Wade Robson is one of two alleged victims featured in HBO’s Michael Jackson documentary, Leaving Neverland.
Leaving Neverland is a two-part documentary series from HBO about two cases of sexual abuse allegations against Michael Jackson. It tells the stories of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who recount in detail how Jackson groomed and abused them as young boys. While the first two hours focus on the allegations, the second half of the series shines a light on the time it takes to reconcile that trauma.
Wade Robson is an Australian dancer. At age 5, he met Michael Jackson on the pop star’s Australian tour after winning a dance competition. Two year slater, he visited Neverland Ranch and his family relocated to Los Angeles. He appeared in a few of Jackson’s music videos and frequently stayed at Jackson’s home, where he alleges Jackson sexually abused him for seven years.
Robson twice spoke out in Jackson’s defense against molestation accusations. In 1993, when Robson was 11 and still allegedly in a sexual relationship with Jackson, he appeared at a press conference saying he had slept in Jackson’s bed “without incident.” In 2005, at age 22, Robson testified in Jackson’s defense at his 2005 trial. Jackson was acquitted.
In 2013, Robson first came forward with allegations of his own that Jackson had abused him between the ages of 7 and 14. He clarified that this wasn’t a case of repressed memories, that he knew he was lying both times, but that he was “psychologically and emotionally completely unable and unwilling to understand that it was sexual abuse.” He credits having a son of his own with opening his eyes to the abuse.
Robson sued the Jackson estate at this time. It was dismissed on account of statue of limitations.
Leaving Neverland also features the story of James Safechuck. Despite having never met, the two share matching accounts of abuse. As summarized by Slate, both recount how Jackson groomed the families into allowing the boys to sleep over in his bedroom, how he would touch their thighs and crotches, reach inside their pajamas, fondle their genitals and encouraged them to do the same to him. Perhaps most graphically, he made them “spread their buttocks so he could see their anuses as he masturbated to completion.”
Jackson died in 2009. His estate has vehemently denied the accusations, calling the documentary “yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson” and a “public lynching.” They have sued HBO over airing the documentary, citing an alleged disparagement agreement in a 1992 contract to air a Michael Jackson special.
Leaving Neverland is a two-part documentary series airing on HBO Sunday, March 3 and Monday, March 4 at 8 p.m. ET.