Since the airing of the explosive Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland , many celebrities have felt the need to come forward in defence of Jackson.
The controversial documentary, distributed by HBO, takes an in-depth look into Michael’s alleged sexual molestation of Wade Robson and James Safechuck in the 1990’s.
The latest celebrity to weigh in on the accusations is Barbra Streisand.
The 76-year-old Broadway and film icon inexplicably felt the need to defend Jackson during her interview with the British publication The Times.
Her and Jackson were good acquaintances, despite turning down an opportunity to work with the pop singer years ago.
The interviewer for The Times claims to have brought up Jackson to Streisand because “both he and Streisand achieved a similar level of fame.”
In the interview, Streisand described Jackson as “very sweet” and “very childlike.”
Though the two never worked together, both were supportive of one another’s careers over the decades.
Barbra went on to say she “absolutely” believes Safechuck and Robson were sexually assaulted by Jackson.
“I feel bad for the children. I feel bad for him. I blame, I guess, the parents, who would allow their children to sleep with him.”
Streisand questioned the parents, wondering why they didn’t suspect foul play.
“Why would Michael need these little children dressed like him and in the shoes and the dancing and the hats?” she asked.
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“His sexual needs were his sexual needs, coming from whatever childhood he has or whatever DNA he has.”
“You can say ‘molested’, but those children, as you heard say [the grown-up Robson and Safechuck], they were thrilled to be there.”
She concluded with “they both married and they both have children, so it didn’t kill them.”
Predictably, Streisands ignorant comments received major backlash online.
People didn’t understand how she defended the victims yet blamed them at the same time.
Streisand’s comments seemed to be contradicting and confusing, to say the very least.
In addition, these comments in regards to childhood sexual abuse were incredibly problematic.
After nearly 24 hours of intense media backlash, Barbra released a statement apologizing for her comments.
Predictably, Streisand retracted her statements.
“I am profoundly sorry for any pain or misunderstanding I caused by not choosing my words more carefully about Michael Jackson and his victims,” she wrote.
“The words as printed do not reflect my true feelings.”
“I didn’t mean to dismiss the trauma these boys experienced in any way.”
She continued, “Like all survivors of sexual assault, they will have to carry this for the rest of their lives.”
“I feel deep remorese and I hope that James and Wade know that I truly respect and admire them for speaking their truth.”
Unsurprisingly, the apology was met with a hostile response.
What do you think of Barbra’s comments? Were they misinterpreted or does Barbra really believe what she said?
Does her apology change anything?
