Michael Jackson’s Brothers Says ‘Leaving Neverland’ Claims Are “All About Money”

Michael Jackson’s Brothers Says ‘Leaving Neverland’ Claims Are “All About Money”

The family of the late Michael Jackson has risen up to defend his legacy.

In a new interview with CBS, the family pushed back against claims of sexual abuse in the upcoming docuseries Leaving Neverland, set to air Sunday on HBO.

“I grew up in it, so for me it wasn’t odd,” said his nephew Taj Jackson to Gayle King about Jackson’s “sleepovers” with children. “You know, I think, to the outside world, yes, I think it can be odd. I mean, I’m not oblivious to what it sounds like. But when you’re actually there in that atmosphere and you’re around it, and you’re watching movies with his kids, whether it’s Little Rascals or Three Stooges, and you’re watching these things, it’s like, it’s very innocent.”

He continued, “But I think the fault on my uncle was he just, he didn’t have that bone in his body to look at it the other way. And I think that was the thing, is that his naiveté was his downfall in a way.”

Recall that in the four-part Leaving Neverland, which premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival, two accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, claimed that Michael Jackson molested them over the course of years, despite the fact that both have sworn under oath in previous circumstances that he did not sexually abuse them. Robson, a child Jackson impersonator, says the abuse began when he was 7, while Safechuck, a former child dancer with Jackson, says it began when he was 10.

Michael’s estate sued HBO and Time Warner over the film, alleging it breached a non-disparagement clause dating back from a former contract.

Now, the Jackson family are speaking up.

“I know my brother, he’s my little brother. I know my brother. He’s not like that,” said Michael’s older brother Jackie Jackson. And Marlon Jackson added that doesn’t need to see the film because “I trust my attorney.”

Members of the Jackson family also claim that accusers Robson and Safechuck are making allegations now against the “Thriller” singer because they are looking for a payout. “It’s all about the money,” Marlon tells King.

“It’s always been about money. I hate to say it when it’s my uncle, it’s almost like they see a blank check,” Taj added. “These people … felt that they’re owed something. You know, instead of working for something, they blame everything on my uncle.”

See the videos below:

What do you want to say about your brother as #LeavingNeverland is about to hit the country?

"I want them to understand and know that this documentary is not telling the truth. There has not been not one piece of evidence that corroborates their story." — Marlon Jackson pic.twitter.com/O73o19flry

— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) February 26, 2019

Did it not seem odd to you though that [Michael Jackson] would share a bed or have slumber parties with young children?

“It’s very innocent but I think, the fault on my uncle was he just, he didn’t have that bone in his body to look at it the other way.” — @tajjackson3 pic.twitter.com/YIKmuVK2yN

— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) February 26, 2019