Diana Ross has come to the defense of Michael Jackson after the release of divisive documentary Leaving Neverland.
The HBO film focused on allegations made by Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who both said the late pop star sexually abused them when they were children. Jackson denied any wrongdoing until his death in 2009.
Ross has now tweeted her thoughts on Jackson after the film’s release, writing: “This is what’s on my heart this morning. I believe and trust that Michael Jackson was and is A magnificent incredible force to me and to many others.”
She added in a reference to her 1965 hit with The Supremes, writing: “STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE” You can see the tweet below.
This is what’s on my heart this morning. I believe and trust that Michael Jackson was and is A magnificent incredible force to me and to many others.
STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) March 23, 2019
Meanwhile, Barbra Streisand has responded to the backlash over her comments on the Jackson abuse allegations.
Streisand made the controversial comments in a recent interview with The Times. When asked about the allegations, Streisand said she “absolutely” believed Robson and Safechuck adding, “that was too painful.”
She continued: “[Jackson’s] sexual needs were his sexual needs, coming from whatever childhood he has or whatever DNA he has…You can say ‘molested’, but those children, as you heard them say, they were thrilled to be there. They both married and they both have children, so it didn’t kill them.”
Asked if she was angry by Jackson’s alleged actions, Streisand said: “It’s a combination of feelings. I feel bad for the children. I feel bad for him. I blame, I guess, the parents, who would allow their children to sleep with him.
“Why would Michael need these little children dressed like him and in the shows and dancing and the hats?”
The comments received a backlash on social media from many, including the director of the documentary, Dan Reed. On Twitter, Reed wrote: “‘It didn’t kill them’ @BarbaraStreisand did you really say that?!”
Now, Streisand has released a statement to add clarity to the views she shared – saying she has “nothing but sympathy” for Robson and Safechuck.
“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,” the statement begins. “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,” she said. “It’s clear that the parents of the two young men were also victimized and seduced by fame and fantasy.”