Michael Jackson’s nephew defends him against new abuse allegations

A documentary features new interviews with people who allege they were sexually abused by Michael Jackson as children.

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Michael Jackson’s nephew Taj Jackson has told Sky News the singer’s controversial behaviour was a result of him never having a full childhood.

Taj Jackson defended his uncle after a new documentary featuring sexual abuse allegations against the late pop star was broadcast on US TV network HBO.

Jackson said it was because his uncle “didn’t have that childhood” that the star would host sleepovers with children at his Neverland ranch in California.

Image: Michael Jackson’s songs have been pulled from some radio stations in Canada after the documentary aired

Speaking to Sky presenter Kay Burley, he also said Jackson would “live vicariously” through his younger family members because he wanted to know what it was like.

Taj Jackson argued the allegations, including claims that the singer “married” a 10-year-old boy, could have been “made up” and that his uncle was not alive to defend himself over it.

Jackson, whose father is Michael’s brother Tito, also said he would not have defended his uncle if he thought he was a bad person, saying supporting the pop star was the least he could do.

Image: It is alleged Jackson carried out sexual abuse at his Neverland ranch in California

A new two-part documentary called Leaving Neverland features interviews with James Safechuck and Wade Robson, who allege they were sexually abused by Jackson when they were children.

As a result of the claims featured in the documentary, three major radio stations in Canada have pulled Michael Jackson songs from their playlist following the audience response.

The family and estate of Jackson, who died in 2009, have said the documentary spreads lies about the musician.

His relatives called the documentary a “public lynching” and said he was “100% innocent”.

His estate said it was a “rehash of dated and discredited allegations” and filed a lawsuit against HBO in February, saying it breached a 1992 agreement that the channel would not belittle Jackson.

His brothers have spoken against the documentary but his sister Janet has stayed silent, with the family saying she does not want to give more “energy” to the allegations contained within it.

Image: Jackson was in court in 2005 accused of sexual abuse.

Director Dan Reed has defended Leaving Neverland and claims it shows the singer was very different from his “Peter Pan-ish image”.

Jackson was accused of molesting 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo, conspiring to kidnap him and his family and giving him alcohol, but was found not guilty of all charges following a high-profile four-month trial in 2005.

In 1994, the singer settled a sexual abuse lawsuit concerning another 13 year-old boy.