James Safechuck Offers Support to Survivors Amid ‘Michael’ Release

Leaving Neverland accuser James Safechuck has issued a poignant statement in support of survivors of childhood sexual abuse as the new Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, begins its theatrical run. Safechuck, one of the two primary subjects of the 2019 documentary, emphasized the emotional toll that the film’s promotional cycle can take on those who have experienced similar trauma.

In a video statement provided to Rolling Stone, Safechuck addressed the complex feelings that arise when an alleged abuser is celebrated on a global scale. “The Michael movie is coming out and it’s getting a lot of promotion and there’s billboards and commercials and people praising Michael. It can be triggering for survivors who have their own Michael in their lives, whether it’s the priest who’s close to God or the sports coach who’s just helping the kids or the step-parent who’s supporting the family,” Safechuck said. “Our abusers are praised sometimes, even after we come out and tell the truth.”

Safechuck, who alleged that he was sexually abused by Jackson between 1988 and 1992, has remained steadfast in his account despite the singer’s lifelong denials. While he is currently involved in a long-standing legal battle with the Jackson estate, he noted that his primary motivation for speaking out—both in the 2019 documentary and now—is to provide a sense of community for other survivors.

“I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone and that there are other survivors out there that understand what you’re going through and that are there with you. And that if you’re feeling all the feels, then lean into people that are close to you, lean into people that support you and that give you love, and know that you’re not alone.”

The release of Michael has reignited public discourse regarding the singer’s legacy. Dan Reed, the director of Leaving Neverland, also expressed concern regarding the film’s potential impact on younger audiences. “Clearly with this movie, a lot more young people are going to discover Michael Jackson and they will come away from this picture probably with the image that he was a very talented performer who was rather nice to children and that is a travesty of the truth,” Reed told Rolling Stone.

As the legal proceedings involving Safechuck and fellow accuser Wade Robson continue toward a scheduled trial in November, Safechuck’s message serves as a reminder of the human cost often overlooked in the shadow of celebrity. He concluded his statement by affirming the importance of truth-telling as a vital component of the healing process.