Michael Jackson's estate rips 'Leaving Neverland' documentary over sex abuse allegations

Jan. 10--A new documentary focusing on sexual abuse allegations against music icon Michael Jackson is set to premiere at Sundance -- drawing the ire of the late pop star's estate.

"Leaving Neverland" was added to the Sundance Film Festival on Wednesday.

Directed by filmmaker Dan Reed, the documentary centers on a pair of men who claim they were sexually abused by Jackson after meeting him when they were 7 and 10 years old.

The annual festival in Park City, Utah, did not release the names of the accusers, but noted in an announcement that they are now in their 30s.

Jackson's estate slammed the documentary as "yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson."

The "Thriller" performer, who died in 2009, faced multiple accusations of child sexual abuse over the course of his career. He was acquitted of all charges in 2005 at the end of a highly publicized trial that stemmed from allegations he molested a 13-year-old boy.

"Leaving Neverland" is scheduled to premiere at Sundance on Jan. 25.

With News Wire Services

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