Latest news with #LeavingNeverland2:SurvivingMichaelJackson
South China Morning Post
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Who is James Safechuck from Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson? He says he was abused by the star, but has since rebuilt his life working with Disney and Netflix, and has kids of his own
Director Dan Reed recently released Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson, a follow-up production to his bombshell 2019 documentary about the men the late pop star had allegedly sexually abused as children, including Wade Robson and James Safechuck. Debuting on Channel 4 in the UK and on YouTube in the US, the new documentary features exclusive access to court hearings, and charts Robson and Safechuck's ongoing fight for justice. Jackson consistently denied the allegations up until his death in 2009. The late singer's estate has also continued to do so. Advertisement In 2023, a California appeals court ruled that Robson and Safechuck's combined case would go to trial next year, according to Variety. Michael Jackson with 10 year old Jimmy Safechuck on his tour plane in 1988. While you may know Robson , a choreographer who has worked with artists from Britney Spears to NSync, less is known about Safechuck. Wade Robson and James Safechuck being interviewed by Oprah about their alleged abuse. Photo: HBO/YouTube Here's what you need to know about James Safechuck. What does James Safechuck do for work? James Safechuck works for digital creative agency AvatarLabs. Photo: @
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wade Robson suffered 'terrifying' backlash from Michael Jackson fans
Wade Robson suffered a "terrifying" backlash from Michael Jackson fans following the release of 'Leaving Neverland'. Robson and James Safechuck both claim to have been sexually abused by the late King of Pop when they were children and they detailed their allegations against him in the 2019 documentary - and Robson has now revealed the film sparked a flurry of hate from the singer's devoteees. Speaking in follow-up documentary 'Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson', Robson said of the reaction from Jackson fans: "It's fricking terrifying. "The reaction of the whole world, angry Michael fans and media, a certain amount of them can be extremely vicious." The pair have spent years embroiled in legal action against Jackson's estate - which has consistently denied allegations of sexual abuse that have been levied against the late singer - and the director of the two documentaries, Dan Reed, fears fans of the superstar will never believe he could ever have done anything wrong. He told Variety: "Look, the true believers are always going to be true believers. You could show them a video of Jackson molesting a child and there's no amount of evidence that would suffice to change what's almost a religious view. They're part of a cult. And I really don't expect people to stop listening to Michael Jackson's music." Jackson was acquitted of child molestation charges following a trial in 2005 and he always denied claims of inappropriate behaviour prior to his death in 2009. Representatives of his estate have continued to deny claims of sexual abuse following the singer's passing. 'Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson' premiered in the UK on Tuesday night (18.03.25) and continues to document Robson and Safechuck's story as the battle the Jackson estate through the courts. Jonathan Steinsapir, attorney for the estate of Michael Jackson, told PEOPLE in April 2023: "We remain fully confident that Michael is innocent of these allegations, which are contrary to all credible evidence and independent corroboration, and which were only first made years after Michael's death. "We trust that the truth will ultimately prevail with Michael's vindication yet again. Michael Jackson himself said, 'Lies run sprints, but the truth runs marathons'."
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Channel 4 & Alaska TV 'Discharged Duty Of Care' To John Balson Before Producer Took His Own Life
Editor's note: this article includes mention of suicide and other topics that some readers may find upsetting. Channel 4 and production company Alaska TV 'discharged their respective duties of care' before producer John Balson took his own life, an independent review has concluded. More from Deadline Ben Wheatley's 'Generation Z' Axed By Channel 4 After One Season 'Leaving Neverland 2' Trailer: Sequel Follows James Safechuck & Wade Robson's Fight For Justice After Accusing Michael Jackson Of Sexual Assault 'Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson' To Premiere On Real Stories YouTube Channel In U.S. Balson, a true crime TV producer, died by suicide last May shortly after working with Alaska on Channel 4 series In The Footsteps of Killers. In the final few weeks of his life, he raised concerns about 'work-related stress' to family members and health professionals. Channel 4 engaged Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RPC) to conduct a review last summer and the law firm has now delivered its findings. Channel 4 stopped short of publishing the report, citing privacy concerns. The UK broadcaster has instead shared a summary of RPC's findings with the media. The summary declared that Channel 4 and Alaska responded 'reasonably and appropriately' to the information available to them in the period before Balson's death, but the press notice did not address specific issues raised by Balson's family. The family has been contacted for comment. According to his wife, Yumeno Niimura, Balson felt he was blamed by the In The Footsteps of Killers production for a family declining to take part in the show. Balson also alleged that he received threats from someone associated with a person he was researching. Furthermore, Niimura said the producer was exhausted, leading to intense physical symptoms associated with vestibular migraine disorder, and a deterioration in his mental health. Niimura told us Balson's death was a 'failure of the industry.' She said Balson had told her that small production companies have 'unrealistically low budgets,' and 'often force extra work and unrealistic assignments on freelancers.' It is not clear if Channel 4 made RPC's full findings available to Balson's family, but details were shared during a meeting. Balson's family has been clear about wanting an open discussion about the circumstances of his death and potential industry failings. RPC reached its conclusions 'after a thorough examination – including interviews with relevant individuals, the review of a substantial volume of emails, WhatsApp and text messages, and the analysis of key documentation relating to the production and provided by John Balson's family,' according to Channel 4's summary. 