‘Leaving Neverland’ Director Plans Third Documentary for Michael Jackson Accusers’ Trial: ‘I Hope’ It ‘Will Be a Very Dramatic Ending’

by

Director Dan Reed, of “Leaving Neverland,” is intending to produce a third segment that will chronicle the upcoming trials involving Michael Jackson‘s accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, as they face charges against Jackson’s former businesses.

Reed is continuing his investigations following the explosive 2019 documentary series, where Robson and Safechuck accused Michael Jackson of child sexual abuse. This sequel, titled “Leaving Neverland 2: Enduring Michael Jackson,” will premiere on Channel 4 in the U.K. and YouTube in the U.S. on March 18.

The 50-minute documentary titled “Surviving Michael Jackson” mainly revolves around the legal battle of Robson and Safechuck as they seek justice, having sued Jackson’s companies (managed by his estate) over accusations of negligence in protecting them from alleged abuse. Michael Jackson had always denied these allegations before his passing in 2009, and his estate has maintained this stance. Over a span of ten years, the case bounced back and forth through the legal system. In 2023, a California appeals court decided that both Robson and Safechuck’s cases will be heard together at trial, which is scheduled for next year.

According to the plan, Reed informs EbMaster that he intends to be present in the courtroom with his camera crew. Reed expresses that it’s taken an unusually long time to reach a trial date that seems promising, but he anticipates that Jackson’s estate may attempt to delay or derail this court case entirely.

He goes on to say, ‘Perhaps justice will triumph, leading to a trial. If that happens, I wish to attend.’

Regardless, if Robson and Safechuck’s cases proceed to court, there’s a chance that recording devices like cameras might be prohibited within the courtroom. Reed remarks, “Whether the judge permits filming is uncertain.” Ultimately, it will be up to the judge’s decision.

For “Leaving Neverland 2,” Reed was given authorization to shoot inside Santa Monica Courthouse during multiple hearings. He expresses gratitude for this opportunity, stating, “It’s such a dry topic, but we were really fortunate.” The primary focus of the second part revolves around the legal highs and lows that culminated in Robson and Safechuck being granted a trial. However, Reed believed it was essential to include a chapter in the “Leaving Neverland” narrative that provides context and clarifies the details.

He describes it as a bridge film, connecting an intense opening chapter to what promises to be a thrilling conclusion,” he explains. “Instead of packing everything – including the trial – into this film, I believe the trial itself will be so captivating that there won’t be room for all the other details.

Following the release of “Leaving Neverland” in 2019, it received widespread praise, earning an Emmy for exceptional documentary or nonfiction special, but sparked intense criticism from both Michael Jackson’s estate and his fans. Jackson had previously faced accusations of sexual misconduct, even standing trial in 2005 over charges of child molestation and administering alcohol to a minor; he was found not guilty on all accounts. Since Jackson’s passing in 2009, his family and estate have consistently maintained his innocence. At the time of this article’s publication, representatives for Jackson’s estate had yet to comment on our request for a statement.

Reed aspires that by carrying on to narrate the tale of Robson and Safechuck, as depicted in “Surviving Michael Jackson” and its upcoming third part, it will become clearer to viewers that these are actual individuals, living through a genuine account, with real families who have chosen to share their experiences.

He states that they aren’t mere individuals who appeared out of nowhere in pursuit of gold, but rather individuals who have invested at least a decade, if not more, of their lives tirelessly working towards achieving justice.

Read More

2025-03-12 16:17