}} It was reported in September 2019 that Plepler resigned three days after an unnamed shareholder wrote a letter criticizing, among other things, Plepler's greenlighting of Leaving Neverland, arguing that it opened the company to lawsuits.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/at-ts-paul-singer-fight-echoes-undisclosed-activist-letter-1240508|title=AT&T's Paul Singer Fight Echoes Undisclosed Activist Letter (Exclusive)|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=September 18, 2019|language=en|access-date=2019-09-19|archive-date=September 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190919223202/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/at-ts-paul-singer-fight-echoes-undisclosed-activist-letter-1240508|url-status=live}}

On May 2, HBO lawyers Daniel Petrocelli and Theodore Boutrous filed an opposing motion arguing that the contract had expired once both parties had fulfilled their obligations. HBO contended that the estate's interpretation of the clause as conferring perpetual immunity from disparagement, even in death, was excessively broad. They argued that such interpretation would "run afoul of the public policy embodies in numerous California statutes to protect children from sexual abuse" and "legitimize the creation of a category of wealthy, powerful or famous individual who could... preserve for themselves via contract posthumous control over how they are portrayed and described in a way that ordinary citizens cannot." Bryan Freedman, an attorney for Jackson estate, responded, "If HBO thinks the contract does not apply or is expired then why are they opposing adjudicating it? The reason why is because they know they were complicit in this one-sided farce of a money grab that clearly violates the agreement... Let this be a warning to all talent that HBO will disregard the truth and distribute fictitious one-sided content in violation of the artists' rights it promised to protect."{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/michael-jackson-estate-lawsuit-leaving-neverland-hbo-counters-1203204141/|title=HBO Counters Michael Jackson Estate's $100 Million 'Leaving Neverland' Suit|last=Maddaus|first=Gene|date=2019-05-03|website=Variety|access-date=2019-09-19|archive-date=September 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920034216/https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/michael-jackson-estate-lawsuit-leaving-neverland-hbo-counters-1203204141/|url-status=live}}

The Jackson estate aimed to have a Los Angeles Superior Court judge compel arbitration proceedings before the American Arbitration Association. HBO said there was no enforceable agreement that pertained to Leaving Neverland. It argued that an over-reading of the 1992 contract would violate both its due process rights and the First Amendment; under the Federal Arbitration Act, the federal judge had to decide the "gateway issues of validity and arbitrability". The Jackson estate called this argument "classic tautology" and that it "assumes the very conclusion that HBO wants an adjudicator to reach in this dispute, i.e., that there are no remaining obligations under the Agreement".{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/hbo-wins-first-round-michael-jackson-estates-leaving-neverland-lawsuit-1214144|title=HBO Wins First Round in Michael Jackson Estate's 'Leaving Neverland' Lawsuit|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=May 29, 2019|language=en|access-date=2019-09-19|archive-date=August 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823195258/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/hbo-wins-first-round-michael-jackson-estates-leaving-neverland-lawsuit-1214144|url-status=live}}

On the recommendation of Judge George Wu, HBO filed a SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) motion against the estate on August 29. It pointed to the "extraordinary" origins of the case. The estate argued that its petition is a federal issue, under the Federal Arbitration Act, hence the California SLAPP law should not take precedence. They said, "Breaching an agreement by refusing to arbitrate is not constitutionally protected activity. And even if it were, the Jackson Estate has shown a probability of success on that claim." The SLAPP law provides an automatic right to an immediate appeal, which may bring the case to the Ninth Circuit.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/could-bizarre-legal-fight-hbos-michael-jackson-doc-wind-up-at-supreme-court-1235576|title=Could the Bizarre Legal Fight Over HBO's Michael Jackson Doc Wind Up at the Supreme Court?|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 30, 2019|language=en|access-date=2019-09-19|archive-date=August 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831051817/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/could-bizarre-legal-fight-hbos-michael-jackson-doc-wind-up-at-supreme-court-1235576|url-status=live}}

