What are the demands of Michael Jackson's accusers? Wade Robson and James Safechuck likely to go to trial over sexual abuse claims
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Michael Jackson’s accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck are again going after the iconic singer's estate. They are both suing the Jackson corporations together and will eventually have a set court date.
The two gave a bombshell interview for a four-hour HBO documentary ‘Leaving Neverland.’ Both of them claim that they were sexually molested as children by the ‘Smooth Criminal.’
What are the demands of Michael Jackson's accusers?
As per the 37-page ruling, Robson and Safechuck alleged that MJJ Productions ‘staff were complicit and aided Jackson in grooming and sexually abusing children and covering it up,’ reported People.
The ruling mentioned Jackson's employees also implemented policies that allowed the singer to be alone with children where a few slept overnight multiple times a week in Jackson's bedroom. The court documents mentioned that employees allegedly found both Robson and Safechuck's underwear on the floor beside his bed.
"The defendants ignore that Jackson's house was staffed with employees who enacted policies and procedures to isolate Jackson and these children knowing that Jackson had sexually abused minors before and was sexually abusing these plaintiffs," said Holly Boyer during the video conference hearing on July 26.
Three appellate court judges (Justices Elizabeth Grimes, John Wiley, and Victor Viramontes) of the California Court of Appeal have ruled in favor of the accusers and against Jackson's MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures companies.
These are the two corporations for which Jackson was the sole owner and lone shareholder.
How did the defense react to the court ruling?
"We are disappointed with the court's decision. Two distinguished trial judges repeatedly dismissed these cases on numerous occasions over the last decade because the law required it, “said Jonathan Steinsapir, attorney for the Estate of Michael Jackson.
“We remain fully confident that Michael is innocent of these allegations contrary to all credible evidence and independent corroboration, which were only made years after Michael’s death. We trust that the truth will ultimately prevail with Michael’s vindication yet again. Michael Jackson himself said, ‘lies run sprints, but the truth runs marathons," he added.
A source said, "The Estate will likely ask the California Supreme Court to review the decision, and a settlement is not on the table."
Mariano Quindoy, the estate manager at Neverland earlier claimed to have witnessed "several incidents of suspicious activity.' The former manager said he saw "Jackson put his hand down the front of Safechuck's shorts while the two were in the jacuzzi."