'Horrendous': Aussies disturbed by Jackson documentary

WARNING: Graphic

AUSTRALIAN viewers have reacted with shock and disgust at the disturbing allegations made in a documentary about Michael Jackson.

Channel 10 aired part one of the controversial HBO documentary Leaving Neverland on Friday night. The four-hour documentary focuses heavily on interviews with James Safechuck and Australian born Wade Robson, who met Jackson when they were young children, and allege they endured years of sexual abuse at the hands of the pop star.

Leaving Neverland also makes a number of allegations surrounding Jackson's Neverland ranch, claiming Jackson set up bells and trip wires around his bedroom to avoid detection while the assaults took place.

Mr Safechuck also alleged Jackson trained him to quickly get dressed in hotel rooms in case they were caught mid way through the abuse.

He said Jackson showered him with gifts and flew him and his family all over the world in a lengthy exercise in grooming, and described their sexual relationship as "best friends" expressing "love".

"He would run drills with me where we would be in the hotel room and he would pretend like someone was coming in and you had to get dressed as fast as possible without any noise," Safechuck said.

"So not getting caught was a big fundamental. It was very much a secret and he would tell me if anyone found out his life would be over and my life would be over, and that's something he told me over and over again."

Robson's claims against Jackson were similar.

The Jackson family have strongly refuted claims Jackson abused children, and the estate is now suing HBO for "posthumous character assassination" for a sum of US $100 million.

As the documentary progresses, Safechuck explains his strange burgeoning relationship with Jackson, who would come to his house in the suburbs to watch movies and chat with him into the night.

Aussie viewers were quick to express their feelings as the documentary unfolded. Throughout the documentary.

Some found the detailed descriptions of the abuse deeply upsetting, calling Leaving Neverland frightening and sad. As the graphic accounts of sexual abuse continued, one person tweeted, "Just wow".

A lot of viewers had questions about the motivations of the parents, saying no matter the circumstances, leaving children that young in a bedroom with a grown up was an unusual choice.

Leaving Neverland has drawn masses of criticism online from ardent Jackson fans, who say the accusers are motivated by greed.

They've also pointed out that both Safechuck and Robson came to the aid of Jackson when another boy, Jordan Chandler, accused him of abuse in 1993. Safechuck said he was heavily coached by Jackson's legal team and gave a denial of abuse that felt "robotic".

They felt the documentary was one sided, and the interviewees were untrustworthy.

And others just stand by the artist. Or a cardboard cutout of his likeness.

If you or someone you know needs support, see Reach Out for a list of organisations that can help.

The second instalment of Leaving Neverland airs on Saturday night on Channel 10 at 9.30pm.