Leaving Neverland: what a child sex abuse expert thought

Forensic psychologist discusses the issues raised by Channel 4’s Michael Jackson documentary

Michael Jackson with Wade Robson
Michael Jackson with Wade Robson, then aged five
(Image credit: Channel 4)

Since Leaving Neverland – the disturbing documentary film about Michael Jackson and the nature of his relationship with two young boys – aired, many of Jackson’s fans have said they cannot believe their idol would commit the abuses alleged by the now adult men.

But others watched horrified as stories from the 1980s and 1990s were recounted. Viewers asked: how could this have happened? How did the parents let their children get into such apparently dangerous situations? And why weren’t red flags raised at the time?

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