Court of Appeals Ruling; Michael Jackson's Sexual Abuse Case Reopens

The California Court of Appeal ruled on Friday, August 18, in favor of two men who claim they were sexually abused by the famous American singer Michael Jackson during their childhood. This lawsuit had been dismissed in a lower court, but now, with the appellate court's ruling, it can be reopened. A panel of three judges from the California Second District Court of Appeal stated that the complaints of Wade Robson and James Safechuck should not have been dismissed by the lower court, and they can sue two companies owned by Michael Jackson, which are accused in this case. According to the court, these companies had a responsibility to protect the two plaintiffs and must be held accountable. A new law in California, which temporarily expands the scope for reviewing sexual abuse cases, enabled the appellate court to revive this lawsuit. This is the second time these complaints, which were filed in 2013 by Mr. Robson and the following year by Mr. Safechuck, have been reopened after being dismissed in court. The two are known for recounting their stories in the controversial HBO documentary titled 'Leaving Neverland,' which aired in 2019. James Safechuck, directed by Dan Reed, and Wade Robson. According to the judge who dismissed these complaints in the lower court, it cannot be expected that Michael Jackson's companies should have been responsible for the care of these children. The renowned singer, who died in 2009, was the sole owner and shareholder of his companies. However, the appellate judges disagreed with this ruling, stating that these companies are responsible for the behavior of their members, in this case, Michael Jackson, and can be sued for allegations of sexual abuse. According to these judges, the claim that a company has no responsibility for the behavior of one of its members or shareholders is unacceptable. Jonathan Steinberg, attorney for the Michael Jackson estate, described the ruling as 'disappointing' and told the Associated Press that these complaints were previously dismissed due to the lack of credible evidence presented by two judges and are completely baseless. This lawyer emphasized that Michael Jackson is innocent and added that these complaints were filed years after his death, and the plaintiffs are only seeking money. Vince Finaldi, attorney for Mr. Robson and Mr. Safechuck, said in an email that they are pleased with the overturning of 'the previous judge's erroneous rulings in these cases that were contrary to California law and could have created a dangerous precedent, but they are not surprised.' He pointed out that previous rulings could have put many children in California and the United States at risk and stated that they are eagerly awaiting a fair trial. The ruling issued by the appellate court does not mean that the plaintiffs' allegations are confirmed; it only allows for a lawsuit against Michael Jackson's companies. Ultimately, the future jury in Los Angeles will decide on the validity of the claims and the fate of this case. Wade Robson, 40, who is now a choreographer, met Michael Jackson at the age of five. He appeared in three of the singer's music videos. Mr. Robson claims that Michael Jackson sexually abused him over a seven-year period. Mr. Safechuck, now 45, says he was abused by Michael Jackson at the age of nine. The Associated Press typically does not name individuals who say they are victims of sexual abuse. However, Robson and Safechuck have revealed their identities and have no issue with using their names. A court in Los Angeles dismissed another plaintiff's claim of sexual abuse against Michael Jackson. A new film based on Michael Jackson's life is being produced. Michael Jackson's fans have sued his 'sexual abuse victims.' Reactions to the controversial Michael Jackson documentary continue; Louis Vuitton has removed its designs. Michael Jackson's daughter: 'It is not my duty to defend my father against child sexual abuse allegations.' Several radio stations in Canada have stopped playing Michael Jackson's works. A statue of Michael Jackson was removed from Denmark's oldest shopping center. The Michael Jackson Foundation protested the airing of a documentary in the UK about the sexual abuse of this music star.