The episode was the first that Jean served as showrunner for so it had held a special place in his heart but he explained that the decision was “the right move,” despite it being a personal milestone for him and losing out financially.
“It wasn’t just a comedy to him, it was something that was used as a tool,” he explained, adding that, “I think it was part of what he used to groom boys.”
“I really don’t know, and I should be very careful because this is not something I know personally, but as far as what I think, that’s what I think. And that makes me very, very sad.”
Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage; Aaron Lambert-Pool/Getty Images
Though the episode aired two years before Jackson was publicly accused of child sexual abuse in 1993, Jean said watching it now brings on an entirely different meaning.
“I lose a little bit of money financially, it’s not something that’s great personally to lose one of the most successful things I ever did, but I totally think it’s the right move,” he said. “The episode itself has a false purpose, and that’s what I object to about it now.”
Michael Jackson’s character with Bart and Lisa Simpson.FOX
Leaving Neverlandchronicles allegations from two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who both claim Jackson befriended them when they were children and that their relationships quickly turned sexual.
Safechuck, who met Jackson when he was cast in the star’s 1986 Pepsi commercial, claims Jackson taught him how to masturbate, while Robson, who met Jackson when he was just 5 years old, says the star performed oral sex on him and kissed him.
Michael Jackson and Wade Robson.HBO
Jackson’s family has repeatedly denied all allegations put forth inLeaving Neverland, and said in a January statement the film was “another rehash of dated and discredited allegations,” calling it “yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson.”
Michael Jackson and James Safechuck.Dave Hogan/Getty Images
His music also saw amajor decline with its sales and streamingin the week following the HBO documentary’s premiere, while Neverland Ranch, the 2,700-acre property where the pop star lived for 15 years hasstruggled to sell on the market.
Jackson was 50 years old when he was found dead on June 25, 2009, in his L.A. mansion.
source: people.com
