Barbra Streisand's Comments About Michael Jackson Have People Enraged
[MUSIC] In 25 years of the Oprah Show, I taped 217 episodes on sexual abuse. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] This societal corruption is like a scorn on humanity. And it's happening right now. It's happening in families. We know it's happening in churches and in schools and sports teams everywhere. So, if it gets you, YOU Our audience to see how it happens, then some good would have come of it. [MUSIC] [MUSIC]
As viewers make up their own minds about HBO's Leaving Neverland and the accusations being brought up against Michael Jackson, one superstar is voicing some very controversial opinions. According to E! News, Barbra Streisand gave a new interview and explained that she wasn't surprised by the accusations and that she feels for both Wade Robson and James Safechuck, but that they weren't actually hurt, so they should be alright.
Streisand offered her thoughts to the Evening Standard, saying that what Safechuck and Robson endured was "too painful." She followed that sentiment with sympathy for Jackson, saying that he had needs and that he couldn't really help himself because of past trauma or genetics.
RELATED: Oprah Opened up About Her Own Abuse on After Neverland
"His sexual needs were his sexual needs, coming from whatever childhood he has or whatever DNA he has. You can say 'molested,' but those children, as you heard say [the adult Robson and Safechuck], they were thrilled to be there," Streisand said. "They both married and they both have children, so it didn't kill them."
Thank you for making us aware. We can confirm there are currently no Michael Jackson songs on official Starbucks Spotify Playlists. Would you mind sharing the store location so we can follow-up?
— Starbucks Coffee (@Starbucks) March 14, 2019
finDan Reed, the director of Leaving Neverland, voiced his frustration with Streisand, saying it was almost unbelievable that she would say what she did.
“It didn’t kill them” @BarbraStreisand did you really say that?!#LeavingNerverland https://t.co/p4sIaPIHK6
— Dan Reed (@danreed1000) March 22, 2019
RELATED: Hollywood Isn't Ready to "Mute" Michael Jackson
Twitter followed suit. Many users couldn't fathom why Streisand would say something they saw as so outrageous. Even though Streisand tried to qualify what she said by adding that she had conflicting feelings, many readers didn't see it the same way.
Making matters worse, Streisand placed the blame on Robson and Safechuck's parents, which could be why some Twitter users called her a pedophilia apologist.
"I feel bad for the children. I feel bad for him. I blame, I guess, the parents, who would allow their children to sleep with him," she added. "Why would Michael need these little children dressed like him and in the shoes and the dancing and the hats?"
Shame on you @BarbraStreisand for disrespecting the victims of child rape. Low class, dismissive and a shocking trivialisation. To speak up for a child abuser... I expect it from the deranged MJ fans but not from you, who should know better. #LeavingNeverland #victimshamers https://t.co/e2yns2h77f
— Anthony King (@anthonyking1) March 22, 2019
Oh god no. This is horrible. I feel sick. @BarbraStreisand is my idol and I look up to her so much. This breaks my heart that she would say this. Because this is such a wrong and hurtful thing to say. Ugh. https://t.co/emlO9qAxCW
— Camilla (@Camilla_33) March 22, 2019
Barbra Streisand's comments on Michael Jackson's accusers are ... outrageous and perplexing to say the very least. pic.twitter.com/eFSTZUu4bz
— Alexander W. McCall (@awmccall) March 22, 2019
Barbra Streisand is vile ????.. She believes MJ abused Wade and James, but basically says - it is no big deal because they were "thrilled to be there" and ended up getting married and having children, so it "didn't kill them"..
WTF???https://t.co/1Vai4ZKPWI pic.twitter.com/VeyhvxlYDQ— ????????Dash???????? (@dash4442) March 22, 2019
Someone PLEASE get Barbra pic.twitter.com/dvBum0J06T
— Chris (@chrstnavelli) March 22, 2019
You can't simultaneously say you believe accusers *and* say it wasn't the accused's fault.
— Alexander W. McCall (@awmccall) March 22, 2019
A deranged MJ fan can never shock me, no matter how depraved their words or actions but for somebody like Barbra Streisand to say these words is an absolute abomination and a disgrace
— Anthony King (@anthonyking1) March 22, 2019
I can't get my head around Barbra Streisand's comment on "Leaving Neverland" today. It's just like WHAT THE FUCK. LOL. The more I think about it, the more I laugh. It's just pure sick nonsense! How can ANYONE in their right mind said that? To a newspaper! ???? pic.twitter.com/ufU8vtQvTe
— kapowski (@santikapowski) March 22, 2019
She's like an MJ apologist who mutated and evolved into something even creepier.
— labisclosed (@labisclosed) March 22, 2019
@thetimes so....normalizing paedophiles? Is this true? I’m not sure what to believe anymore. #outoftouch ????
— Hole In The Heart (@holeheart5) March 22, 2019