'The investigation team also commented on how the profound tragedy of John's death has deeply affected all those spoken to during the investigation,' it added. A Channel 4 spokeswoman said In The Footsteps Of Killers will now air over the summer. Now into its third season, the show sees hosts Emilia Fox and David Wilson investigate famous cold cases. Channel 4 said it has taken on all of RPC's recommendations, which are that 'production companies should ensure timely compilation and circulation of mental health resources,' should 'consider additional ways to encourage dialogue and transparency regarding mental health matters,' 'consider adopting additional monitoring and oversight of freelancer working hours' and 'consider introducing a documented Flexible Working Policy.' The recommendations suggest that, had these policies been in place prior to Balson's death, it could have improved his working conditions. 'Additional budgetary provision' Furthermore, Channel 4 said it will bring in extra welfare measures that will include a new Code of Behaviours for Suppliers, which the spokeswoman said was being drawn up prior to Balson's death. Indies will also be asked to assess the nature and subject matter of a production. If concerning, Channel 4 will offer psychological support and resources. 'Channel 4 will consider additional budgetary provision, where necessary, to ensure the specific needs of production staff are properly supported,' said the statement. Content boss Ian Katz said at last summer's Edinburgh TV Festival that the channel was mulling how it could roll out the protections it has introduced for journalists reporting on the Israel-Gaza conflict to the true crime genre. Channel 4 will also 'introduce formalised mid-production discussions with all production companies to support them in addressing production staff wellbeing,' added the press notice, along with conducting regular anonymous surveys. Katz said today that the tragedy has 'made it clear that more must be done to better support freelancers in the industry and we need a more robust picture of the demands being made of them.' 'John's case has highlighted the pressures that freelancers can face in our industry and their fear of losing out on future work if they speak openly about their working conditions,' he added. 'In particular, we want to make it easier for them to speak frankly about their working conditions and the demands being made of them. And we welcome an ongoing conversation about how best we can continue to support them in the future. We share and support the ambition of John Balson's family that positive change can be made as a result of John's death, and we will continue to work – independently and with industry partners through initiatives such as [new body] Action for Freelancers – on approaches to help make this happen.' An inquest into Balson's death last month found that he had told numerous health professionals he was having suicidal thoughts and flagged 'work-related stress' on several occasions to them in the weeks leading up to his death. At the time, Balson's family said they 'felt let down by the system.' In a statement, Philippa Childs, head of the Bectu union, said: 'John Balson's death is a profound tragedy, and we know today's announcement from Channel 4 will make for very difficult reading for his family, friends and many across the industry. 'No one should have to suffer in silence and we welcome Channel 4's commitment to taking practical steps to encourage people to talk more openly about worker mental health. RPC's recommendations to production companies and Channel 4 regarding better monitoring freelancers' working hours, improving mental health support, and engaging with bodies like Bectu on working conditions, will all be critical to ensuring that the review's findings result in real and sustained change. 'The physical and mental health risks of many elements of working in film and TV, including long hours, tight production schedules and exposure to distressing material, are well documented. We will be holding Channel 4 and the wider industry to account on meaningful and continued engagement on these and other factors that impact freelancers' wellbeing. 'This is critical to uphold both the wishes of John and of his family that positive change come from his tragic death, and to truly drive progress in creating a healthier industry for everyone who works in it.' Best of Deadline All The Songs In 'Severance' Season 2: From The Who To Ella Fitzgerald 10 Brand New Emmy-Eligible Shows Coming This Spring 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery
Telegraph
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson review: questions remain but this update has no answers
Leaving Neverland was the 2019 film in which two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, alleged that Michael Jackson sexually abused them when they were young boys. For diehard Michael Jackson fans, they were liars out for financial gain. For others, the details were stomach-turning and evidence of a predator hiding in plain sight. How many people still buy the idea that Jackson shared his bed with little boys for innocent reasons? Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson (Channel 4) is a follow-up, but it tells us nothing new. Robson and Safechuck are trying to bring a case against Jackson's companies, MJ Productions and MJ Ventures, but it has been mired in endless court hearings about whether or not corporations can be held responsible for such things. Lawyers for the Jackson estate, as you would expect, say they cannot. Robson and Safechuck say that Jackson's nefarious behaviour would have been obvious to anyone working for him – a 'constant cycle of kids coming in and out'. 'He'd call them his 'special friend' and he would interact with these kids in a way that someone would interact with a boyfriend or girlfriend,' says their lawyer, Vince Finaldi. 'So I would find it very hard to believe that someone who was an adult employee of Michael Jackson would not at the very least have a suspicion as to what was going on.' Finaldi also describes high-profile abusers who make a show of their charity work and acts of kindness, in remarks that bring to mind Jimmy Savile: 'Sexual abusers are not stupid people. They're incredibly intelligent, incredibly manipulative, and that's why they're able to do this for so long, for decades, right in front of the public.' The legal wrangling has gone on for a decade, with a trial date finally set for 2026. We're shown the odd bit of footage from court hearings, all very technical, but otherwise this documentary has little to do except re-run some of the claims from the first film and to reassert that these two were certainly not the first to make allegations about Jackson. There are also interviews with Robson and Safechuck. The latter seems particularly weary of how long this is taking. Four years ago, he told the filmmakers that he was 'looking forward to letting go' if a court ruling went against him, but he's still going. Finaldi says he is going to retire from child abuse work because it has taken such a toll. 'Generally speaking, I lose one client a year, sometimes two, to suicide or the ill effects that come from abuse – alcoholism, drug abuse. I get to deal with the ghosts of at least 20 or 30 clients that I think about all the time.' For Robson and Safechuck, the case continues, but this documentary doesn't advance their cause. It simply reminds us of the case, and prompts us to revisit a question which the first film addressed but this one doesn't: never mind Jackson's staff, what on earth were the parents thinking when they let their young sons have sleepovers with a grown man?
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Baker & YouTuber Gemma Stafford Launches Bold Baking Network FAST Channel With Future Today
EXCLUSIVE: Baker and YouTube content maker Gemma Stafford and connected TV biz Future Today are launching a channel dedicated to baking. They are positioning the Bold Baking Network as the 'world's first 24/7 baking FAST channel' offering 'thousands of shows and more than 1,000 hours of content to streaming audiences.' More from Deadline YouTube Rules Out Return To Originals Despite TV Set Viewing Boom: "We Have No Interest Whatsoever In Producing Our Own Content" - MIP London YouTube Podcasts Now Pull In 1 Billion Monthly Active Viewers 'Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson' To Premiere On Real Stories YouTube Channel In U.S. Program categories will include family baking, travel and global cuisine, seasonal specialties, beginner to advanced techniques, celebrity chef features, live events, product reviews and shopping. Stafford is an Irish-born, LA-based professional chef and baker. Her Bigger Bolder Baking shows on YouTube have amassed over half a billion views. She and Future Now say 97% of her audience have made at least one of her recipes, with an aggregate 15 million hours of content viewed. 'Baking brings comfort, creativity and community into people's lives,' said Stafford. 'We believe all bakers are creators, and now we're giving them a platform to reach millions. Our partnership with Future Today helps us share the joy of baking with a global audience, while fostering a vibrant community that attracts brands and sponsors eager to connect.' Future Today's channels have reach in more than 60 million U.S. homes, and distributes its shows on Delta Air Lines partnership. 'The creator economy is revolutionizing how we deliver premium entertainment, and the Bold Baking Network represents the next evolution in culinary content,' said Vikrant Mathur, Co-Founder of Future Today. 'By partnering with visionary creators like Gemma Stafford and her network of baking talents, we're delivering fresh, engaging programming to streaming audiences, while expanding our mission to deliver content viewers are passionate about. This isn't just another cooking channel – it's a creator-driven platform that transforms how people experience and engage with baking entertainment.' The channel will offer traditional ad spots, brand integrations through season programming specials, product placements in recipe demonstrations and product launch features. 'This partnership represents a perfect alignment of audience engagement and advertiser opportunity,' said Mathur. 'By delivering the content viewers actively seek and creating authentic ways for brands to be part of the viewership experience, we're creating a premium, brand-safe environment where advertisers can meaningfully connect with highly engaged audiences. This is exactly the kind of sustainable growth model that drives value for all stakeholders in the streaming ecosystem.' Future Today's streaming portfolio includes channels such as Fawesome, HappyKids and The Bold Baking Network will offered through major streaming platforms including Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV. Best of Deadline How To Watch The 2025 Oscars Online And On TV How Jon Gries' Return To 'The White Lotus' Could Shape Season 3 Which Colleen Hoover Books Are Becoming Movies? 'Verity,' 'Reminders Of Him' & 'Regretting You' Will Join 'It Ends With Us'
