Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Lawsuit of Michael Jackson Sexual Abuse Accuser Dismissed
gvw_ap_news
By Associated Press
Published 5 years ago on
October 23, 2020

Share

LOS ANGELES — A judge has dismissed the lawsuit of one of two men who alleged that Michael Jackson abused them as boys in the HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland.”

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mark A. Young on Tuesday found that James Safechuck, 42, could not sue the two corporations Jackson owned that are named as defendants in the lawsuit, MJJ Productions Inc., and MJJ Ventures Inc.

Young said Safechuck’s lawsuit had not demonstrated that he had a relationship with the corporations that would have required them to protect him from Jackson.

“We are pleased that the court dismissed Mr. Safechuck’s case by ruling that he had no grounds to pursue such a lawsuit,” Jackson estate attorneys Howard Weitzman and Jonathan Steinsapir said in a statement.

The Jackson Estate Has Adamantly and Repeatedly Denied That He Abused Either of the Boys

An email seeking comment from Safechuck’s attorney was not immediately returned.

It’s the second time Safechuck’s case, filed in 2013, has been thrown out. A judge dismissed it in 2017, but an appeals court revived it early this year after California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a new law giving those who allege childhood sexual abuse longer to file lawsuits.

The similar lawsuit of Safechuck’s fellow accuser and “Leaving Neverland” subject Wade Robson, which was also revived by the appeals court, remains alive.

The Jackson estate has adamantly and repeatedly denied that he abused either of the boys, and it is suing HBO over “Leaving Neverland.”

The Associated Press does not typically name victims of sexual abuse. But Robson and Safechuck have repeatedly come forward and approved of the use of their names and faces.

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Deanna Michelle Whitworth

DON'T MISS

2 More Attacks on Jews Heighten Concerns About Security in and Around US Synagogues

DON'T MISS

Mexican 4-Year-Old Is Granted Humanitarian Parole to Continue Receiving Lifesaving Care in US

DON'T MISS

Suspect Arrested in Connection With Deadly California Fertility Clinic Bombing

DON'T MISS

Wall Street Ticks Higher as Tech Boost Offsets Economic Worries

DON'T MISS

Machado and Padres Rally to Beat Giants in 10 Innings Again

DON'T MISS

Mexico to Announce ‘Measures’ Next Week if No Deal on US Metals Tariffs

DON'T MISS

Judge Lets Fresno Smoke Shop Rules Take Effect — for Now

DON'T MISS

NOAA ‘Fully Staffed’ With Forecasters, Scientists, US Commerce Secretary Says

DON'T MISS

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Suggests Truce Until Meeting With Putin Can Be Arranged

UP NEXT

‘King of the Hill’ Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot Outside His Texas Home

UP NEXT

Mattel Is Combining Film and Television Units to Create Mattel Studios

UP NEXT

Townsizing? Land Snorkeling? A User’s Guide to the Latest Travel Lingo

UP NEXT

Loretta Swit, Emmy-winner Who Played Houlihan on Pioneering TV Series ‘M.A.S.H.,’ Has Died at 87

UP NEXT

In Marseille, a Shadow Becomes Art in Banksy’s Latest Street Mural

UP NEXT

Taylor Swift Has Regained Control of Her Music, Buys Back First 6 Albums

UP NEXT

NY Times Bestselling Author Celebrating Book Release at Fresno Barnes & Noble

UP NEXT

A Former Aide Says Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Kidnapped Her in a Plot to Kill Kid Cudi

UP NEXT

Ecstasy and Bribery Accusations in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Trial Bolster Racketeering Charge

UP NEXT

Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Leads Record Box Office Over US Memorial Day Weekend

Suspect Arrested in Connection With Deadly California Fertility Clinic Bombing

35 minutes ago

Wall Street Ticks Higher as Tech Boost Offsets Economic Worries

54 minutes ago

Machado and Padres Rally to Beat Giants in 10 Innings Again

56 minutes ago

Mexico to Announce ‘Measures’ Next Week if No Deal on US Metals Tariffs

60 minutes ago

Judge Lets Fresno Smoke Shop Rules Take Effect — for Now

1 hour ago

NOAA ‘Fully Staffed’ With Forecasters, Scientists, US Commerce Secretary Says

1 hour ago

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Suggests Truce Until Meeting With Putin Can Be Arranged

1 hour ago

49ers Overhaul Defensive Line With Rookies and Bryce Huff After Disappointing Season

2 hours ago

Rams Pass Rusher Jared Verse Ready to Build on Strong Rookie Season

2 hours ago

Muncy’s 2 Homers and Freeman’s RBI Double Lift Dodgers Over Mets in 10 Innings

2 hours ago

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Deanna Michelle Whitworth

June 4, 2025 Most Wanted Person of the Day Suspect Name: Deanna Michelle Whitworth Suspects Date of Birth: December 10, 1978 Physical Descri...

15 minutes ago

Deanna Michelle Whitworth is Valley Crime Stoppers' Most Wanted Person of the Day for June 4, 2025. (Valley Crimes Stoppers)
15 minutes ago

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Deanna Michelle Whitworth

17 minutes ago

2 More Attacks on Jews Heighten Concerns About Security in and Around US Synagogues

26 minutes ago

Mexican 4-Year-Old Is Granted Humanitarian Parole to Continue Receiving Lifesaving Care in US

35 minutes ago

Suspect Arrested in Connection With Deadly California Fertility Clinic Bombing

54 minutes ago

Wall Street Ticks Higher as Tech Boost Offsets Economic Worries

56 minutes ago

Machado and Padres Rally to Beat Giants in 10 Innings Again

60 minutes ago

Mexico to Announce ‘Measures’ Next Week if No Deal on US Metals Tariffs

1 hour ago

Judge Lets Fresno Smoke Shop Rules Take Effect — for Now

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend