Barbra Streisand Apologizes for Controversial Remarks About Michael Jackson's 'Leaving Neverland' Accusers (Updated)

UPDATE at 9:04am PT on March 24: Streisand is now fully apologizing after her initial comments were torn up online and a subsequent statement did little to slow the flames.

"I am profoundly sorry for any pain or misunderstanding I caused by not choosing my words more carefully about Michael Jackson and his victims. I didn't mean to dismiss the trauma these boys experienced in any way. Like all survivors of sexual assault, they will have to carry this for the rest of their lives. I feel deep remorse and I hope that James and Wade know that I truly respect and admire them for speaking their truth."

UPDATE at 1:00pm PT on March 23: After getting slammed online for her comments, Streisand released a statement clarifying her remarks.

"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. 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 victimized and seduced by fame and fantasy."

Original post below:

Twitter is railing on Barbra Streisand for her controversial comments about Michael Jackson's "Leaving Neverland" accusers.

In an interview with The Times published Friday, the Grammy winner said she believes the sexual allegations made by Wade Robson and James Safechuck, but also said the alleged abuse "didn't kill them" and they seemed "thrilled" to be with Jackson at the time.

"Oh, absolutely. That was too painful," Streisand said when asked if she believed the allegations. "He was very sweet, very childlike...His sexual needs were his sexual needs, coming from whatever childhood he has or whatever DNA he has."

"You can say 'molested', but those children, as you heard say, they were thrilled to be there," she added. "They both married and they both have children, so it didn't kill them."

"I feel bad for the children," Streisand concluded. "I feel bad for him. I blame, I guess, the parents, who would allow their children to sleep with him."

People didn't take Streisand's comments lightly and started bashing the singer on social media, calling her remarks "sickening." In Twitter lingo, many people decided that Streisand has officially been "canceled."

"I am sick to my stomach," journalist Yashar Ali tweeted. "Barbra Streisand's comments on Michael Jackson's accusers are ... outrageous and perplexing to say the very least," another person added.

"Shame on you @BarbraStreisand for disrespecting the victims of child rape. Low class, dismissive and a shocking trivialisation," another critic tweeted. "To speak up for a child abuser... I expect it from the deranged MJ fans but not from you, who should know better."

Many pointed out how the article dropped just as it was also announced on Friday that Robert Muller had completed the Russia investigation.

"Barbara Streisand just 'hold my beer'd' the whole Mueller Report," actor Zach Braff tweeted. "All I'm going to say is the smart political move here for Trump is to ignore the Mueller report and tweet dunk on Barbara Streisand," another person tweeted.

Check out more reactions below:

Got a story or a tip for us? Email TooFab editors at tips@toofab.com.