On September 19, Judge Wu tentatively denied HBO's motion to dismiss the estate's lawsuit. John Branca, co-executor of the estate, said HBO had been trying to suppress the other side of the story. "I've never seen a media organization fight so hard to keep a secret," Branca said.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/judge-michael-jackson-estate-leaving-neverland-1203342191/|title=Judge Sides With Michael Jackson Estate in 'Leaving Neverland' Dispute|last=Maddaus|first=Gene|date=2019-09-19|website=Variety|access-date=2019-09-19|archive-date=September 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920034209/https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/judge-michael-jackson-estate-leaving-neverland-1203342191/|url-status=live}} The following day, Judge Wu gave a final ruling to deny HBO's motion to dismiss the case, granting the Jackson estate's motion to compel arbitration.{{Cite magazine|date=2019-09-20|title='Leaving Neverland' Judge Sides With Michael Jackson Estate, Compelling HBO to Arbitration|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/legal-and-management/8530658/leaving-neverland-ruling-michael-jackson-hbo-arbitration|access-date=2020-09-29|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=September 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920104023/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/legal-and-management/8530658/leaving-neverland-ruling-michael-jackson-hbo-arbitration|url-status=live}}

On October 21, 2019, HBO filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, seeking appellate review of the District Court's order granting the Jackson estate's motion to compel arbitration. Shortly after, HBO applied for a stay of the arbitration proceedings.Gene Maddaus,[https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/hbo-appeal-michael-jackson-leaving-neverland-1203377824/ "HBO Appeals Arbitration Order in ‘Leaving Neverland’ Fight"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127202449/https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/hbo-appeal-michael-jackson-leaving-neverland-1203377824/ |date=January 27, 2023 }}, Variety, October 21, 2019. Retrieved November 7, 2019. On November 7, HBO was granted its motion to stay the arbitration proceedings with the Jackson estate pending HBO's appeal to the Ninth Circuit. On December 14, 2020, HBO lost an appellate bid to avoid arbitration, as a three-judge panel for the Ninth Court Court of Appeal upheld the lower court decision favoring the Jackson estate.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/hbo-loses-appellate-bid-to-avoid-arbitration-with-michael-jackson-estate-in-leaving-neverland-dispute|title=HBO Loses Appellate Bid to Avoid Arbitration With Michael Jackson Estate in 'Leaving Neverland' Dispute | Hollywood Reporter|website=www.hollywoodreporter.com|date=December 14, 2020|access-date=December 14, 2020|archive-date=January 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103024337/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/hbo-loses-appellate-bid-to-avoid-arbitration-with-michael-jackson-estate-in-leaving-neverland-dispute|url-status=live}}{{cite court |litigants=Optimum Prods v. Home Box Office |vol=No. 19-56222 |court=9th Cir. |date=2020-12-14 |url=https://casetext.com/case/optimum-prods-v-home-box-office |access-date=2022-12-21}} In October 2024, the case was dismissed by both parties resulting in Max removing the film and never to return to the platform.{{Cite web|url=https://popculture.com/streaming/news/hbos-michael-jackson-doc-leaving-neverland-permanently-removed-from-max/|title=HBO's Michael Jackson Doc 'Leaving Neverland' Permanently Removed From Max|first=Brenda|last=Medley|date=March 19, 2025}}

In January 2019, the Jackson estate issued a press release condemning the film: "The two accusers testified under oath that these events never occurred. They have provided no independent evidence and absolutely no proof in support of their accusations."{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/michael-jackson-estate-leaving-neverland-documentary-statement-1203119202/|title=Michael Jackson Estate Addresses Controversial 'Leaving Neverland' Doc|last1=Donnelly|first1=Matt|date=January 25, 2019|magazine=Variety|last2=Halperin|first2=Shirley|access-date=January 26, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107233807/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/michael-jackson-estate-leaving-neverland-documentary-statement-1203119202/|url-status=live}} On the day of the HBO premiere of Leaving Neverland: Part One, the estate posted Live in Bucharest on YouTube. The next day, to coincide with the broadcast of Part Two, the estate posted another concert film, Live at Wembley July 16, 1988.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/mar/04/michael-jackson-concert-films-youtube-leaving-neverland|title=Michael Jackson concert films aired to distract from documentary|last=Beaumont-Thomas|first=Ben|date=2019-03-04|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-03-06|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128174335/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/mar/04/michael-jackson-concert-films-youtube-leaving-neverland|url-status=live}}

