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Elton John Says Michael Jackson Was ‘a Disturbing Person to be Around’

HBO’s documentary, Leaving Neverland, took a deep dive into the sordid legacy of Michael Jackson. Specifically, it focuses on two of Jackson’s alleged abuse victims: Wade Robson and James Safechuck. It’s a documentary three years in the making, and creator Dan Reed says “For many years, Jackson posed as this innocent lover of children and we wanted to make it absolutely clear that what happened was sexual activity, without any doubt whatsoever.”

But that kind of certainty means a lot of response. It’s not just the general public that’s upset Reed is coming for the King of Pop. Other celebs are having strong reactions (both positive and negative) about the documentary – including Elton John!

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Let’s start with the facts.

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Leaving Neverland follows the stories of Robson and Safechuck at ages 7 and 10. The men say they were abused by Jackson.

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The boys definitely did spend time as children with Jackson.

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But while they did not make any allegations during Jackson’s life, after his death they came forward with claims that he molested them.

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The story starts with the boy’s being star struck over the popular celeb.

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But it follows them through the realization that their relationship with him was inappropriate. Each of the men says that they experienced confusion around what that relationship was at the time.

So what does the documentary bring to the table?

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While both Robson and Safechuck have spoken about their experiences, they say that the documentary tells more about how the abuse happened, especially over such a long time.

Jackson’s estate has been very clear about their perspective.

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“This is yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson,” the estate said. “This so-called ‘documentary’ is just another rehash of dated and discredited allegations.”

The documentary also has a few holes in its story.

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None of the members of the Jackson family or the estate are included in the film.

But filmmaker Dan Reed says that’s ok.

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It does include comments from Michael Jackson himself, and as he states,“This isn’t a film about Jackson. It’s a film about Wade Robson and James Safechuck.”

All this back and forth has led to a strong public response.

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Everyone from your aunt to Oprah is responding.

Taj Jackson says he was there.

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“I grew up in it, so for me, it wasn’t odd,” he said. “To the outside world, yes, I think it can be odd. I mean, I’m not oblivious to what it sounds like. But when you’re actually there in that atmosphere and you’re around it, and you’re watching movies, whether, with his kids, whether it’s Little Rascals or Three Stooges, and you’re watching these things, it’s like, it’s very innocent.”

Marlon Jackson is also convinced that the documentary is spewing lies.

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“There has not been not one piece of evidence that corroborates their story,” he argues.

No one can deny that there’s a strong draw for people to accuse Jackson.

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“It’s always been about money,” Taj said. “I hate to say it: when it’s my uncle, it’s almost like they see a blank check.”

With all of that debate, why did the filmmaker decide to tackle the subject?

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Dan Reed shares that he had a motive: “For many years, Jackson posed as this innocent lover of children and we wanted to make it absolutely clear that what happened was sexual activity, without any doubt whatsoever.”

No matter where you stand, the film shows the complexity of a confusing relationship.

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An adult superstar spending time with kids is never going to be a simple question.

And now, years after the documentary, Elton John has spoken out about the star …

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“I’d known Michael since he was 13 or 14,” John writes.

“He was just the most adorable kid you could imagine. But at some point in the intervening years, he started sequestering himself away from the world and away from reality, the way Elvis Presley did.”

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“God knows what was going on in his head, and God knows what prescription drugs he was being pumped full of, but every time I saw him in his later years I came away thinking that the poor guy had totally lost his marbles. I don’t mean that in the lighthearted way. He was genuinely mentally ill, a disturbing person to be around.”