Barbra Streisand Faces Backlash After Saying Michael Jackson’s ‘Sexual Needs Were His Sexual Needs’
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Barbra Streisand has faced a backlash online after making controversial comments about late pop singer Michael Jackson and the two men who have accused him of historical sexual abuse.
In an interview with the Times, Streisand spoke about the allegations made by James Safechuck and Wade Robson in recent documentary Leaving Neverland, saying she 'absolutely' believed Jackson had sexually abused them as boys.
However, Streisand said that, while she felt for Safechuck and Robson, she also noted that what they allege to have taken place 'didn't kill them' - and also went on to admit she also felt 'bad' for Jackson.
Speaking about the singer, she told the newspaper: "His sexual needs were his sexual needs, coming from whatever childhood he has or whatever DNA he has."
She added: "You can say 'molested', but those children, as you heard say, they were thrilled to be there. They both married and had children, so it didn't kill them."
When asked if she felt any anger towards Jackson regarding the allegations, Streisand added: "It's a combination of feelings. I feel bad for the children. I feel bad for him. I blame, I guess, the parents."
The online reaction to the interview has been, unsurprisingly, largely negative, with many people tweeting say that the 76-year-old singer and actor is now 'cancelled'.
One person wrote: "Barbra Streisand's comments on Michael Jackson's accusers are... outrageous and perplexing to say the very least."
Another said: "Oh this is a very very very bad take Barbara."
Someone else commented: "Usually I try to be like 'who cares what a celebrity thinks!!!' and then Barbra Streisand goes and tests my patience."
A fourth added: "Barbra Streisand is cancelled. Forever. Dunzo."
Two-part documentary Leaving Neverland, which aired recently on Channel 4, saw Safechuck and Robson make a series of serious allegations against Jackson - with some details proving so 'shocking and disturbing' that many viewers admitted to 'feeling physically sick' from the programme.
The Jackson estate issued a statement about the documentary that reads: "Michael always turned the other cheek, and we have always turned the other cheek when people have gone after members of our family - that is the Jackson way.
"But we can't just stand by while this public lynching goes on... Michael is not here to defend himself, otherwise these allegations would not have been made."
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: Entertainment, Celebrity, Michael Jackson, US Entertainment