Fans of Jackson demanded the Sundance Film Festival cancel the screening.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2019/01/sundance-michael-jackson-child-abuse-doc-leaving-neverland-fan-protests-1202035204/|title=Sundance Will Not Pull Michael Jackson Child Abuse Doc 'Leaving Neverland' Amid Fan Protests|last=Sharf|first=Zack|date=January 15, 2019|website=IndieWire|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308212308/https://www.indiewire.com/2019/01/sundance-michael-jackson-child-abuse-doc-leaving-neverland-fan-protests-1202035204/|url-status=live}} At the Sundance premiere, Robson and Safechuck said they had received death threats from fans.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/jan/25/michael-jackson-documentary-leaving-neverland|title='Secrets will eat you up' – inside the shocking Michael Jackson documentary|last=Lee|first=Benjamin|date=January 25, 2019|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=January 26, 2019|archive-date=March 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190314010503/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/jan/25/michael-jackson-documentary-leaving-neverland|url-status=live}} Fans organized an internet campaign, protests outside Channel 4's office, and a crowdfunded campaign placing posters with the slogan "Facts don't lie. People do" on public transport.{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/michael-jackson-fans-spending-big-to-profess-pop-stars-innocence-and-fight-leaving-neverland-claims/news-story/7c0aa749cd4d7e7763a7e01f984e2557|title='Innocent': MJ fans fight film with bus ads|date=2019-03-11|website=NewsComAu|access-date=2019-05-07|archive-date=May 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507164522/https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/michael-jackson-fans-spending-big-to-profess-pop-stars-innocence-and-fight-leaving-neverland-claims/news-story/7c0aa749cd4d7e7763a7e01f984e2557|url-status=live}} On March 13, Transport for London announced it would remove the adverts after the charity Survivors Trust complained that they could discourage victims of sexual abuse from coming forward.[https://edition.cnn.com/2019/03/14/uk/jackson-innocent-adverts-removed-london-buses-intl-gbr-scli/ Michael Jackson 'innocent' adverts to be removed from London buses] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127202442/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/03/14/uk/jackson-innocent-adverts-removed-london-buses-intl-gbr-scli/ |date=January 27, 2023 }}, CNN{{Cite news |date=March 13, 2019 |title=Michael Jackson 'innocent' adverts to be removed |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-47551316 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190314015223/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-47551316 |archive-date=March 14, 2019 |access-date=March 14, 2019 |work=BBC News}} On 27 February, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference wrote a letter asking HBO to reconsider airing the film, calling it a "posthumous lynching".{{Cite web |last=Sippell |first=Margeaux |date=March 2019 |title=Southern Christian leadership conference slams Leaving Neverland as 'posthumous lynching' of Michael Jackson |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/southern-christian-leadership-conference-defends-michael-jackson-slams-leaving-neverland-1203152598/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127202442/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/southern-christian-leadership-conference-defends-michael-jackson-slams-leaving-neverland-1203152598/amp/ |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |access-date=January 15, 2022 |website=Variety}}

