Getty
Jackson's long-time friend's tweet comes after two sexual abuse accusers shared their stories in the "Leaving Neverland" documentary mini-series.
Just one day after Barbra Streisand was raked over the coals for her comments regarding Michael Jackson's sexual abuse accusers, Jackson's long-time friend Diana Ross is asking his critics to just "stop."
Ross took to Twitter on Saturday to express her own feelings about the resurgence of interest and scrutiny in the wake of Wade Robson and James Safechuck sharing their stories of sexual abuse in HBO's "Leaving Neverland" docuseries.
Getty
Why Paris Jackson Hasn't Outright Defended Michael Against 'Leaving Neverland', Addresses Her Mental State
View StoryThe series itself has been met with criticism from Jackson's supporters, as it is decidedly one-sided, while still other critics believe both Robson and Safechuck have been inconsistent in their stories and are motivated by money.
"I believe and trust that Michael Jackson was and is a magnificent incredible force to me and to many others. Stop in the name of love."
This is what's on my heart this morning. I believe and trust that Michael Jackson was and is A magnificent incredible force to me and to many others.
@DianaRoss
STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE
Coming on the heels of a similarly-themed docuseries on allegations against R. Kelly that has led to new charges being brought against the singer, "Leaving Neverland" finds the late King of Pop again under the scrutiny of the public for allegations of child sexual abuse dating back decades.
Jackson was fully exonerated in an earlier trial brought forth by another man, in part because of the testimony of Robson, who insisted then that nothing untoward had happened between him and Jackson, and an earlier allegations was in part debunked by both Safechuck and Robson.
Getty
Twitter Blasts Barbra Streisand For Her 'Sickening' Comments About Michael Jackson's 'Leaving Neverland' Accusers
View StoryIn "Neverland," however, both men claim they were not ready then to speak their truths, or were not yet fully aware that they had been abused.
Jackson's estate was enraged over the docuseries, and is suing HBO for airing it. They maintain the pop singer's innocence, as he did throughout his life.
While Ross' comments were not nearly as incendiary or explosive as Streisand's -- who suggested any alleged abuse "didn't kill" the two men and that they seemed "thrilled" to be in Jackson's company -- she was nevertheless also met with plenty of critics online. Streisand has since apologized for her initial comments.
Below are just a sampling of the comments Ross received from critics as well as Jackson's supporters who applauded her for speaking out:
HBO
10 Most Disturbing Allegations Against Michael Jackson In Part One of HBO's 'Leaving Neverland'
View StoryMs. Ross is still the BOSS!!! @DianaRoss https://t.co/szg0d5wrSw
@msdebbieallen
Mith Diana Ross always has that man's back. She will forever have that spot on his true friends list. And that's period. pic.twitter.com/vuhDnIxDkU
@thatsforalltime
Oof, girl. Not a good look.
@anthonysthots
What is happening to Diana Ross right now is precisely why more celebs have not spoken out in defense of Michael. They don't want to be attacked or have their own reputations put in jeopardy. It's a sad state of affairs that we've come to this.
@emailraven
I've always loved & respected you. You realize a person can simultaneously B 2 things at once? He can have been the person you knew&loved & a dangerous, abusing, pedophile too? They hide in plain sight. Fact:people of your generation protect abusers=why we are where we are😢
@EmilyFilmore
Evan Ross, (@realevanross) Diana Ross's SON, grew up knowing Michael Jackson and considered him to be family. He has shared his mother's tweet on Instagram and has repeatedly defended Michael in his comments. #MJInnocent ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eUKhlygaOu
@MJJLegion
When do survivors of sexual assault get any fucking love?
@pinklady_ktown
A Real #Legend as friends supporting another Legend even after death. #KingofPop #Kingmusic #StandingwithMj Love @DianaRoss forever https://t.co/IjDwh2uUHJ
@CourtlinD1
diana ross: give me that beer
@blainecapatch
barbra streisand: i'm not done holding it
diana ross: i said GIVE ME THAT FUCKING BEER
Thank you, Ms Ross! I'm glad that still after all this time you come out true and strong in support of Michael. If only more had your courage to not be swayed by the mass hysteria of the media.
@Pezjax
She's a piece of work.
@UnimpressedTX
Diana Ross is denying Jackson was an abuser too.
Diana Ross is a woman of integrity unlike the guilty until proven innocent, pitchfork waving, thick as mince airheads who think an egregious propaganda film with no evidence trumps the court verdicts. So good for Diana, she's the epitome of class. Michael Jackson is innocent. https://t.co/KYhVU9WQuI
@badgraciebabes
Got a story or a tip for us? Email TooFab editors at tips@toofab.com.
Getty
