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On Wednesday (PDT), a California appeals court will allegedly hear the revival of two sexual assault lawsuits filed by two men against late American singer Michael Jackson. Following a new California statute that temporarily broadened the scope of sexual assault proceedings, the court restored the cases and will most likely resuscitate them, sending the cases back to a lower court for trial.
Two men filed a lawsuit against Jackson-owned organizations MJJProductions Inc. and MJJ Ventures Inc
After a four-decade-long brilliant career, the singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist renowned as the “King of Pop” and one of the most influential cultural giants of the twentieth century died at the age of 51. Two men filed a lawsuit against Jackson-owned organizations MJJProductions Inc. and MJJ Ventures Inc., accusing Michael Jackson of sexual assault as a youngster and the companies of failing to protect them as minors.
Where did it all start?
Following Jackson’s death in 2009, Wade Robson and James Safechuck filed separate sexual abuse lawsuits against the singer in 2013 and 2014, respectively. They also appeared in the 2019 HBO documentary Leaving Neverland. They both accused Jackson of sexually assaulting them for years of their childhood while working closely with him.
The allegations leveled by Robson
Robson, a 40-year-old choreographer, met Jackson when he was five years old. He starred in several of Michael Jackson’s music videos and released music under his label. He claimed that the singer had molested him for up to seven years. Also, he stated that Jackson’s employees from two firms were responsible for his safety in the same manner as Boy Scouts and schools safeguard their children from their leaders.
The allegations leveled by Safechuck
Separately, Safechuck, 45, stated in his lawsuit that he encountered Michael Jackson when he was nine years old. They met while filming a Pepsi commercial, and Jackson frequently contacted and lavished him with presents, resulting in a string of sexual assault events. However, Jackson’s estate refuted the allegations, claiming that both testified at Jackson’s criminal trial in 2005 that they had not been molested.
What is the current status of the lawsuit?
The claims were dismissed by the Superior Court in 2021 when the court determined that the two organizations and their employees had no obligation to defend Robson and Safechuck against Jackson. The claims were previously recovered following a judicial dismissal in 2017 because the period of limitations had expired. On Wednesday, Jackson’s estate will attempt to persuade the appeals court to reconsider its decision.