Michael Jackson Doco Gets Aus Airdate As Networks Go Head-to-head With Investigations

The controversial Leaving Neverland documentary, which investigates child abuse allegations levelled against Michael Jackson, has today been given an Australian airdate. 

According to TV Tonight, Channel Ten has secured the rights to air the two-part Leaving Neverland documentary on Friday, 8 March at 9.00pm and Saturday, 9 March at 9.30pm.

It's also been confirmed that "an extended and unedited version" will be available on the 10 Play and 10 All Access platforms from 10.01am on the Friday morning. 

Additionally, the documentary has sparked two Australian TV networks to screen investigations into the late singer this Sunday night.

The Nine Network's 60 Minutes will air a special at 8.30pm that features an exclusive interview with a former maid of Jackson's famous Neverland ranch who claims "there was another side to him and I saw it".

"What made you first suspect that Michael Jackson had an unhealthy interest in children?" | The woman who saw everything - Sunday on #60Mins. pic.twitter.com/ftRR12jHhw

— 60 Minutes Australia (@60Mins) February 21, 2019

Meanwhile at the same time on Seven, Sunday Night:True Stories will air their own investigation, which includes interviews with a former Neverland worker, one of the alleged victims and Jackson's siblings, Jermaine and Latoya Jackson.

Michael Jackson - the special investigation. @SundayNightOn7 reveals explosive new evidence. @MattDoran22 speaks to family members and, for the first time, Jackson's victim to uncover what really happened behind the walls of #Neverland. This Sunday at 8:30pm on @Channel7. pic.twitter.com/PiLvvhPhd3

— 7NEWS Spotlight (@7NewsSpotlight) February 20, 2019

It comes as the Jackson Estate launches a $100 million lawsuit against HBO, who are set to screen Leaving Neverland next month. 

According to TMZ, the Estate claims that the US network signed a contract which included a non-disparagement agreement when it aired the "Michael Jackson Live in Concert in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour" show in 1992. 

Despite this, HBO have insisted the screening of the documentary will go ahead as planned.

Leaving Neverland explores the experiences of two men - Brisbane-born Wade Robson and James Safechuck - who alleged they were abused by the late singer when they were children. 

The Jackson estate slammed the documentary following its premiere, saying in a statement, "The film takes uncorroborated allegations that supposedly happened 20 years ago and treats them as fact.

"These claims were the basis of lawsuits filed by these two admitted liars which were ultimately dismissed by a judge. The two accusers testified under oath that these events never occurred. They have provided no independent evidence and absolutely no proof in support of their accusations, which means the entire film hinges solely on the word of two perjurers."