Several men who were friends of Jackson as children, including some who were named in the documentary as other victims, defended him and denounced the documentary. The American actor Corey Feldman called it "one-sided" and said Jackson never approached him inappropriately.{{cite news|url=https://www.vibe.com/2019/03/corey-feldman-michael-jackson-leaving-neverland|title=Actor Corey Feldman Defends Michael Jackson Following 'Leaving Neverland' Premiere|date=March 4, 2019|work=Vibe|access-date=March 4, 2019|archive-date=March 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305005114/https://www.vibe.com/2019/03/corey-feldman-michael-jackson-leaving-neverland|url-status=live}} He later said that his comments "[weren't] meant in any way to question the validity of the victims".{{Cite magazine|date=2019-03-04|title=Corey Feldman Found 'Neverland' 'Shocking and Disturbing,' 'Can No Longer Defend' Michael Jackson|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/michael-jackson-never-touched-me-inappropriately-corey-feldman-1203154745/|magazine=Variety|access-date=2019-06-11|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426162457/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/michael-jackson-never-touched-me-inappropriately-corey-feldman-1203154745/|url-status=live}} Feldman told Rolling Stone that his relationship with Jackson was "the standard grooming process that [Robson and Safechuck] describe ... everything was similar [to what happened to me] up until the sexual part".{{cite web |last=Respers |first=Lisa |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/26/entertainment/corey-feldman-michael-jackson/index.html |title=Corey Feldman wonders if Michael Jackson was grooming him |publisher=CNN |date=2019-04-26 |access-date=2020-07-30 |archive-date=June 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614040454/https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/26/entertainment/corey-feldman-michael-jackson/index.html |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last=Hedegaard |first=Erik |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/corey-feldman-expose-pedophilia-hollywood-darkest-secrets-825375/ |title=Corey Feldman Wants to Expose Hollywood's Darkest Secrets |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=2019-04-25 |access-date=2020-07-30 |archive-date=July 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731064519/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/corey-feldman-expose-pedophilia-hollywood-darkest-secrets-825375/ |url-status=live }} The American singer Aaron Carter, a friend of Jackson as a child, said in 2019 "there was one thing that he [Jackson] did that was a little bit inappropriate";{{cite web |last=Todisco |first=Eric |url=https://people.com/tv/aaron-carter-joins-marriage-boot-camp-reality-stars-family-edition-michael-jackson/ |title=Aaron Carter Claims Michael Jackson Did 'One Thing That Was a Little Bit Inappropriate' |work=People |date=2019-05-20 |access-date=2021-02-25 |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417033827/https://people.com/tv/aaron-carter-joins-marriage-boot-camp-reality-stars-family-edition-michael-jackson/ |url-status=live }} however, after the release of Leaving Neverland, said the incident had not been sexual. He remembered Jackson as "an amazing guy" and said his accusers were "full of crap".{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2019/05/22/aaron-carter-defends-michael-jackson-after-comment-makes-waves/3765213002/|title=Aaron Carter defends Michael Jackson after saying the star did one 'inappropriate' thing|website=USA TODAY|language=en|access-date=2019-06-11|archive-date=June 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626221953/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2019/05/22/aaron-carter-defends-michael-jackson-after-comment-makes-waves/3765213002/|url-status=live}} Barnes and Culkin, whom the documentary suggests replaced Robson and Safechuck when Jackson "pushed them out", also denied any inappropriate behavior from Jackson.{{Cite news|last=Reporters|first=Telegraph|date=2019-03-07|title=Leaving Neverland: who is Brett Barnes, Michael Jackson's 'other boy'?|language=en-GB|work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/leaving-neverland-brett-barnes-jacksons-boy/|access-date=2019-06-11|issn=0307-1235|archive-date=June 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626221942/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/leaving-neverland-brett-barnes-jacksons-boy/|url-status=live}} Culkin restated that he had never seen inappropriate behavior from Jackson, and said he had no reason to conceal anything now that Jackson had died.{{cite news|date=February 12, 2020|title=Macaulay Culkin Wants to Set the Record Straight About His Relationship With Michael Jackson|work=Esquire|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/a30782546/macaulay-culkin-michael-jackson-relationship-friendship-details/|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=February 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212102242/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/a30782546/macaulay-culkin-michael-jackson-relationship-friendship-details/|url-status=live}}

The English singer Boy George expressed skepticism about the documentary: "It's just taken almost for granted that this is what happened and therefore we all should accept it."{{cite web|url=http://globalnews.ca/news/5227258/boy-george-criticizes-leaving-neverland/|title=Boy George criticizes 'Leaving Neverland' for 'disregarding' Michael Jackson|website=globalnews.ca|access-date=2019-05-08|archive-date=May 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505232855/https://globalnews.ca/news/5227258/boy-george-criticizes-leaving-neverland/|url-status=live}} The American singer Madonna, who was a friend of Jackson, told British Vogue: "I don't have a lynch-mob mentality, so in my mind, people are innocent until proven guilty ... Are there people asking for money, is there some kind of extortion thing happening?"{{cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/madonna-michael-jackson-sexual-abuse-claims_n_5cd1adb7e4b04e275d50cdb4|title=Madonna Says Michael Jackson Is 'Innocent Until Proven Guilty'|last=Wong|first=Curtis M.|date=2019-05-07|website=HuffPost|language=en|access-date=2019-06-11|archive-date=June 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613172624/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/madonna-michael-jackson-sexual-abuse-claims_n_5cd1adb7e4b04e275d50cdb4|url-status=live}} Joey Fatone of the pop group NSYNC, who had worked with Robson at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, also expressed skepticism: "[At the time] it seemed like nothing was going on, that's the whole thing. To come out later on and have these repercussions, it's kind of weird and interesting because you never know what's true."{{cite web|url=https://www.cbs.com/shows/the_talk/video/_kc6gUFBFne_OMhZR9caCIE79qeB3_bz/joey-fatone-says-wade-robson-s-leaving-neverland-was-hard-to-watch-/|title=Joey Fatone Says Wade Robson's 'Leaving Neverland' Was 'hard to watch|website=The Talk|publisher=CBS|access-date=May 30, 2019|archive-date=May 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530055151/https://www.cbs.com/shows/the_talk/video/_kc6gUFBFne_OMhZR9caCIE79qeB3_bz/joey-fatone-says-wade-robson-s-leaving-neverland-was-hard-to-watch-/|url-status=live}}

