If social media is anything to go by, gay icon Barbra Streisand is facing imminent cancellation, with members of the LGBTIQ+ community among those condemning her comments on Michael Jackson accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck.
Robson and Safechuck made headlines this month after appearing in a tell-all documentary titled Leaving Neverland.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Streisand claimed that Jackson’s “sexual needs were his sexual needs, coming from whatever childhood he has or whatever DNA he has."
She continued: "You can say ‘molested’, but those children, as you heard say [the grown-up Robson and Safechuck], they were thrilled to be there. They are both married and they both have children, so it didn’t kill them."
She later released a statement, seeking to clarify her comments. However, many viewed the apology as insufficient.
“To be crystal clear, there is no situation or circumstance where it is OK for the innocence of children to be taken advantage of by anyone,” Streisand’s statement reads.
“The stories these two young men shared were painful to hear, and I feel nothing but sympathy for them. The single most important role of being a parent is to protect their children. It’s clear that the parents of the two young men were also victimised and seduced by fame and fantasy.”
She added: “I am profoundly sorry for any pain or misunderstanding I caused by not choosing my words more carefully about Michael Jackson and his victims, because the words as printed do not reflect my true feelings.
"I didn’t mean to dismiss the trauma these boys experienced in any way. I feel deep remorse and hope James and Wade know that I truly respect and admire them for speaking their truth.”
