Wade Robson and James Safechuck, two individuals who have accused the late Michael Jackson of sexually abusing them when they were children, have received permission to revive their lawsuits against Jackson’s estate. The ruling was made by California’s Second District Court of Appeal, which stated that a corporation that enables child abuse by one of its employees cannot be exempt from the responsibility of protecting those children, even if it is solely owned by the perpetrator. The court also overturned previous judgments in favor of the corporations.
Both Robson and Safechuck claim that they were victims of abuse by Jackson during their childhoods. Safechuck appeared in a Pepsi commercial with Jackson when he was eight years old, while Robson, at the age of five, won a dance-alike contest when Jackson performed in Brisbane, Australia. The allegations made by both individuals were highlighted in the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland, where they detailed how the abuse allegedly escalated over the years, accompanied by pressure from Jackson to keep it a secret.
Although Michael Jackson passed away in 2009, Robson and Safechuck are seeking damages from two entertainment companies that were once solely owned and operated by the late singer. The cases, which have been consolidated in the appeals court, will now proceed to trial.
Lawyer Vince William Finaldi, who represents Safechuck and Robson, expressed satisfaction with the appellate court’s decision. In a statement, Finaldi stated that the previous rulings were incorrect and against California law. He believes that upholding those rulings would have set a dangerous precedent that could endanger children throughout the state and the country. Finaldi now eagerly anticipates a trial on the merits.
