Michael Jackson estate reportedly suing HBO over Leaving Neverland documentary

The late pop star’s estate claims that the network violated a non-disparagement clause from a contract signed by the two parties in 1992.

February 21, 2019

HBO is now reportedly now being sued by Michael Jackson's estate over the upcoming documentary Leaving Neverland.

ADVERTISEMENT

TMZ reports that the late pop star's estate is filing a suit because HBO's association with the documentary allegedly violates a non-disparagement clause from a previous contract signed in 1992. The two parties reportedly entered into the agreement when HBO aired MJ's Michael Jackson Live in Concert in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour.

According to TMZ, the 1992 contract's non-disparagement clause reads: "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."

ADVERTISEMENT

The Jackson estate is allegedly seeking damages that could exceed $100 million.

Leaving Neverland is set to air on HBO on March 3 and 4. The two-part film centers around the allegations of two men who claim to have been sexually abused by Jackson when they were children. Both Jackson's family and estate have released statements denouncing the documentary.

ADVERTISEMENT
Michael Jackson estate reportedly suing HBO over Leaving Neverland documentary