Michael Jackson’s Sexual Harassment Lawsuits Revived as Court Rejects Labels’ Defense
Michael Jackson, the legendary singer who passed away in 2009, is once again making headlines, but this time for all the wrong reasons. Accused of sexual harassment during the early 2000s, he allegedly molested men and women in his crew. After his death, the files regarding these allegations were closed, but they have now been reopened.
Two men, James Safechuck and Wade Robson, who claim that Jackson sexually abused them as children, have been granted the right to pursue their lawsuits against companies owned by the late singer. The California Court of Appeal revived these lawsuits against Jackson’s production company, overturning the dismissal made in 2021 by a lower court.
Previously, Jackson’s labels argued that they had no obligation to the two men since Jackson was the sole owner of the companies and they lacked the power to control him. However, the higher court of the California Court of Appeal for Second District ruled that the corporate structure did not shield the companies from their duty to protect against harassment, even if Jackson was the sole owner.
We conclude a corporation that facilitates the sexual abuse of children by one of its employees is not excused from an affirmative duty to protect those children merely because it is solely owned by the perpetrator of the abuse, the court stated. The court acknowledged that these circumstances may be unique but emphasized the importance of a corporate defendant having a duty to protect, even if they have a single shareholder.
This ruling brings attention to the responsibility of companies in cases involving sexual harassment allegations against their employees, especially when the alleged perpetrator is the sole owner. It establishes that corporate structures cannot be used as a shield to evade accountability for the actions of individuals within the company.
The decision also highlights the significance of protecting victims of sexual abuse, especially children, and the role companies play in creating safe environments within their organizations. It sets a precedent that corporations cannot evade their duty to protect against harassment merely based on the ownership structure. This ruling may have far-reaching consequences for similar cases.
With the revival of these lawsuits, the spotlight remains on Michael Jackson’s alleged acts of sexual harassment, ensuring that justice can be pursued and the truth can be revealed. The outcome of these ongoing legal proceedings will continue to draw attention and will undoubtedly shape the legacy of this iconic singer.
