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12th Mar 2019

As Michael Jackson’s family jump to his defence, one sibling is refusing to speak out

It's reportedly causing a rift between them.

Anna O'Rourke

As the fallout from Leaving Neverland continues, there are reports of a rift in the Jackson family.

Michael Jackson’s family have strongly condemned the documentary, which hears from two men who allege that the star groomed and molested them as children.

His brothers Tito and Jermaine and several other relatives have defended him but his sister Janet is yet to speak out.

The siblings have pressured her to make a statement but she reportedly wants to keep her own career separate.

This has caused “war”, a source in the family said.

“Everyone wanted Janet to release a statement condemning the documentary because she is the most senior member of the family after Michael,” they told The Sun.

“They feel she could have done more to support him against the allegations.

“But Janet’s career has always been separate from her family’s and she’d like to keep it that way.

“The family feel like her silence speaks volumes but she just does not want to go there.

“Ultimately, she doesn’t know what went on and doesn’t feel like it’s her place to say anything.”

Janet is currently preparing for a Las Vegas residency which kicks off in May.

In Leaving Neverland, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, share disturbing accusations of sexual abuse.

Both men separately allege that they shared a bed with the singer as children and that he repeatedly forced them to engage in sexual acts over a period of time.

They also claim that Jackson told them his life and their lives would be “over” if they told anyone about the abuse.