Michael Jackson's Family Insists Hosting Sleepovers With Boys 'Wasn't Odd'

Michael Jackson s family is standing by the late singer ahead of the release of HBOs Leaving Neverland documentary, insisting that there was nothing odd about him inviting boys to slumber parties at his Neverland ranch.

I grew up in it, so for me, it wasnt odd. I think to the outside world, yes, I think it can be odd, Jacksons nephew Taj Jackson told CBS This Morning host Gayle King in an interview that aired Wednesday. I mean, Im not oblivious to what it sounds like.

The four-hour HBO documentary, which details Jacksons alleged history of child sexual abuse, shook audiences at last months Sundance Film Festival.

Did it not seem odd to you though that [Michael Jackson] would share a bed or have slumber parties with young children?

Its very innocent but I think, the fault on my uncle was he just, he didnt have that bone in his body to look at it the other way. -- @tajjackson3 pic.twitter.com/YIKmuVK2yN

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Did it not seem odd to you though that [Michael Jackson] would share a bed or have slumber parties with young children?

Its very innocent but I think, the fault on my uncle was he just, he didnt have that bone in his body to look at it the other way. -- @tajjackson3 pic.twitter.com/YIKmuVK2yN
CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) February 26, 2019

Taj Jackson, however, insisted his uncles parties were very innocent, and claimed Jacksons naivet prevented the singer from understanding why they could be inappropriate.

I think, the fault on my uncle was he just, he didnt have that bone in his body to look at it the other way, Taj Jackson said. His naivet was his downfall, in a way.

Michael Jacksons brother Jackie said that the singer was all about bringing the world together, making kids happy. Thats the kind of person he was.

For decades, the family has defended Jackson against allegations that he sexually molested boys while mentoring them. Two accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, are subjects of the documentary, set to air Sunday and Monday.

Jacksons family, estate and some of his most ardent fans launched a campaign to discredit the documentary since it premiered at last months Sundance Film Festival. They point out among other things that Robson and Safechuck both defended Jackson against other sexual abuse claims.

Both men, who have said they had close relationships with Jackson and saw him as a mentor, have maintained they didnt realize until they were adults that Jacksons behavior was abuse.

Jacksons family, which released a statement last month attacking the filmmakers and accusers as opportunists, on Wednesday again suggested that they were in it for the money.

Its always been about money, Taj Jackson said. When its my uncle, its almost like they see a blank check.

Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed has repeatedly insisted that neither Robson nor Safechuck were paid to tell their stories in the film.

Need help? Visit RAINNs National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Centers website .