Judge Tosses Sex Abuse Case Against Michael Jackson’s Estate
James Safechuck, who as a child was Michael Jackson’s constant companion, has failed in his bid to hold the singer’s estate responsible for the sexual abuse he claimed to have suffered at the hands of the late Prince of Pop.
As RadarOnline.com reported, Safechuck, now 39, was 10 when he met Jackson while working with him on a 1987 Pepsi commercial. The music icon “was everything to me and my life” when the sexual abuse occurred between 1988 and 1992, he has said.
Safechuck only came forward with his allegations and filed a civil suit against Michael Jackson’s estate five years after the singer died in 2009, but California law gives people with claims just a year after a death to bring them to probate court. A court dismissed the case in 2015.
Now Safechuck has been dealt another blow in his quest for justice after a judge tossed the case he had brought against MJJ Ventures, Inc., and MJJ Productions, Inc.
- Michael Jackson's Accusers Slam Effort to Block Them From Obtaining Photos of Late Pop Star's Genitals
- ‘Gross Attempt’: Michael Jackson’s Accusers Wade Robson and James Safechuck Slammed by Late Pop Star’s Companies Over Subpoenas Seeking 'Lurid' Photos
- Michael Jackson's Production Company Fights to Block Wade Robson and James Safechuck From Accessing Pop Star's Criminal Files
Judge Mitchell Beckloff noted in his decision that, as in the previous civil case, Safechuck “filed his action 10 years too late, and his action is barred by the statute of limitations.”
The court also addressed Safechuck’s attempt to show he had a special relationship with the corporate entities he was suing, thus making them responsible for the abuse he alleges he suffered at the hands of Jackson.
Judge Beckloff disagreed.
“A legal duty exists only where there is a special relationship AND some ability to control the perpetrator,” the judge wrote in his decision.
“While plaintiff has alleged the defendant entities had the ability to control Michael Jackson other allegations and admissions by plaintiff directly contradict these allegations, eviscerating that claim.”
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