The Jackson biographer Mike Smallcombe argued that Safechuck's claims of sexual abuse at Neverland's train station at age 10 between 1988 and 1992 could not be true because the train station had not been built until 1994, when Safechuck was at least 16. Reed responded that the accusers had misremembered the year the abuse ended, that Safechuck was present at Neverland before and after the construction of the station, and that it was "just one of the many locations where James remembers sexual activity taking place". This contradicts Safechuck's claim that his alleged abuse ended in 1992 because he grew too old.{{Cite web |date=February 20, 2020 |title=Justice for Michael Jackson |url=https://theobjectivestandard.com/2020/02/justice-for-michael-jackson/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203125317/https://theobjectivestandard.com/2020/02/justice-for-michael-jackson/ |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |access-date=2021-07-08 |website=The Objective Standard}} Smallcombe dismissed Reed's response,{{cite web|url=https://thegrapevine.theroot.com/leaving-neverland-accused-of-key-discrepancy-michael-j-1833782839|title=Leaving Neverland Accused of Key Discrepancy, Michael Jackson Estate Issues Statement|first=Tonja Renée|last=Stidhum|publisher=The Root.com|date=April 4, 2019|access-date=September 17, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203125243/https://www.theroot.com/leaving-neverland-accused-of-key-discrepancy-michael-j-1833782839|url-status=live}} and criticized the documentary for omitting the debts Robson and Safechuck allegedly owe Jackson's estate in court costs.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/michael-jackson-biographer-leaving-neverland-accuser-not-true-2465507|title=Michael Jackson biographer hits out at 'Leaving Neverland' accuser: "It simply can't be true"|last=Daly|first=Rhian|date=2019-03-22|website=NME|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-08|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403150023/https://www.nme.com/news/music/michael-jackson-biographer-leaving-neverland-accuser-not-true-2465507|url-status=live}}

Another Jackson biographer, J. Randy Taraborrelli, felt that Jackson's friendships with children were "weird", but saw nothing sexual about them. He said he would have felt that Robson and Safechuck were telling the truth "if it wasn't Michael they were talking about".{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/michael-jackson-sexual-abuse-j-randy-taraborrelli-friendship-children-a9436981.html|title=Michael Jackson's friend admits singer's relationship with children was 'weird'|first1=Ellie|last1=Harrison|newspaper=The Independent|date=March 31, 2020|access-date=October 26, 2020|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203125246/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/michael-jackson-sexual-abuse-j-randy-taraborrelli-friendship-children-a9436981.html|url-status=live}} Bill Whitfield, Jackson's former head of security, also disputed Robson's account that Robson and his wife visited Jackson at his home in Las Vegas in 2008, and said that Robson had never visited.{{cite web|url=https://9now.nine.com.au/today/michael-jacksons-bodyguard-bill-whitfield-calls-popstars-accusers-liars-denying-any-abuse-took-place/e3b93805-5a18-4e86-95df-1d02bd8327b1#:~:text=Michael%20Jackson's%20bodyguard%20has%20branded,Leaving%20Neverland%20were%20absolutely%20false.|title=Michael Jackson's bodyguard calls popstar's accusers liars|publisher=Today|date=2019|access-date=May 13, 2021|archive-date=January 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127202443/https://9now.nine.com.au/today/michael-jacksons-bodyguard-bill-whitfield-calls-popstars-accusers-liars-denying-any-abuse-took-place/e3b93805-5a18-4e86-95df-1d02bd8327b1#:~:text=Michael%20Jackson's%20bodyguard%20has%20branded,Leaving%20Neverland%20were%20absolutely%20false.|url-status=live}}

• Square One: Michael Jackson
• Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story
• The Jacksons: An American Dream

{{reflist}}

{{Wikiquote}}

• {{Official website|https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/leaving-neverland}}
• {{Channel4.com|programmes/leaving-neverland-michael-jackson-and-me}}
• {{IMDb title|9573980}}
• {{Metacritic television}}
• {{Rotten Tomatoes|tv/leaving_neverland/s01}}

{{Michael Jackson}}

{{HBO documentaries}}

{{Navboxes

|title = Awards for Leaving Neverland

|list =

{{BAFTA TV Award for Best Factual Series or Strand}}

{{EmmyAward Documentary Special}}

{{Producers Guild of America Award for Best Non-Fiction Television}}

{{TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in News and Information}}

}}

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