Stevie Wonder has responded to the controversy surrounding Michael Jackson in the wake of the Leaving Neverland documentary.
The new documentary, which will air in the UK later tonight, focuses on testimony by Wade Robson, 36, and James Safechuck, 41, who both claim that Jackson sexually abused them when they were children.
While many fans have said that they can no longer listen to his music in the wake of the allegations, others are out on a protest march today in London against Channel 4 televising the two-part film.
Now, former friend and collaborator Stevie Wonder has responded to the documentary. When asked by TMZ about how people should feel about listening to his music, Wonder replied: “He’s died, he’s dead. Hopefully, we can continue the legacy of inspiration he has given a lot of kids and a lot of people.”
Wonder made an appearance on Jackson’s seventh studio album ‘Bad’ in 1987 on the track ‘Just Good Friends’. A duet between the two would appear on Wonder’s November album release ‘Characters’ for the track ‘Get It’ that same year. Wonder would later perform at the memorial concert for the ‘Thriller’ star.
Meanwhile, Corey Feldman has spoken out to defend Jackson after they spent time together during his childhood, while Rose McGowan told told fans: “I’m sorry your hero was a bad man“.
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Last week, Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed explained to NME why he felt that he needed to make the documentary. “We had to establish that this wasn’t close physical contact of an innocent kind. This was full-on sexual activity. And that’s why there are these rather brutally graphic scenes described in the film,” he claimed.
Jackson’s family have denied the allegations in Leaving Neverland.
Leaving Neverland will air on Channel 4 on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 March at 9pm.