Two men who have accused Michael Jackson of sexually abusing them as children are able to resume their lawsuits against companies owned by the singer, who died in 2009, a California appeals court ruled on Friday.
The men, Wade Robson, 40, and James Safechuck, 45, have alleged that Mr. Jackson sexually abused them for years and that employees of the two companies — MJJ Productions Inc. and MJJ Ventures Inc. — were complicit, acting as his “co-conspirators, collaborators, facilitators and alter egos” for the abuse.
The suits say that employees of the companies owed a “duty of care” to the boys and failed to take steps to prevent abuse.
Mr. Robson’s and Mr. Safechuck’s stories were featured in the 2019 HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland,” in which the men accused Mr. Jackson of molesting them and cultivating relationships with their families to access the boys’ bodies.
“Everybody wanted to meet Michael or be with Michael,” Mr. Safechuck said in the film.
Persons:
Michael Jackson, Wade Robson, James Safechuck, Jackson, —, ”, Robson’s, Mr, “, Michael, ” Mr, Safechuck
Organizations:
— MJJ, Inc, MJJ Ventures Inc, HBO
Locations:
California