If you haven’t seen Leaving Neverland yet, you really need to get on that.
Go here to watch it tonight.
The backlash following the release of the controversial documentary has been intense, with a number of celebrities weighing in on whether or not they believe the alleged sexual abuse survivors.
The latest is, of course, Barbra Streisand, who decided to leave the quiet comfort of her icon status and success to remark on the doccie to The Times of London, reports Vanity Fair.
In summary, Streisand declared that alleged molestation “didn’t kill” Michael Jackson accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck.
Jackson’s “sexual needs were his sexual needs, coming from whatever childhood he has or whatever DNA he has,” she said. “You can say ‘molested’, but those children, as you heard say [the grown-up Robson and Safechuck], they were thrilled to be there. They both married and they both have children, so it didn’t kill them.”
Yeah, not her best work.
Her remarks sparked a massive wave of public outrage, to which Streisand responded with the following statement:
“To be crystal clear, there is no situation or circumstance where it is OK for the innocence of children to be taken advantage of by anyone,” Streisand’s statement reads. “The stories these two young men shared were painful to hear, and I feel nothing but sympathy for them. The single most important role of being a parent is to protect their children. It’s clear that the parents of the two young men were also victimized and seduced by fame and fantasy.”
…“I am profoundly sorry for any pain or misunderstanding I caused by not choosing my words more carefully about Michael Jackson and his victims, because the words as printed do not reflect my true feelings,” the post read. “I didn’t mean to dismiss the trauma these boys experienced in any way. I feel deep remorse and hope James and Wade know that I truly respect and admire them for speaking their truth.”
Might be a little too late.
Stay away from the situation, Barb. It’s not a good look.
[source:vanityfair]
