The 'Tell Him' singer disgusts people with her comment in which she says that the alleged sexual abuse experience 'didn't kill' Jackson's accusers.
- Mar 23, 2019
AceShowbiz - Barbra Streisand has landed in hot water for her comment about sexual abuse allegations against Michael Jackson. The veteran singer shocked everyone after downplaying the severity of the late pop star's alleged molestation on his accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck.
In a wide-ranging interview published Friday, March 22 by The Times of London, Streisand was asked about the allegations against Jackson, which was highlighted in HBO's documentary "Leaving Neverland". She said she believes the accusations made by Robson and Safechuck, but she appeared to sympathize with Jackson.
"Oh, absolutely. That was too painful," she said in the interview. Remembering the late King of Pop, whom she met a couple of times, as "very sweet, very childlike," the 76-year-old was asked how she reconciles the man she remembers with the man described in the controversial documentary.
"His sexual needs were his sexual needs, coming from whatever childhood he has or whatever DNA he has," she replied. "You can say 'molested,' but those children, as you heard [the grown-up Robson and Safechuck] say, they were thrilled to be there. They both married and they both have children, so it didn't kill them."
When asked if she's angry with Jackson for his alleged behavior, Streisand said she had "a combination of feelings." She added, "I feel bad for the children. I feel bad for him." She went on blaming "the parents, who would allow their children to sleep with him." She continued, "Why would Michael need these little children dressed like him and in the shoes and the dancing and the hats?"
Streisand's comments have sparked backlash online. "Leaving Neverland" director Dan Reed was in disbelief, tweeting, " 'It didn't kill them' @BarbraStreisand did you really say that?!#LeavingNerverland."
“It didn’t kill them” @BarbraStreisand did you really say that?!#LeavingNerverlandhttps://t.co/p4sIaPIHK6
— Dan Reed (@danreed1000) March 22, 2019
Writer and editor for NPR, Alexander W. McCall, commented, "Barbra Streisand's comments on Michael Jackson's accusers are ... outrageous and perplexing to say the very least."
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
Another weighed in, "Already found the qoute. No, it didn't kill them (it killed two of their fathers though) but it screwed up their lives forever. Streisand is a typical Hollywood leftist that is so openminded her brains fell out so there is room to be a sex abuse apologist."
Already found the qoute. No, it didn't kill them (it killed two of their fathers though) but it screwed up their lives forever. Streisand is a typical Hollywood leftist that is so openminded her brains fell out so there is room to be a sex abuse apologist.#LeavingNeverlandpic.twitter.com/hAh5unbeEu
— Remco Wirken (@Ar_Double_U) March 22, 2019
"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," read another comment.
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#victimshamershttps://t.co/e2yns2h77f
— Anthony King (@anthonyking1) March 22, 2019
A fan of Streisand was disappointed by the star's statements. "Oh god no. This is horrible. I feel sick. @BarbraStreisand is my idol and I look up to her so much," the fan wrote on Twitter. "This breaks my heart that she would say this. Because this is such a wrong and hurtful thing to say. Ugh."
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
Streisand has not responded to the backlash.