New Michael Jackson Documentary Features Previously Unheard Audio on Children
A groundbreaking new documentary about Michael Jackson, set to air in the United Kingdom this Wednesday, includes previously unheard audio recordings where the late pop icon shares his thoughts on children. In these recordings, Jackson expresses his belief that children were drawn to him and wanted to touch him.
Details of 'Michael Jackson: The Trial' Documentary
The four-part series, titled "Michael Jackson: The Trial", is produced by London-based Wonderhood Studios. It focuses on Jackson's infamous 2005 criminal trial, where he was charged with and later acquitted of sexually abusing a minor, Gavin Arvizo, at his Neverland Ranch in California.
According to Wonderhood Studios, the documentary aims to go "beyond the media circus" of the trial. It uses a combination of interviews, previously unseen footage, and the newly revealed audio to explore profound questions about fame, race, and the American justice system.
Content of the Unheard Audio Tapes
In a trailer available on Wonderhood's website, Jackson can be heard saying, "Children want to just touch me, hug me." He also states, "Kids end up just falling in love with my personality," and adds, "Sometimes it gets me into trouble."
Channel 4, the British broadcaster airing the documentary, revealed that this audio comes from interviews with a rabbi whom Jackson sought for spiritual guidance. The broadcaster noted that in hours of recorded interviews, Jackson confesses intimate secrets, providing an unprecedented insight into his mindset and troubled childhood.
The tapes also reportedly show Jackson's fixation with Gavin Arvizo, the minor involved in the 2005 case. Most of these recordings have never been broadcast before, making this documentary a significant addition to the ongoing discourse about Jackson's life and legacy.
Context of Allegations and Previous Films
Michael Jackson, who died in 2009, has been the subject of numerous films and documentaries alleging child abuse. Notably, the 2019 documentary "Leaving Neverland", also broadcast on Channel 4, sparked controversy and an angry response from Jackson's family.
At the time, his family stated, "Michael is not here to defend himself, otherwise these allegations would not have been made." This new documentary adds to the complex narrative surrounding the King of Pop, who faced multiple allegations of child sex abuse during his lifetime.
In addition to his 2005 acquittal, Jackson paid a $15 million court settlement in 1994 over allegations involving another child. His death on June 25, 2009, resulted from an overdose of the anaesthetic propofol.
Timing with Upcoming Biopic Release
The airing of this documentary coincides with the recent release of the trailer for the Hollywood biopic "Michael", starring Jackson's nephew, Jaafar, as the singer. The biopic is scheduled to open in cinemas on April 24, adding to the renewed public interest in Jackson's life and career.
As these new projects emerge, they continue to fuel debates about Jackson's legacy, the allegations against him, and the broader issues of celebrity culture and justice in America.
