Dan Reed, the director of Leaving Neverland, has revealed alarming threats he received following the controversial documentary's airing. The film, which centers on Michael Jackson's alleged abuse of two young boys, was met with fierce backlash from the late singer's devoted fans.
Reed discussed the gravity of his situation during an interview with The Guardian, stating he has faced numerous death threats since the film's release. "I’ve had murderers try to find me. I’ve had people threaten to shoot me who are armed. I’ve been threatened many, many times," he shared, making it clear the stakes were high for him.
Despite the danger, Reed is pressing forward with a sequel to his 2019 documentary, which originally aired on HBO. The first installment featured testimonies from Wade Robson and James Safechuck, two men who claimed they were victims of Jackson’s abusive behavior during their childhoods. This narrative was met with significant controversy, as Jackson’s passionate fanbase accused Reed and the subjects of the documentary of fabrications motivated by financial gain. They argued vehemently against the allegations, maintaining Jackson could not defend himself posthumously.
The threats have been unsettling for Reed. He recounted incidents where individuals attempted to track down his home address and even considered sending anonymous packages to intimidate him. While he emphasized the severity of these threats, he noted, "They’re going to have to get on a plane" in response to threats he received from overseas, indicating he was skeptical about their legitimacy.
Looking forward, Reed expresses excitement about the upcoming sequel, which promises to explore the continued legal struggles faced by Robson and Safechuck against Michael Jackson’s estate. The duo seeks to hold Jackson’s estate accountable for their experiences and trauma. "I hope it reaches more people," Reed stated about the new film.
Leaving Neverland 2 is set to premiere on Channel 4 in the UK on March 18, 2025, and expectations are mixed, considering the polarized reception of the original documentary. The success of the sequel largely hinges on public interest and potential outrage, as fans remain highly reactive to discussions surrounding Jackson’s legacy.
Reed's courage to continue telling the stories of alleged victims is commendable, yet the danger he faces highlights the emotional intensity surrounding Jackson's legacy. The polarizing nature of this narrative adds complexity to the release of Leaving Neverland 2, which could spark renewed conversations about celebrity worship, accountability, and the fight for truth within difficult contexts. The stakes—as Reed has identified—are high, and the continued dialogue stemming from these revelations will undoubtedly fuel passionate debates about the impact of fame on justice.