Michael Jackson controversial documentary about alleged sexual abuse criticised by the late singers' family

A controversial documentary about alleged sexual abuse carried out by Michael Jackson has been criticised by the late singers' family.

Speaking to ITV News, Taj Jackson, claimed the two men who are making the allegations against his uncle are lying and are motivated by money.

After seeing a clip from the Channel 4 documentary, Mr Jackson said he has already "seen a lot of lies" within the opening scenes.

He said: "It's painful because for me I see a lot of holes in that I already want to talk about."

Taj added it's been "extremely hard" on Michael Jackson's children especially because they have to go to school.

"The truth is no one really gave our family the opportunity to speak out against this until it aired."

The new documentary, which will air in the UK this week, focuses on testimony by Wade Robson, 36, and James Safechuck, 41, who both claim the singer sexually abused them when they were children.

When asked about whether the family thought it was untoward that Michael Jackson had been sharing beds with young boys, Taj told ITV News: "I know how this looks to the outside world, I'm not oblivious to it but I think a lot of people didn't know Michael Jackson."

Taj said he didn't think it was weird his uncle was sharing beds with children because he said the singer "had such a pure heart".

Taj continued: "Michael Jackson didn't have a childhood, Michael Jackson was a child at heart so I think that yes, it looks weird ... I think the thing is he had such a pure heart, he didn't look at it like that. He didn't look at is as creepy or anything like that."

"If you know someone and you know how they really genuinely are, you don't look at it as something weird and sinister, now if I thought he was weird and sinister then yes I would have said, I don't think that's a good idea," he added.

Taj claims Michael Jackson's accusers are motivated by money.

"I know money is involved for them, there's an appeal ... sorry I'm just riled up ... they have already sued the estate, but the charges were dropped but they have an appeal right now for hundreds of millions of dollars," he claimed.

Taj added he knows Wade Robson and they had previously met at his uncles ranch, before adding: "It can't be the same Wade that went to my uncle's memorial".

When asked about what he would say to anyone feeling unsure about Michael Jackson, Taj said: "As much as you're scrutinising him, just take 10 minutes to look at the people that are doing the accusing, because he's no longer there to defend himself and so I think that's the least you could do."

Taj continued: "If you're going to watch a four-hour documentary, take 10 minutes to look at them, you can listen to them but it doesn't mean you have to automatically believe them."

Two classic Michael Jackson concert films were posted to YouTube at the exact time and run length as controversial new film Leaving Neverland‘s premiere in the US.