World

Michael Jackson: Barbra Streisand apologises for abuse remarks

15:28 pm on 24 March 2019

Singer Barbra Streisand has apologised after she was criticised for sympathising with Michael Jackson over child abuse accusations against him.

Barbra Streisand. Photo: AFP

Ms Streisand told The Times newspaper she believed the allegations against the late superstar but said his actions "didn't kill" the accusers.

She later wrote on Instagram that she was "profoundly sorry for any pain or misunderstanding" caused.

Jackson's brothers have denied the singer sexually abused children.

The accusations were made in a new documentary - Finding Neverland - which features testimony from two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who have said they were abused by Michael Jackson from the ages of seven and 10.

Asked whether she believed Mr Robson and Mr Safechuck, Streisand said she "absolutely" did.

But she continued: "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 [Robson and Safechuck], they were thrilled to be there. They both married and they both have children, so it didn't kill them."

Streisand said she felt bad for both the children and for Jackson, adding: "I blame, I guess, the parents, who would allow their children to sleep with him".

She later said in a statement that she believed the parents of the two young men "were also victimised and seduced by fame and fantasy".

"To be crystal clear, there is no situation or circumstance where it is okay for the innocence of children to be taken advantage of by anyone," her statement reads.

She also wrote in a social media post that she "didn't mean to dismiss the trauma these boys experienced in any way".

Her initial comments in The Times sparked a backlash on social media.

Jackson was dogged by allegations of child abuse before his death in 2009 - allegations he denied.

In 2003, police raided his Neverland Ranch in California while investigating claims he had molested a 13-year-old boy. He was acquitted of all charges in 2005.

Where to get help:

Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.

Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.

Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202

Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)

Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz

What's Up: online chat (3pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 helpline (12pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-11pm weekends)

Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)

Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254

Healthline: 0800 611 116

Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

Sexual Violence

NZ Police

Victim Support 0800 842 846

Rape Crisis 0800 88 33 00

Rape Prevention Education

HELP Call 24/7 (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): be 04 801 6655 - 0

Safe to talk: a 24/7 confidential helpline for survivors, support people and those with harmful sexual behaviour