can you comment on whether the victim(s) whose parents handed them over to MJ in the middle of the night, etc, are these victims angry at their parent(s)? Are they holding their parent(s) responsible?
This was really interesting, because the mums of both victims were a big part of the documentary, providing their own recollections, and attempts at justification, as the guys told their story.
At the time of the documentary, it seemed to me that at least one of the victims hadn’t forgiven his mum, and that seemed to be largely unresolved pain for both of them, as well as the siblings.
For the other, it was hard to tell. The mum seemed to catch on earlier, but that seemed to be because the impact on her son’s mental health was far more apparent at a much earlier stage (and I think he told his mum much earlier?). He didn’t have any siblings to comment, but certainly his wife spoke at length to the way his mental health had fallen apart over the years, and how he had in fact taken a much earlier stand against MJ and stopped supporting him (for example, he refused to testify at the criminal trial on MJ’s behalf, which the first victim agreed to do).
It was actually the way the doco involved the family members who were present, and their insights, that largely kept me watching. Why would a mother leave her son alone to sleep with a complete adult stranger (albeit a superstar).
I thought it was an interesting insight. And it certainly left me wondering if maybe I’ve got some of my own unresolved anger at my parents. It was definitely an unresolved issue that one of the 2 families were dealing with at the time of filming.
I watched all of it in parts. Whilst I can see what you’re saying
@Friday, I think there’s a point where you add up what’s been presented to you and decide: can I support this man’s legacy or not? For me? The answer is a clear no. That’s not about lynching. MJ won’t spend any time in prison as a result of these allegations. Doesn’t mean I ignore it altogether simply because it hasn’t been proved in a court.
MJ paid the first alleged victim $10 million to keep it out of court. That’s not a guilty verdict, but it’s a long way from a vindication. As to the trial? The star (then
child) witness has recanted. I’ll switch radio stations based on what I’ve been told. He’s never been convicted, but I simply can’t support his estate. Just can’t. Too much of what I heard? Is exactly what I’ve said myself over the years, and victims aren’t obliged to stay silent simply because their abuser can no longer be tried before a court.
Difficult call though.