Michael Jackson Accusers Cleared To Sue Pop Star’s Production Company Over Alleged Sexual Abuse

A three-judge panel of the California Court of Appeal ruled that Wade Robson and James Safechuck have a case against Michael Jackson‘s production company, MJJ Productions, Inc. The two men allege that the company was complicit and aided in Jackson’s sexual abuse and cover-up, which were presented in the documentary Leaving Neverland in 2019.

Robson and Safechcuk said in a statement, “A sexual abuser’s passing does not deprive his victims of their day in court and, in turn, justice and healing. Jackson is not sued personally in this case – his company is, and his company will have every opportunity to defend itself in the trial.”

The case’s central question involves whether MJJ Productions had a “legal duty” to defend Robson and Safechuck from Jackson’s alleged sexual abuse while they were children. The company stated it had no legal duty due to its inability “to control Jackson – their sole owner – or his interactions.”

But the California Court of Appeal ruled against MJJ Productions, saying that the production company was not exempt from protecting Robson and Safechuck despite it being owned by “the perpetrator of the abuse.”

Robson and Safechcuk filed complaints against the company in 2013 and 2014 respectively, but they were set aside due to them exceeding the statute of limitations. However, legal adjustments were made in the following years that allowed their complaints to stand and go to court.

In his complaint, Safechuck recalled that he was in a Pepsi commercial with Jackson when he was nine years old. The pop star then invited Safechuck to dinner, and the pair often visited each other’s homes afterward. Safechuck went on a tour with Jackson in 1988. During this time, Safechuck claimed Jackson abused him hundreds of times, including teaching him to masturbate and organizing a mock “marriage” to him. Safechuck then said the abuse went on for years until he reached puberty when Jackson moved on to a younger boy.

Robson met Jackson after winning a dance competition in 1987. The next night, he danced onstage at the pop singer’s concert. Robson and his family then visited Neverland Ranch in 1990 where the abuse began and continued for seven years as Robson performed with Jackson in music videos and commercials.

The ruling for both plaintiffs claims that MJJ employees were complicit as they witnessed acts of abuse such as when Jackson held Robson’s genitals while at a dance studio. “No one reported the abuse to the police or any authorities,” the ruling reads.