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.

Barbra Streisand has been forced to apologise for comments made in regards to the accusers of Michael Jackson, noting that the alleged abuse “didn’t kill them.”

Over the last few months, there has been much said about the controversial Leaving Neverland documentary.

The documentary itself 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.

While the Jackson 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.

In a profile published in The Times on Friday, veteran musician Barbra Streisand was asked about a number of topics, including the accusations made by Michael Jackson’s accusers in Leaving Neverland.

“His sexual needs were his sexual needs, coming from whatever childhood he has or whatever DNA he has,” Streisand explained. “You can say ‘molested,’ but those children [Robson and Safechuck], as you heard say, they were thrilled to be there.”

“They both married and they both have children, so it didn’t kill them.”

Despite this, Streisand asserted that she “absolutely” believed the claims made by the two men, while also appearing to place blame towards their parents instead.

“I feel bad for the children,” Streisand continued. “I feel bad for [Jackson]. I blame, I guess, the parents, who would allow their children to sleep with him.”

“Why would Michael need these little children dressed like him and in the shoes and the dancing and the hats?”

This interview soon caught the eye of Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed, who took to Twitter to ask Streisand, “did you really say that?!”

Now, following the backlash that her interview caused, Barbra Streisand has issued a statement to clarify her comments.

“To be crystal clear, there is no situation or circumstance where it is OK for the innocence of children to be taken advantage of by anyone,” Streisand wrote in her statement.

“The stories these two young men shared were painful to hear, and I feel nothing but sympathy for them. The single most important role of being a parent is to protect their children.”

“It’s clear that the parents of the two young men were also victimised and seduced by fame and fantasy.”

Likewise, Barbra Streisand also took to social media to share an additional statement from her website, apologising for the controversy her comments caused and the damage that they may inflict on survivors of abuse.

“I am profoundly sorry for any pain or misunderstanding I caused by not choosing my words more carefully about Michael Jackson and his victims, because the words as printed do not reflect my true feelings,” Streisand wrote.

“I didn’t mean to dismiss the trauma these boys experienced in any way,” she continued. “I feel deep remorse and hope James and Wade know that I truly respect and admire them for speaking their truth.”

Barbra Streisand has not made any further comments on the matter, nor has Dan Reed, Jimmy Safechuck, or Wade Robson responded to her initial remarks.

Check out the trailer for Leaving Neverland:

YouTube VideoPlay

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