Leaving Neverland: New trailer gives first look at controversial Michael Jackson documentary

The film is set to air on HBO in March

The first trailer for Leaving Neverland, the Michael Jackson documentary that has stirred controversy for weeks, has been released.

The clip, which lasts just under two minutes, features James Safechuck and Wade Robson, the documentaries’ two subjects. Both say Jackson befriended them and abused them as children.

Safechuck’s and Robson’s wives, mothers and siblings also appear in the documentary, and some of the loved ones are heard sharing their insight in the trailer.

Robson says in the video that he was seven years old when Jackson invited him and his family to visit his Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County, California.

“The days were filled with magical childhood adventure experiences. Playing tag, watching movies, eating junk food... anything you could ever want as a child,” Robson says.

Robson then adds: “He told me if they ever found out what we were doing, he and I would go to jail for the rest of our lives.”

Safechuck states: “Secrets will eat you up. You feel so alone.”

Leaving Neverland is set to premiere on HBO on 3 and 4 March in the US, and on Channel 4 on on 6 and 7 March in the UK.

The documentary, according to HBO’s synposis, “crafts a portrait of sustained abuse”.

Jackson’s estate has vocally condemned the documentary. Earlier this month, the estate called HBO’s decision to air the film “disgraceful”.

Leaving Neverland caused a stir when it premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival. In a review, Variety‘s Owen Gleiberman deemed Robson and Safechuck’s testimonies “overwhelmingly powerful and convincing”.