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CASHING IN?

Were Wade Robson and James Safechuck paid for Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland and how has the Jackson estate reacted?

Michael Jackson with Wade Robson - who he has accused the King of Pop of sexual assault

WADE Robson and James Safechuck accused Michael Jackson of sexually abusing them as children in the new documentary that aired on Channel 4 Leaving Neverland.

One of the biggest questions many have asked is - did they get paid to do the documentary? Here's what we know.

Michael Jackson with Wade Robson - who he has accused the King of Pop of sexual assault
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Michael Jackson pictured with Wade Robson as a child

Were Robson and Safechuck paid for their appearance in the documentary?

The director of the documentary Dan Reed confirmed that Robson and Safechuck were not getting paid to be in Leaving Neverland.

He said Robson and Safechuck “have no financial interest whatsoever and no future, past or present interest”.

Now as adults both of them share their stories that for so long they left buried in the past, with the doc also featuring members of their families.

How did the Jackson estate react to the documentary?

In February the Jackson estate launched a lawsuit against broadcasting company HBO for £77million over Leaving Neverland.

They claim the documentary is in violation of a non-disparagement clause from a previous contract to televise a concert from Jackson’s Dangerous tour in 1992.

The clause including wording that said HBO would “not make any disparaging remarks” about the King of Pop.

The complaint read out in court said: “Michael Jackson is innocent. Period.”

The estate also called it "an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in" after the singer's 2009 death.

Wade Robson, from left, director Dan Reed and James Safechuck pose for a portrait to promote the film 'Leaving Neverland'
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Wade Robson, from left, director Dan Reed and James Safechuck pose for a portrait to promote the film Leaving NeverlandCredit: AP:Associated Press

What has HBO said in response?

HBO said they would still air the documentary.

They said: “Despite the desparate lengths taken to undermine the film, our plans remain unchanged.

“HBO will move forward with the airing of Leaving Neverland.

“This will allow everyone the opportunity to assess the film and the claims in it for themselves.”

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How can I watch Leaving Neverland?

The controversial documentary Leaving Neverland aired on Channel 4 on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

You can watch part one and part two on .

The two-part film, made by British filmmaker Dan Reed, contains interviews with two former childhood fans of the Thriller singer who claim they were abused by him when they were children in his enormous California mansion dubbed Neverland.

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