HBO Threatened With Another Lawsuit Over 'Leaving Neverland'

Authored by complex.com and submitted by skarocket
image for HBO Threatened With Another Lawsuit Over 'Leaving Neverland'

In addition to the $100 million lawsuit they're already facing from Michael Jackson's estate, HBO is now being threatened with litigation from a man named Brett Barnes, who says that set-to-air documentary Leaving Neverland inaccurately represents the relationship he had with the deceased King of Pop.

Barnes contends that the documentary insinuates that he was sexually abused by Jackson. His argument is based around footage showing him and MJ together while the latter was touring. Wade Robson, the alleged abuse victim the film focuses on, claims that Barnes "replaced him."

Barnes has reportedly hired a lawyer and threatened HBO with a lawsuit. He contends that the film portrays him in a false light and that it will also subject him to "hatred, contempt and ridicule." In addition to retweeting a few statements that attempt to cast doubt on Robson's allegations, Barnes also wrote the following shortly after the doc premiered at Sundance in January:

So people are getting their facts from a movie now? I wonder how they feel about the documentary showing the great alien invasion of ‘96. I think it was called Independence Day. — Brett Barnes (@IAmBrettBarnes) January 27, 2019

Not only do we have to deal with these lies, but we’ve also got to deal with people perpetuating these lies. The fact that they fail to do the small amount of research it takes to prove these are lies, by choice or not, makes it even worse. — Brett Barnes (@IAmBrettBarnes) January 30, 2019

Barnes previously testified at Jackson's criminal trial back in 2005, where he denied that he was ever sexually abused by Jackson.

The film does air Barnes' written denial on-screen, though it only appears for a few seconds. According to TMZ, Barnes' legal reps don't think that this is sufficient to "cure such a despicable allegation." He reportedly wants nothing to do with the movie and wants all references to him to be removed. HBO has reportedly denied those requests.

Leaving Neverland is set to be broadcast on the network on Sunday and Monday nights.

OneTeaspoonSalt on March 7th, 2019 at 23:46 UTC »

His case is based on the belief that Barnes will be subject to ridicule and hatred if people think he might’ve been a victim. That’s deeply messed up.

alepolait on March 7th, 2019 at 18:40 UTC »

I think people have a soft spot for MJ, not only because of his talent and success, but because it’s painfully obvious that he was a victim himself.

I really hate that no one is mentioning that. His dad was evil. And Michael was somewhat a product of a really fucked up situation. Who knows what was done to him too.

People like to make fun of him, but you don’t destroy your face, and have obvious mental issues, without being deeply damaged.

Of course it doesn’t give him a “pass”, but it makes you wonder.

He had such an extraordinary life in the worst way possible.

Brianmp50 on March 7th, 2019 at 17:42 UTC »

Personally I believe Wade and James however I do agree that they could have done without naming Brett and Maculey. The insinuation was pretty clear and unfair whether they were victims or not. If it did happen that would be up to them to come to terms with just as these two men had.