#Leaving neverland documentary full trial#

This is due to its own ongoing legal dispute with the Jackson estate, which is claiming that the original documentary constituted a breach of a non-disparagement clause in a 1992 contract for an HBO concert special on JacksonвЂ™s Dangerous tour.

#Leaving neverland documentary full trial#

RobsonвЂ™s case goes to trial on June 14, 2021.Дeadline understands that HBO is not yet attached to the second Leaving Neverland film. Young dismissed SafechuckвЂ™s lawsuit on Tuesday. We routinely oppose those who seek orders for journalists to hand over unbroadcast and other journalistic material, grateful for the strong legal protections that exist to protect journalists in the UK and the US.вЂќДЄ hearing on ReedвЂ™s motion to quash the subpoenas is scheduled to take place on April 9 next year. In a statement to Deadline, she added: вЂњAt Channel 4 we have a robust record of defending freedom of expression. We oppose these efforts to suppress journalism by preventing Reed from further informing the public about these matters of vital public importance.вЂќ The motives of the MJJ companies are further revealed by their attempt to ban Reed from filming in the courtroom and thereby prohibit him from getting footage to report on the proceedings. In the UK, as in the United States, the courts are very reluctant to order journalists to hand over unbroadcast and other journalistic material, given the strong legal protections that exist to protect freedom of expression. вЂњIn particular, we at Channel 4 oppose their effort to use subpoenas to try to force Reed and his company to turn over all of their unpublished materials and drag this journalist into depositions. However, as much as they may dislike the messages that are being conveyed by these documentaries, we strenuously oppose their efforts to вЂњshoot the messenger.вЂќ It is easy to see why they do not want the subject matter of these films to be reported to the public. In a strongly-worded defense of the director, she said the Jackson companies were attempting to вЂњsuppressвЂќ reporting on the Robson and Safechuck cases.Д¬ompton said: вЂњUnderstandably, the MJJ companies are not happy with вЂњLeaving NeverlandвЂќ or the making of the follow-up documentary. ReedвЂ™s motion to quash was supported by a declaration from Channel 4вЂ™s head of news and current affairs Louisa Compton. John Branca, the Jackson companiesвЂ™ CEO and co-executor of the Michael Jackson Estate, also refused to participate in the documentary. Among them is the fact that you are already clearly on the record saying that you believe both accusersвЂ™ stories without hesitation,вЂќ Weitzman said in an email last month.

вЂњI have resolved that neither myself or anyone in my offices will participate in the documentary we all discussed for several reasons. Following a constructive meeting with Reed in June, Weitzman declined. Reed attached emails showing that he has asked MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures counsel Howard Weitzman to appear in the second documentary. вЂњThe follow-up documentary for which I am currently filming in these cases is about current events taking place partly in public view and will be an unfolding narrative with multiple points of view,вЂќ he said.

In response to the briefвЂ™s вЂњvarious false accusationsвЂќ about his credibility, Reed laid out his record as an Emmy and BAFTA-winning filmmaker who wants to use the follow-up Leaving Neverland documentary to chronicle the legal proceedings from both sides. He also points out that he has no personal affiliation with Robson and Safechuck, and has not paid the plaintiffs to appear in his sequel - a claim made to the court by the Jackson companies. Within the 79-page motion, he makes clear that he is a UK resident and Amos does not operate in California, which could make it difficult for a judge to compel Reed to hand over production materials. Reed hit back with a motion to quash the subpoenas at the LA court last week. They are also attempting to ban him from filming in the courtroom.

The subpoenas, served on September 21, were followed by JacksonвЂ™s attorneys filing a brief in which they attempt to discredit Reed, persuade the court that he is not a legitimate journalist, and portray Leaving Neverland as one-sided. JacksonвЂ™s companies served Reed and his production outfit, Amos Pictures, with subpoenas demanding that he personally appear for deposition and hand over documents and materials related to Leaving Neverland and the sequel. Michael Jackson Dies: KABC Host, Radio Hall Of Fame Inductee Was 87