LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Dance choreographer Wade Robson, who has accused the late pop icon Michael Jackson of molesting him during his childhood, is now poised to go to trial with MJJ Productions, Inc., the corporation associated with the King of Pop. According to TMZ, the California Court of Appeal has granted approval for Robson's lawsuit against the corporation, which centers around allegations of molestation that Robson claims occurred between the ages of seven and 14 at Jackson's renowned Neverland Ranch. Previously, MJJ Productions, Inc.'s legal team had contended that the corporation bore no liability as it lacked control over the actions of the late pop star.
The Court of Appeal, however, overturned the dismissal of the case by a Los Angeles County trial court in April 2021 and issued a tentative ruling directing the case to proceed to trial. According to court documents, Robson, originally from Australia, asserted that he relocated to the United States as a child, and it was during this time that he crossed paths with Jackson, initially forming a friendship that ultimately led to the alleged sexual abuse.
Robson's Testimony
The legal battle stems from Jackson's arrest in November 2003 in Santa Barbara, California, following a raid on Neverland. The late singer was indicted on ten charges, including lewd conduct with a minor, conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment, and extortion involving a separate minor. The subsequent criminal trial commenced in February 2005, capturing widespread media attention as over 130 witnesses testified, including Robson. During the trial, Robson stated that he had shared a bed with Jackson but denied experiencing any form of molestation. Ultimately, Jackson was acquitted of all charges on June 14, 2005.
However, Robson altered his account of events eight years later, when in 2013, he filed a lawsuit against the company representing Jackson's estate, asserting that his previous testimony in support of the music icon was the result of manipulation and brainwashing. Robson's name resurfaced in headlines four years ago with the release of the HBO documentary 'Leaving Neverland' in 2019, where he claimed that Jackson first sexually abused him in 1990 at the age of seven, and the abuse persisted for seven more years.
James Safechuck's case mirrors Robson's claims
James Safechuck, another individual who has accused Jackson of molestation, appeared alongside Robson in 'Leaving Neverland'. Safechuck currently has a case pending before the Court of Appeal, which is anticipated to proceed to trial following the recent ruling in Robson's case. Both Robson and Safechuck had previously filed lawsuits against Jackson's estate, which were dismissed in 2017 due to the statute of limitations. However, their cases were revived two years later after California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law extending the timeframe for litigation for individuals who claim they were sexually abused as children.
Insiders familiar with the legal team representing the Jackson estate expressed confidence in their chances of winning the trial, emphasizing that the recent appellate ruling is inconsequential to the case's legal merits. The estate has vehemently denied the allegations made by Robson and Safechuck, even filing a lawsuit against HBO over the 'Leaving Neverland' documentary. In 2021, a representative for the estate labeled Robson's claims as frivolous, emphasizing his pursuit of various lawsuits against Michael Jackson's estate and associated companies over the past eight years.
Coincidentally, June 25 marked the 14th anniversary of Michael Jackson's death at the age of 50 from cardiac arrest resulting from an overdose of the surgical anesthetic drug Propofol. In a controversial interview with journalist Martin Bashir for the TV documentary 'Living with Michael Jackson' in 2003, Jackson defended sleeping in the same bed with unrelated children, stating that it was a "beautiful thing" and dismissing critics as "ignorant." He emphasized the world's need for more love and compassion.
Who is Wade Robson?
Wade Robson, a choreographer hailing from Brisbane, Australia, embarked on his dance career at the tender age of five. Recognized for his exceptional skills, he caught the attention of pop icon Michael Jackson, leading to his appearances in three of Jackson's iconic music videos, 'Black and White,' 'Jam,' and 'Heal The World.'
Beyond his collaborations with Jackson, Robson's creative prowess extended to directing music videos and orchestrating world tours for renowned artists such as NSYNC and Britney Spears. In his personal life, Robson found love and companionship with actress Amanda Rodriguez, with whom he exchanged vows on August 13, 2005. Their enduring partnership has blossomed into parenthood as they share one child together.
