Lawyers for Michael Jackson are attempting to prevent two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who claim he sexually abused them, from gaining access to nude photos of the pop icon. Robson and Safechuck allege that they were repeatedly raped by Jackson as young children in the 1980s and ’90s. Their lawsuits against the singer’s production companies were initially dismissed, but were revived last year and could potentially go to trial next year. As part of the case, they are seeking access to sealed police records from Jackson’s 2005 pedophilia charges.
The motion to quash the subpoenas for the nude photos, which were filed by Jackson’s lawyers in the Los Angeles Superior Court, argued that the images are subject to a court-entered protective order. The subpoenas were directed at the county sheriff’s offices and district attorneys of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Jackson’s lawyers claim the photos were taken as a result of a court-ordered search based on false statements in a discredited criminal investigation. Robson and Safechuck’s allegations were detailed in the controversial 2019 HBO documentary Leaving Neverland, which included graphic descriptions of the alleged abuse they endured at the hands of Jackson.
Robson and Safechuck’s lawsuits, filed in 2013 and 2014 respectively, allege negligence, breach of duty, and intentional infliction of emotional distress on the part of Jackson. Both men had initially supported Jackson and testified on his behalf. However, they later claimed that they were manipulated and brainwashed by Jackson, leading to their defense of him during his criminal trial. The lawsuits were initially dismissed, but an appeal ruling in August allowed them to proceed on the basis that the production companies could owe a duty to protect victims, even if solely owned by the alleged abuser.
Their lawyer, John Carpenter, expressed concern that the production companies are attempting to delay the trial until after the release of a Michael Jackson biopic that is expected to portray the singer in a positive light. Carpenter argued that the case needs to move forward quickly due to the overlap in the abuse suffered by Robson and Safechuck. He emphasized that both men were children who were molested by Jackson at the same time. Jackson’s estate has expressed disappointment in the court’s decision to proceed with the lawsuit, maintaining their confidence in the singer’s innocence.
The ongoing legal battle between Robson, Safechuck, and the production companies owned by Jackson’s estate continues to unfold. The allegations of sexual abuse brought forth by Robson and Safechuck have reignited debate and controversy surrounding Michael Jackson’s legacy. The quest for justice and accountability in cases of alleged abuse is a complex and challenging process, highlighting the importance of protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for how cases of historical abuse are addressed and adjudicated in the future.
