Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed is working on a follow-up to the shocking documentary about the late musician Michael Jackson.
The two-part programme detailed the horrifically-graphic accounts of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, two men who independently knew Jackson when they were children and alleged that they had been sexually abused by the popstar.
Jackson, who died in 2009 at the age of 50, was dogged by rumours of paedophilia throughout his lifetime but consistently denied having any inappropriate relations - a stance maintained by his family since.
Robson and Safechuck are now in the process of suing Jackson's legacy companies MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures and the saga is being captured by Reed for a follow-up documentary for Channel 4, according to Deadline.
The companies have allegedly attempted to thwart the documentary's progress, however, by asking the court to demand that Reed's footage be handed over for consideration in the trial as well as having him being called upon as a witness.
In response Louisa Compton, Channel 4's head of news and current affairs, said: "Understandably, the MJJ companies are not happy with Leaving Neverland or the making of the follow-up documentary.
"It is easy to see why they do not want the subject matter of these films to be reported to the public.
"However, as much as they may dislike the messages that are being conveyed by these documentaries, we strenuously oppose their efforts to 'shoot the messenger'.
"In 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we at Channel 4 oppose their effort to use subpoenas to try to force Reed and his company to turn over all of their unpublished materials and drag this journalist into depositions.
"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.
"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.
"We oppose these efforts to suppress journalism by preventing Reed from further informing the public about these matters of vital public importance."
A decision on the matter is not due to be considered until next April, while Safechuck's lawsuit was dismissed this week and Robson's case will go to trial next June.
Follow us on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole Low-Price Offer: Get Sky Entertainment, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £20 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends November 6, 2024
