Michael Jackson’s accusers Wade Robson, left, and James Safechuck opened up to Oprah Winfrey about the alleged abuse they suffered at the hands of late pop icon Michael Jackson.
Following the 2-part broadcast of the Dan Reed-directed Leaving Neverland documentary on HBO on Monday, Jackson’s accusers sat down for an interview with Oprah.
In the film, Safechuck claimed Jackson conducted a mock wedding ceremony when he was only 10-years-old.
Winfrey said she was skeptical about certain parts of their claims. She pointed out that both men continued to spend time with Jackson and his family. Robson even dated Jackson’s niece Brandi Jackson (Jackie’s daughter).
“If you were abused, why would you continue to want to be around the person?” Oprah asked
Robson responded by highlighting that he had “no understanding” of being abused at the time and suggested that his affection for Jackson came from “a real place.”
Robson consistently denied allegations of sexual abuse while Jackson was alive. But after Jackson died of a sedative overdose in 2009, Robson filed a lawsuit against his estate. A judge later tossed the lawsuit out of court.
Robson went on to recall that the “Thriller” singer would tell him “I love you. God brought us together. And this is how we show our love,” while Safechuck claimed the star warned him “If we’re caught, your life is over. My life is over,” forcing him into secrecy.
Robson also suggested that Jackson’s childhood fame meant that people saw a different side to him, which he used to manipulate relationships with those around him.
“So, long before meeting him the first time, so much had been set up already,” Robson added. “I was, and I think my mother and my whole family, was already surrendered before I ever met him.”
Online polls reveal most people don’t believe Robson and Safechuck’s allegations. A Forbes.com article exposed their lies in 2018.
