Leaving Neverland director slams 'horrific' behaviour of celebrities attempting to defend Michael Jackson

The director of Leaving Neverland has hit out at celebrities who have tried to defend Michael Jackson from the accusations of sexual abuse in the film.

Actress Barbra Streisand and singer Diana Ross – who have both been entertainment icons for decades – have voiced their defences of the late singer, in the aftermath of the documentary being aired.

“It does tell you about attitudes in the industry – particularly among the older generation,” said the film’s director, Dan Reed, in a TV interview. “Stars having their way with fans was something that was accepted and it was all brushed under the carpet because money was being made.”

Leaving Neverland features two men who accuse Jackson of sexually abusing them when they were children in the 1990s.

Read more: Barbra Streisand feels ‘deep remorse’ for comments about Michael Jackson accusers

In an interview published in The Times, Streisand said of Jackson’s actions: “His sexual needs were his sexual needs.”

She went on to say Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who both appeared in Leaving Neverland to accuse Jackson of abuse, “were thrilled to be there.”

She added that the alleged abuse “didn’t kill them.”

The comments received backlash on social media, leading to the 76-year-old to release a statement addressing her comments.

She said: “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.

“I didn’t mean to dismiss the trauma these boys experienced in any way. Like all survivors of sexual assault, they will have to carry this for the rest of their lives. I feel deep remorse and I hope that James and Wade know that I truly respect and admire them for speaking their truth.”

Read more: Celebrities react to ‘haunting’ Leaving Neverland documentary

Soon after Streisand made her comments, Diana Ross, who sang live with Jackson and knew him for many years, made her feelings clear on Twitter.

She said: “This is what’s on my heart this morning. I believe and trust that Michael Jackson was and is a magnificent incredible force to me and to many others. STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE.”

“Stop in the name of love” is a reference to the title of one of her biggest hits with the Supremes.

Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed has pointed out that Streisand and Ross’s criticism said a lot about attitudes in the entertainment industry.

“People like Barbra Streisand are coming out and saying that it was not such a bad thing and that it didn’t kill them – that’s horrific,” he told TV show, Sunrise Live.

“It does tell you about attitudes in the industry – particularly among the older generation.

“Stars having their way with fans was something that was accepted and it was all brushed under the carpet because money was being made.”