The documentary, in which two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, allege that Michael Jackson sexually abused them when they were boys, is set to air in the UK this week.
And now, the late singer’s daughter Paris Jackson has reportedly told friends she is anxious that Leaving Neverland could ruin her fledgling acting career, fearing that the renewed claims against her father could deter movie bosses from casting her.
A source told The Sun that the aspiring actress, 20, has hoped to forge a successful acting career but worries the documentary has ruined her chances of it taking off.
The insider said: ‘She was in a movie last year but believes the documentary is already scaring directors away because the abuse her father is accused of may put movie goers off her.
‘It all comes down to marketing. The worry is that any movies she stars in will be derailed if Michael’s abuse scandal is all people think about when they see her on screen.
‘She wants to act but knows this could affect those plans.’ MailOnline has contacted Paris Jackson’s representatives for comment.
In March 2017, Paris made her acting debut with a guest starring role on FOX series Star, as social media expert Rachel Wallace.
In 2018, she made her feature-film debut as Nelly in crime comedy Gringo, which starred fellow actresses Charlize Theron, Amanda Seyfried and Thandie Newson.
Last July, Deadline reported that Paris had landed a co-starring role in The Space Between, an indie comedic drama starring Kelsey Grammer.
Paris is reportedly set to play Cory, a sultry singer desperate for her big break and the love interest of wannabe record exec Charlie Porter.
Wade Robson and James Safechuck both allege they were molested by Michael Jackson, allegations which are explored in the documentary Leaving Neverland.
Both men filed lawsuits in 2013 saying stress and trauma had forced them to face the truth and admit they were sexually abused. The suits have been thrown out on technical grounds, but are under appeal.
Leaving Neverland premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where Mr Robson and Mr Safechuck got a standing ovation afterwards. It is due to be broadcast Channel 4 this week.
Michael Jackson’s family have said the star is the victim of a ‘public lynching’ when he ‘is not here to defend himself’.
The Jackson family points out that Michael was subjected to a thorough investigation which included a surprise raid of his home, the Neverland Ranch, but was still acquitted at his criminal trial in 2005, in a case involving another young man.
Wade Robson testified at that trial, saying he had slept in Michael Jackson’s room many times, but that Michael had never molested him.
James Safechuck made similar statements to investigators as a boy. Michael Jackson died in 2009.
