It has recently been reported that the estate of Michael Jackson is making efforts to silence Wade Robson and James Safechuck, the individuals who have accused the King of Pop of sexual abuse.
The estate also aims to delay the civil case involving the accusers and their legal representative until after the premiere of a highly anticipated biopic about the iconic singer slated for release next year.
MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures, the entities overseeing the affairs of the late iconic artist, have raised concerns about the conduct of their lawyer, John C. Carpenter.
As reported by the Globe, Carpenter has been accused of engaging in what is perceived as a highly publicized campaign filled with "incendiary claims."
In the legal case filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Robson, and Safechuck have come forward with allegations that Jackson molested them during their childhood. They claim that employees within Jackson's organizations allegedly ignored the abuse. In the 2019 HBO documentary Leaving Neverland, the individuals shared unsettling accounts of their experiences.
Looking to expedite their trial, Carpenter aims to have it concluded before the upcoming film Michael premiers in April 2025.
The production features Jaafar Jackson, who resembles the iconic artist, portraying the role of the "Billie Jean" singer in a story chronicling his life.
According to Carpenter, "They want the Michael Jackson biopic to come out before the trial. That's what I think."
"These corporations that facilitated the abuse in the first place, they're rewriting history," he added.
In contrast, according to the attorney representing Jackson, Carpenter's public complaints regarding the case are being portrayed as a deliberate attempt to tarnish Jackson's reputation - potentially breaching California's professional conduct regulations. In their request for a gag order, the companies argue that Carpenter's remarks could significantly bias the potential jury pool.
Initially thrown out in 2021 by a California court, Robson and Safechuck's high-profile lawsuit was rejected because the corporations could not be held accountable for their owner's actions.
The court highlighted that these entities cannot be likened to organizations like the Boy Scouts or a church, where children under their care could reasonably expect protection.
In August 2023, an appeals judge ruled differently, leading to an upcoming trial. However, tensions escalated between the disgruntled groups at the beginning of the year when representatives from the Jackson camp attempted to hinder Carpenter's access to investigative files from the police in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. These files were sought to strengthen their argument potentially and might include personal pictures of the "Thriller" singer.
In connection to a molestation scandal in 1993, Jackson, the accused pedophile, was never formally charged, yet he settled for $20 million with his 13-year-old accuser, Jordan Chandler.
Nevertheless, in 2003, Jackson faced arrest for the alleged abuse of 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo at his Neverland Ranch. Despite maintaining his innocence and refuting any claims of harming children, the superstar was ultimately cleared of all charges by a jury.
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