Michael Jackson’s name has been swimming in controversy since the release of the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland , which included victim accounts of his alleged sexual abuse of two children .
As more and more details have slowly emerged, the eyes of the public are on those who knew the late king of pop best.
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“Leaving Neverland” details the alleged abuse suffered by James Safechuck and Wade Robson.
They explain in graphic detail how they were groomed and eventually abused by Michael Jackson when they were children.
Since the release of the film, a portion of the late singer’s family has spoken in his defense.
His brothers Tito, Marlon and Jackie, and his nephew Taj, have dismissed the allegations , branding them as ‘lies’.
Pop star Madonna has had a long standing relationship with MJ.
In 1991 the two of them attended the Academy Awards together, and Madonna later revealed that she and Jackson shared a passionate kiss .
Needless to say, a lot of people have been waiting to hear Madonna’s opinion on the controversy.
In an interview with British Vogue, Madonna broke her silence.
“I don’t have a lynch-mob mentality,” she says, “I’ve had a thousand accusations hurled at me that are not true. “
“My attitude when people tell me things about people is, ‘Can you prove it?'”
She explained that she doesn’t take allegations against anyone at face value, since there are always those who are looking to tear down the reputations of celebrities.
She was asked what would constitute as proof that the allegations against MJ are true.
“I don’t know,” she says, “I haven’t seen the film. But I guess it would be people recounting actual events – but then, of course, people sometimes lie.”
Madonna believes that further investigation is required before she can make a judgment.
“I always say, ‘What’s the agenda? What do people want out of this? Are there people asking for money, is there some kind of extortion thing happening?”
“People are innocent until proven guilty.”
It seems as though Madonna will not be giving the allegations against Michael Jackson any merit, at least until she has what she believes to be more ‘concrete information.’
A lot of people trust Madonna’s judgment.
Her and Jackson collectively have millions of fans, so it makes sense that any damning word against him would ignite questioning.
In fact, her statement has had a tremendous impact on people’s perceptions of the scandal.
“Madonna is the only A list celebrity who actually came through and defended Michael Jackson,” one twitter user writes, “This is why she’ll always be the undisputed Queen.”
Regardless of your opinion on Madonna’s statement, it was important that she addressed the issue.
Do you think that she helped or hurt the current state of the situation?