Critics Slam Michael Jackson Fans in Response to HBO Documentary: Stop Making Excuses for a ‘Pedophile’
Following HBO’s release of Leaving Neverland the heart-wrenching documentary on the life of Michael Jackson and the allegations of pedophilia surrounding the late singer, a feud has broken out online as fans and critics disputed Jackson’s legacy.
Yashar Ali, a prominent journalist and social media influencer, was among those slamming Jackson’s fans who were defending his actions.
“A GROWN MAN DOES NOT HAVE FRIENDSHIPS WITH KIDS WHERE HE GOES TO THEIR HOMES LIKE HE’S ONE OF THEIR PALS AND HAS SLEEPOVERS AND SHIT WHY DON’T YOU PEOPLE GET THIS,” an exasperated Ali tweeted at fans who insisted the HBO documentary was simply framing Jackson for money.
A GROWN MAN DOES NOT HAVE FRIENDSHIPS WITH KIDS WHERE HE GOES TO THEIR HOMES LIKE HES ONE OF THEIR PALS AND HAS SLEEPOVERS AND SHIT WHY DON'T YOU PEOPLE GET THIS.
THESE ARE THINGS HE DID AND NO ONE IS DISPUTING
IT IS INAPPROPRIATE AND UNHEALTHY
— Yashar Ali ? (@yashar) March 4, 2019
The MJ stans in my mentions are HILARIOUS. Ya boy is a gross child molester. Get over it. #LeavingNeverland pic.twitter.com/QZCtMgkHLu
— Travon Free (@Travon) March 4, 2019
I had to stop watching. Survivors of childhood sexual abuse should be aware that this is unsparing and brutal in its content. It's really bad. If you're even slightly vulnerable to triggering, just don't watch. It's not worth it.#LeavingNeverland
— Charlotte Clymer?️? (@cmclymer) March 4, 2019
It may take years and years for a child to process the abuse they endured at the hands of a Pedophile , trauma runs deep and cold and very confusing for survivors . There are many pedophiles who have been protected. news flash” ..your TimesUp
— Rosanna Arquette (@RoArquette) March 4, 2019
The man groomed children in public. He befriended young boys and invited them to sleep in his bed. Stop being stupid about this. Just because you like his dance moves doesn’t mean you should excuse an obvious pedophile. https://t.co/b4AGb0qrzh
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) March 4, 2019
The insanity of making pedophilia an ideooogical issue. Abusing children is repulsive, i cannot believe anyone would defend pedophiles #auspol https://t.co/lWeJ5P2kVV
— PatriciaKarvelas (@PatsKarvelas) March 3, 2019
watching leaving neverland. i’m young enough to have not been aware of the allegations about michael jackson as they were happening and it is WILD TO ME that anyone thought his behavior around and constant contact with young boys was remotely okay
— b-boy bouiebaisse (@jbouie) March 4, 2019
This Finding Neverland documentary on HBO is insane. I've always been a Michael Jackson fan, but I didn't know he made music, too.
— Anthony Jeselnik (@anthonyjeselnik) March 4, 2019
I pray that witnesses and enablers of Michael Jackson's predation get the strength to come out and discuss what they know.
— Yashar Ali ? (@yashar) March 4, 2019
There are people proclaiming Michael Jackson’s innocence out there tonight who don’t understand how Trump’s supporters could stand by him.
— Peter Sagal (@petersagal) March 4, 2019
“…it is WILD TO ME that anyone thought his behavior around and constant contact with young boys was remotely okay,” tweeted journalist Jamelle Bouie. Others, such as writer Peter Sagal, mused how some of Jackson’s fans would defend his sexual relations with children before defending President Donald Trump‘s locker room talk about women.
[featured photo via Getty Images]
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