A Los Angeles judge has rejected a request by companies connected to Michael Jackson’s estate to add new arguments in a lawsuit brought by Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who allege they were sexually abused by the late singer as children.
The ruling is procedural. It does not decide whether the allegations are true or whether the companies are liable. The judge left open the possibility that the companies could file a renewed request to amend their legal responses later.
Judge turns down request to amend defence
The companies wanted to change their responses to Robson and Safechuck’s complaints so they could argue that other people, rather than Jackson’s companies, should share responsibility if a jury accepts the men’s allegations.
Robson and Safechuck opposed the request, arguing that the defendants had waited too long to raise the issue. The judge denied the motion at this stage but said the companies could seek permission to renew it if appropriate.
Estate companies dispute the allegations
The companies’ lawyers continue to deny that Jackson abused children. Their court filing also points to Robson and Safechuck, and their parents, having supported Jackson for years, including after his death.
The companies further argued that, if a jury believes the men, other people may have encouraged or facilitated their friendships with Jackson and could potentially be responsible for some damages. The judge’s ruling means that argument cannot be added to the defence for now.
What Robson and Safechuck allege
Robson says he met Jackson when he was seven and was later abused. Safechuck says he met the singer while working on a Pepsi commercial in 1986 and alleges abuse followed. They are seeking more than $400 million in damages from Jackson’s companies, according to TMZ.
The civil claims remain allegations. The court’s latest decision concerns what arguments the companies may include in their defence, rather than the truth of the claims themselves.
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