Dave Chappelle’s latest Netflix comedy special has ruffled more than a couple of feathers since it dropped last week. And now the men who accused Michael Jackson of sexually abusing them are pushing back.
In Sticks & Stones, the comedian has a long bit about the sexual assault allegations against Jackson put forward by Wade Robson and James Safechuck in the controversial HBO documentary released earlier this year.
“I don’t believe these motherf—ers,” Chappelle says at one point.
Now both Robson and Safechuck have fired back at Chappelle.
“I’m heartbroken for all those children who look to see how they will be received when they finally find the courage to speak out about their sexual abuse,” Safechuck told TMZ. “I just want to reach out to other survivors and let them know that we can’t let this type of behavior silence us. Together we are strong.”
Robson told TMZ that Chappelle “can say whatever he wants. It reveals him, not us.”
Unsurprisingly, the Jackson estate is backing Chapelle. HBO went ahead and broadcasted the film despite a $100-million US lawsuit filed by the Jackson estate to prevent it from airing.
“We agree with Dave Chappelle — these guys are damn liars,” John Branca, the co-executor of Jackson’s estate, told TMZ. “After years of exploiting Michael’s generosity, they waited until he was gone and unable to defend himself before accusing him…”