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.
Two of the men who have made accusations against Michael Jackson have now spoken out against the jokes made by Dave Chappelle in a recent Netflix special.
Earlier this week, Dave Chappelle released Sticks & Stones, a new Netflix stand-up special which sees the veteran comic taking a stand against “cancel culture” at numerous points.
During his routine, Chappelle made reference to the controversial Leaving Neverland documentary, which focuses around claims of child sex abuse made against Michael Jackson, giving particular attention to the allegations made by Jimmy Safechuck and Brisbane-born Wade Robson.
“This is the worst time ever to be a celebrity,” Chappelle quipped at one point. “You’re gonna be finished. Everyone’s doomed. Michael Jackson has been dead for 10 years, and this n**** has two new cases.”
As Chappelle’s routine continued, he made light of the suffering reportedly inflicted upon Safechuck and Robson, before stating he doesn’t believe their stories, and urging his audience not to view the documentary.
“Don’t watch it,” he warned. “It’s fucking gross. I felt like HBO was sticking baby dicks in my ears for four hours straight.”
Check out the trailer for Sticks & Stones by Dave Chappelle:
While reaction to Dave Chappelle’s special was mixed, the estate of Michael Jackson agreed with his sentiment, telling TMZ that the comic “touched a nerve” because “Robson and Safechuck are liars and they know the truth.”
“We agree with Dave Chappelle – these guys are damn liars,” John Branca, the co-executor of Jackson’s estate explained. “After years of exploiting Michael’s generosity, they waited until he was gone and unable to defend himself before accusing him.
“They did this in secrecy. They did not do any independent investigation.”
On the opposite side of the spectrum, both Wade Robson and Jimmy Safechuck offered up their own statements, with the former claiming that “[Chappelle] can say whatever he wants. It reveals him, not us.”
“I’m heartbroken for all those children who look to see how they will be received when they finally find the courage to speak out about their sexual abuse,” Safechuck added.
“I just want to reach out to other survivors and let them know that we can’t let this type of behavior silence us. Together we are strong.”
Check out the trailer for the Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland:
