Director of ‘Leaving Neverland’ Says Michael Jackson Was “Worse Than Jeffrey Epstein,” Fans Push Back

Comments from documentary filmmaker Dan Reed have sparked fresh debate about the legacy of Michael Jackson, especially as a new biopic about the pop star gains attention.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Reed criticized how the public and parts of the media continue to support Jackson’s image while overlooking past allegations. Reed directed the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, which focused on claims made by Wade Robson and James Safechuck.

Reed said many people choose to ignore the accusations. He stated, “It says that people don’t care that he was a child molester. Literally, people just don’t care.” He also suggested that Jackson’s music plays a big role in shaping public opinion, adding that fans often avoid confronting the issue.

The director also reacted to comments made by Antoine Fuqua, who is behind the new biopic Michael. In a separate interview, Fuqua suggested that some accusations against Jackson may have been financially motivated.

Reed disagreed with that view. He said, “For Antoine Fuqua to accuse people of gold digging is kind of ironic.” He went on to argue that those involved in the film are the ones benefiting financially from Jackson’s story.

He also questioned the approach of the biopic itself. Reed asked, “How can you tell an authentic story about Michael Jackson without ever mentioning the fact that he was seriously accused of being a child molester?” He believes the film avoids a key part of the singer’s history.

Reed continued by defending Jackson’s accusers, saying they did not gain financially from their claims. He explained that legal action does not result in payment unless a case is won in court.

He also criticized media coverage, claiming that some outlets avoid strong criticism due to pressure from Jackson’s fan base and the financial value connected to his name. Reed said, “So a lot of people, I think, will kind of swallow any misgivings they may have and just sort of say, ‘Oh well, it’s a great jukebox movie’ and just completely ignore the fact that this guy was worse than Jeffrey Epstein.”

The debate comes as the new film about Jackson performs strongly at the box office. At the same time, it has raised questions about how his life story is being presented to audiences.

Jackson faced several allegations during his lifetime. In the 1990s, a civil case was settled without a criminal conviction. In the early 2000s, he was charged in a separate case but was later found not guilty in court. He died in 2009 at the age of 50.

More than a decade later, the accusations continue to divide public opinion. Some fans focus on his music and career, while others believe the allegations should remain part of any discussion about his legacy.

This is a difficult topic that shows how complicated it can be to separate art from the person behind it. Strong opinions on both sides are not surprising. What matters is how openly these conversations are handled. What do you think about this debate and how Michael Jackson’s story is being told today? Share your thoughts in the comments.