The Latest: Streisand apologizes for Jackson comments
NEW YORK (AP) — The Latest on Barbra Streisand’s comments about the sexual abuse allegations against Michael Jackson (all times local):
6:10 p.m.
Barbra Streisand is apologizing outright for her comments about sexual abuse allegations against Michael Jackson.
She said in a second statement Saturday that she should have chosen her words more carefully, and admires the accusers for “speaking their truth.”
Streisand was quoted in The Times of London as saying that Jackson’s accusers were “thrilled to be there” and that the alleged abuse “didn’t kill them.”
After an initial statement to The Associated Press in which she sought to clarify her remarks, Streisand posted an apology that went further.
She writes in part: “I am profoundly sorry for any pain or misunderstanding I caused by not choosing my words more carefully about Michael Jackson and his victims.”
She writes that she feels “deep remorse.”
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3 p.m.
Barbra Streisand is coming under intense criticism on social media for telling a newspaper that two men who say they were molested as children by Michael Jackson were “thrilled to be there” and that the alleged abuse “didn’t kill them.”
In a wide-ranging interview with the Times of London, Streisand said she “absolutely” believes the accusers. Wade Robson and James Safechuck make their allegations in the HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland.”
But the legendary singer also raised eyebrows by saying Jackson’s “sexual needs were his sexual needs.”
Streisand said through her representative Saturday it’s never OK “for the innocence of children to be taken advantage of.”
Jackson’s estate has condemned the documentary. The pop star, who died in 2009, was found not guilty in 2005 of charges he molested a 13-year-old boy.
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2:20 p.m.
Barbra Streisand is coming under intense criticism on social media for telling a British newspaper that two men who say they were molested as children by Michael Jackson were “thrilled to be there” and that the alleged abuse “didn’t kill them.”
In a wide-ranging interview with the Times of London, Streisand was quoted as saying she “absolutely” believed the accusers. Wade Robson and James Safechuck make their allegations in the HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland.”
But the legendary singer also raised eyebrows by saying Jackson’s “sexual needs were his sexual needs.”
A message was left Saturday with Streisand’s representatives for comment.
Jackson’s estate has condemned the HBO documentary. The pop star, who died in 2009, was found not guilty in 2005 of charges he molested a 13-year-old boy.
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