The family of the late Michael Jackson again criticized HBO's upcoming Leaving Neverland documentary, this time laying out their issues with director Dan Reed's two-part film in a new interview with CBS This Morning's Gayle King.
"Everybody feels the same way about this," brother Marlon Jackson said when asked about the members of the late pop icon's family who didn't join him for the interview, including Janet Jackson. Later, Marlon said he and the rest of the family believe the movie is "all about money."
Nephew Taj Jackson elaborated on this, accusing Leaving Neverland subjects James Safechuck and Wade Robson of blaming his uncle for their lives. "It's always been about money," Taj said. "I hate to say it when it's my uncle, but it's almost like they see a blank check. These people felt that they're owed something. You know, instead of working for something, they blame everything on my uncle."
Earlier this month, the estate filed an injunction in which they announced their intention to "seek all damages proximately caused by" the documentary's release. Those damages, by the estate's estimate, "could exceed" $100 million. The family confirmed they have not seen the film during their CBS interview Wednesday, which also included comments from brothers Tito and Jackie Jackson.
"I don't have to see that documentary," Jackie said. "I know Michael. I'm the oldest brother. I know my brother. I know what he stood for. What he was all about. Bringing the world together. Making kids happy. That's the kind of person he was."
The interview marks the second entry in a series from CBS that kicked off earlier this week with a Dan Reed interview. Of specific note are Reed's comments on the decision to not interview the Jackson family for the production, a fact with which the family took public issue in their interview Wednesday.
"No one else was in the room, I don't believe, when Wade was being molested by Michael, or when James was having sex with Michael." Reed said, noting that it was always his intention to not include Jackson family interviews.
Leaving Neverland will debut on HBO March 3 following its expectedly controversial Sundance premiere.
