The controversial documentary Leaving Neverland [1] focuses on the stories of two men, Wade Robson [2] and James Safechuck, who allege that Michael Jackson [3] molested them when they were young boys in his inner circle. One of the men, Robson, has had a higher profile career in show business, working as a choreographer for big names such as Britney Spears [4] and *NSYNC. But his counterpart, Safechuck, has been almost a complete unknown until this point.
Throughout the documentary [5], Safechuck and Robson recount the abuse they allege they suffered [6] at the hands of Jackson, mostly while they were prepubescent boys. Both initially met Jackson at very young ages: Safechuck was a child actor who landed a coveted commercial alongside the singer, while Robson won an Australian dance contest and won concert tickets and a meet-and-greet with Jackson.
Safechuck did defend Jackson when he was accused of molestation for the first time in 1993 (although he declined to testify at Jackson's 2005 trial). After years of struggling to cope with his past, Safechuck finally decided to come forward with his allegations, joining a previously-begun lawsuit of Robson's.
How Did James Safechuck and Michael Jackson Meet?
Safechuck and Jackson first crossed paths in 1987, when Safechuck was chosen to co-star with Jackson in a Pepsi commercial. At the time, Safechuck was a child actor, only eight years old, and just embarking on an anticipated career in showbiz. In the ad [7], Safechuck plays a child fan who stumbles across Jackson's dressing room and, when he gets caught by the star himself, offers up a Pepsi and a smile.
Quickly, Safechuck became a favourite of Jackson's, and the entire Safechuck family was drawn into his orbit, even hosting Jackson for dinner at their home in the Los Angeles suburbs. It was during this time that, Safechuck alleges, the grooming and abuse took place. Most notably, as he shows in the documentary, he claims that Jackson gave him a ring as part of a mock "wedding" ceremony, conducted when Safechuck was 10.
Safechuck also accompanied Jackson on his Bad tour in 1988. He even appeared onstage with Jackson at the final concert of the tour in Los Angeles, doing the moonwalk alongside the singer.
What Did Safechuck Do as a Young Adult?
According to an in-depth interview with The Independent, Safechuck's relationship with Jackson trailed off [8] as Safechuck grew older. He attempted to pursue a career in film and music, and at one point, he was even in a band. However, he admits that he turned to drug and alcohol abuse in those days to cope with his inner turmoil.
"I think a part of me died. You are dead inside, you go numb, you don't learn how to process events, good or bad. The self-hatred was intense, but you don't know why you hate yourself. I know now that instead of hating Michael, I hated myself."
Safechuck also testified in Jackson's favour in 1993, when Jordan Chandler accused the singer of molestation (the case was settled). He was reportedly again asked to testify in 2005, at Jackson's more high-profile molestation trial, but refused; he told Vanity Fair that his refusal angered Jackson [9] and ended their connection for good.
When Did Safechuck First Speak Out About Jackson and Why?
In 2014, The Daily Beast reported that Safechuck had added his claims [10] to a lawsuit being brought by Wade Robson, another former Jackson favourite. The duo's stories would become inextricably linked through the lawsuit, and it is their allegations that form the backbone of Leaving Neverland. In his interview with The Independent, Safechuck had a simple explanation for why he came forward when he did.
"I want to speak the truth as loud as I spoke the lie," he said. The other impetus to him speaking out, especially after having spoken in Jackson's defence? In 2010, Safechuck and his wife had a son.
"Michael made you feel like you did it, that it was all your idea. Then you look at your own kid, and for the first time you really realise, 'what? That just makes no sense.'"
Safechuck and Robson sat down for a joint interview with CBS [11] prior to the documentary's release, and he emphasised that his coming forward was a personal decision, but one also rooted in trying to tell survivors of abuse that they are not alone.
"I do think there are others out there, but I also don't expect them to just come out now that we're coming out," he said. "It's such a difficult thing to do to come out. You have to do it when you're ready." He also told the Associated Press that he was initially hesitant to participate [12] in Leaving Neverland at all:
"I was concerned about somebody just sensationalising the story," he explained. "Is this person out to just put together a piece for people to watch because it's Michael? Or is it somebody who is going to tell the story of survivors and abuse and what that's like?"
Where Is Safechuck Today?
After leaving showbiz behind, Safechuck moved into the tech sector and became a computer programmer, as The Daily Beast reported. He's married now and has two children, and has led a quiet life out of the spotlight — until now. Safechuck made his first public appearance in connection with the documentary at the film's debut at Sundance Film Festival in January 2019, and marvelled to Vanity Fair about the supportive reception he and Robson received.
"Getting public support is not something we are used to. We are not used to people believing us. My mother believes me — I'm used to that — but I'm not used to other people believing me."