In an exclusive interview, Dan Reed described the backlash he faced after the release of his documentaries. The filmmaker has directed films on topics ranging from the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel to Sandy Hook conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ lawsuit and President Donald Trump’s effort to reverse the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. He has always found himself at the center of controversy.
However, it is his coverage of Michael Jackson that has evoked the most extreme reactions. Reed testified that he had received thousands of death threats over the years, the majority from Michael Jackson’s fans. He explained that he has been among very violent people for a long time.
‘Leaving Neverland’ director revealed that he gets physical death threats from Michael Jackson’s fans
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Reed has faced intense hostility, including direct threats of violence. He recounted chilling experiences where armed individuals have tried to find him. Some threats have been vocalized face-to-face, while others involve people actively searching for his home address.
He described having the constant awareness that some of his critics are ready to take their wrath to the real world. While he has written on dangerous topics in the past, the response from Michael Jackson’s fans has been especially personal and relentless.
Why is Dan Reed receiving death threats from Michael Jackson’s fans?
The threats began after the 2019 release of Reed’s Leaving Neverland, a documentary probing sexual abuse accusations against Jackson. The documentary, which he collected an Emmy Award for, tracked James Safechuck and Wade Robson, who said they were groomed and molested as children by the singer.
Reed is releasing Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson, a sequel that follows the ongoing legal battle of the accusers as they prepare for trial in 2026 against Jackson’s companies. The sequel, which premieres March 18, has already caused renewed controversy. Reed has hinted that there may be a third sequel that picks up where the trial leaves off.