Michael Jackson Accusers Can Now Sue For Sexual Abuse
Photo by George De Sota /Redferns
Photo by George De Sota /Redferns
James Safechuck and Wade Robson can now sue MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures, two companies connected to Michael Jackson's estate.
James Safechuck and Wade Robson are now allowed to sue two companies connected to Michael Jackson's estate in regards to their sexual abuse allegations against the late pop star.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, a California appeals court has given Safechuck and Robson permission to sue MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures. Safechuck and Robson had initially sued the companies back in 2014 and 2013, respectively, arguing the companies are liable for the alleged abuse they experienced. However, at the time of the suits, the state of California demanded that "any childhood sexual assault claims brought against third parties had to be filed by the victim's 26th birthday," according to the Reporter. Because the claims weren't filed by Safechuck nor Robson's 26th birthday, their claims were dismissed.
The law has since changed in California. Starting on January 1, victims now have until their 40th birthday to take legal action. On Friday, a California appeals court revived Safechuck and Robson's claims.
"We’re very pleased that the California Court of Appeals recognizes the strong protections California has for sexual abuse victims as well as the extended statute of limitations period for them to come forward," Vince Finaldi, the attorney for Safechuck and Robson, said. "We look forward to continuing litigation of these cases as we prepare to present them to a jury at trial. It’s really interesting how [Weitzman] can comment on the facts of whether the abuse happened or not when he wasn't there. Anything he has to say he can tell to a jury and I look forward to it. We’re going to prove him wrong in court."
Safechuck and Robson were the subjects of last year's Leaving Neverland documentary.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
