The family of singer Michael Jackson on Monday joined the firestorm against Leaving Neverland, calling the harrowing new documentary about Jacksons alleged history of sexually abusing boys a public lynching.

People have always loved to go after Michael. He was an easy target because he was unique. But Michael was subjected to a thorough investigation which included a surprise raid of Neverland and other properties as well as a jury trial where Michael was found to be COMPLETELY INNOCENT. There has never been one piece of proof of anything. Yet the media is eager to believe these lies, the late singers family said in a statement Monday , after the documentarys Sundance Film Festival premiere on Friday left attendees stunned and shellshocked.

We cant just stand by while this public lynching goes on, and the vulture tweeters and others who never met Michael go after him, the statement continued. Michael is not here to defend himself, otherwise these allegations would not have been made.

Jacksons estate and some of his fans have actively campaigned against the film in statements and on social media, questioning its veracity and attacking defenders of the film, its director Dan Reed, and Jacksons accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck, whose stories are featured in the four-hour documentary.