Michael Jackson's Estate Slaps HBO with $100 Million Lawsuit over 'Leaving Neverland'

BY Josiah HughesPublished Feb 21, 2019

HBO recently debuted the trailer for its controversial documentary Leaving Neverland, which explores cases of sexual misconduct that two children allegedly suffered at the hands of Michael Jackson. Having already renounced the film, Jackson's estate has slapped the network with a lawsuit.

According to TMZ, Jackson's estate claims that HBO signed a non-disparagement agreement with Jackson when the network aired his Bucharest concert film in 1992. The contract allegedly included a clause that read, "HBO shall not make any disparaging remarks concerning Performer or any of his representatives, agents, or business practices or do any act that may harm or disparage or cause to lower in esteem the reputation or public image of performer."

The estate's claim suggests that this agreement puts HBO in breach of contract, and the estate is asking for damages that could exceed $100 million USD.

Watch the trailer for Leaving Neverland below. The first part of the four-hour series will air on March 3, while the second half will air on March 4 via HBO.

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