MICHAEL JACKSON arriving at lawyer Johnnie L Cochran's funeral at West Angeles Cathedral
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Michael Jackson: Leaving Neverland viewers left ‘vomiting’ over graphic abuse claims

The controversial documentary aired last night

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Controversial documentary Leaving Neverland finally aired last night, and millions of viewers tuned in to witness the claims against singer Michael Jackson.

But many of those who chose to watch the first instalment of the two-part film were left feeling ill, after scenes in which Wade Robson and James ‘Jimmy’ Safechuck described the sexual abuse they claim they suffered.

Michael Jackson pictured with Jimmy Safechuck and his family (Credit: HBO)

Read more: Die-hard Michael Jackson fans are now convinced he was a paedophile

In fact, some viewers found the graphic descriptions too much to bear, and have vowed NOT to watch the second part airing tonight (Thursday 7 March).

Wade, now 36, and James, 40, allege that the Thriller singer was a paedophile who groomed them from a young age and sexually abused them multiple times.

James describes having sex with Michael Jackson (Credit: HBO)

Read more: Roxanne Pallett breaks social media silence to defend Michael Jackson

During the HBO documentary, which airs in two parts on C4, James described the alleged sexual abuse – including a story about how his penis swelled up after masturbating with Michael.

He also claimed Michael had sex with him all over Neverland’s playrooms and asked him to “bend over and spread his cheeks” for his pleasure.

James goes on to claim that the singer taught him how to masturbate when he was only 10 and Michael was 29.

James claims Michael taught him how to masturbate (credit: HBO)

He also claims they had sex “hundreds of times”, masturbated and performed oral sex on each other.

Viewers expressed their extreme discomfort on Twitter, with one writing: “I was so excited to watch #LeavingNeverland but now I’m not sure why.

“I feel physically sick watching these two brave men give such a graphic description of the abuse they experienced from someone the world idolised.”

Another added: “Feel physically sick watching this and hearing this. Knowing I have a little boy and knowing these boys went through this is sickening. He might not be here to ‘defend’ himself but why do these men have to ‘lie’ #LeavingNeverland.”

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A third tweeted: “‘He introduced me to masturbation’. I’m going to be sick. What a disgusting man #LeavingNeverland.”

“#Leavingneverland is horrific,” said another. “Actually feel physically sick.”

Others said “they couldn’t stomach part two”, with one tweeting: “Right I am turning off #LeavingNeverland. It’s too much. I don’t want to hear this stuff.”

“I might not watch the second part of #LeavingNeverland tonight,” added one. “Part one made me feel physically sick. He was clearly a monster. Cold. Calculating. But the parent’s disregard for their children’s safety is staggering. Unforgivable.”

Wade describes the alleged sexual abuse he suffered for years at the hands of Michael Jackson (Credit: HBO)

The documentary, by British director Dan Reed, was first shown at the Sundance Film Festival and has been slammed by Michael’s family who insist the singer is innocent.

Because Michael died in 2009, they claim the allegations are unfair as he cannot defend himself against them.

The estate of Michael Jackson has issued a statement denouncing the film as “yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson”.

The second part of Leaving Neverland will air at 9pm on Channel 4 tonight.

Do you believe the allegations against Michael Jackson? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!


Helen Fear
TV Editor