Content Warning: This article discusses sexual assault. If you or someone you know are affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

Members of Michael Jackson’s estate have revealed they’re considering suing the director of the Leaving Neverland documentary, claiming that the story was completely fabricated.

For a few months now, there has been much said about the legacy of Michael Jackson thanks to the controversial Leaving Neverland documentary.

The documentary itself focuses around claims of child sex abuse made against Jackson, giving particular attention to the allegations made by Jimmy Safechuck and Brisbane-born Wade Robson.

While Jackson’s estate has called it nothing but a “tabloid character assassination”, it seems as though the allegations made have carried some weight, with radio stations around the world dropping Jackson’s music in response, and even his iconic episode of The Simpsons being pulled from streaming services.

Back in February though, it was revealed that Jackson’s estate were bringing a $100 million lawsuit against HBO, claiming the network was violating a non-disparagement clause from a 1992 contract by airing the documentary.

Now, it seems as though the documentary’s director is in the sights of Michael Jackson’s estate.

As Billboard reports, John Branca, the co-executor of Michael Jackson’s estate, appeared at a recent panel with members of the estate’s legal team where they discussed the possibility of further legal action.

The panel, titled Trial by Media: Guilty Until Proven Innocent, saw Branca explain that Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed presented graphic first-hand accounts of pedophilia by Jackson, without offering the artist’s estate a chance to respond.

Noting that the film was created in secrecy, surprising both John Branca and the rest of the estate, he claims that legal action against Reed is being considered, though he admits that the exact grounds for litigation are unknown at this point.

“Those people made up a goddamn story because they wanted money and we will not allow that to go unchecked,” Branca explained to Billboard. “It’s that simple.”

“Because the laws of defamation are what they are, there is nothing we can do or say. The man can be damaged, his kids can be hurt and theoretically nothing can be done.”

“I’m going to suggest the law should be changed to protect the deceased at least for a period of time,” he continued. “Because it’s about the truth, it’s about fairness, and it’s about balance.”

“Dan Reed’s documentary is replete with inaccuracies, lies and stuff they knew not to be true. They should be ashamed of themselves.”

While Dan Reed himself has not responded to news of a potential lawsuit, HBO issued a statement noting that he “is a proven, award-winning filmmaker”, and that they “have full confidence in his film.”

Check out the trailer for Leaving Neverland:

YouTube VideoPlay

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