Streisand told The Times that while she believed the accusations by Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who feature in the documentary Leaving Neverland, Jackson’s actions “didn’t kill them”.

“His [Jackson’s] sexual needs were his sexual needs,” she said, “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. They both married and they both have children, so it didn’t kill them.”

“I blame, I guess, the parents, who would allow their children to sleep with him,” she added.

Leaving Neverland – photos show Michael Jackson with his accusers Show all 9 1 /9 Leaving Neverland – photos show Michael Jackson with his accusers Leaving Neverland – photos show Michael Jackson with his accusers Michael Jackson with accuser Wade Robson Sundance Insitute Leaving Neverland – photos show Michael Jackson with his accusers Accuser Wade Robson meeting Michael Jackson for the first time Channel 4 Leaving Neverland – photos show Michael Jackson with his accusers Michael Jackson with the Robson family Channel 4 Leaving Neverland – photos show Michael Jackson with his accusers Michael Jackson at the home of accuser James Safechuck Channel 4 Leaving Neverland – photos show Michael Jackson with his accusers Dan Reed approached the Michael Jackson documentary with 'all the scepticism and rigorousness that I would approach a story about a terrorist attack' Channel 4 Leaving Neverland – photos show Michael Jackson with his accusers Michael Jackson leaves the courtroom on a break at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse for the second day of closing arguments in his child molestation trial in Santa Maria, California, 2005 AFP/Getty Leaving Neverland – photos show Michael Jackson with his accusers Michael Jackson accuser Wade Robson Channel 4 Leaving Neverland – photos show Michael Jackson with his accusers James Safechuck, another of Jackson's accusers Channel 4 Leaving Neverland – photos show Michael Jackson with his accusers Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed Channel 4

Safechuck and Robson claim they were abused hundreds of times by the late pop star. In the documentary, both detail how the alleged abuse had a profound impact on them as adults.

Jackson was dogged by allegations of child abuse, which he vehemently denied, before his death in 2009.

In 2003, police raided his Neverland Ranch in California while investigating claims he had molested a 13-year-old boy. He was acquitted of all charges in 2005.

Streisand’s comments sparked a huge backlash online, including from Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed.

The singer issued a statement on Instagram that says she believes the parents of the two young men “were also victimised and seduced by fame and fantasy”.

She also expressed her “deep remorse” at not choosing her words “more carefully”.