Michael Jackson’s accusers have returned to court regarding a proposed protective order

Nearly sixteen years have passed since Michael Jackson’s death, yet his legacy continues to be overshadowed by persistent child abuse allegations.

Wade Robson and James Safechuck continue to assert the trauma they claim to have endured from the King of Pop during their childhood. Their recently merged lawsuits against the “Thriller” hitmaker’s companies have them contesting a protective order. 

The legal saga commenced in 2013 when Wade Robson brought forth his severe accusations against Michael Jackson’s entities, MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures. James Safechuck filed his significant lawsuit the next year, prior to the late singer’s accusers joining forces to advance their claims.

An In-Depth Look at Michael Jackson’s Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Robson alleged that Jackson sexually abused him starting at the age of seven, with the abuse continuing for several years. At the same time, Safechuck claimed he encountered the entertainer in 1986 when he was selected for a Pepsi commercial. He observed that Jackson invited him to spend time together months later, resulting in numerous other gatherings.

Safechuck alleged that Jackson’s sexual abuse began in 1988 during his Bad Tour, when he was 10 years old and the singer was 29. The purported victims filed a lawsuit against MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures, citing intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and breach of fiduciary duty, among various other allegations.

The companies have strongly refuted all claims of misconduct and have presented a proposed protective order, which Safechuck and Robson contested in court documents acquired by In Touch. 

The defendants contended that the duo delayed for years following Jackson’s death before presenting their claims, even though they had previously defended the singer.

The late King of Pop’s enterprises respond vigorously

In response to Safechuck’s lawsuit, Jackson’s companies pointed out that it took “almost four years after Michael Jackson had died before he made his scurrilous and frivolous allegations.” The lawyer representing the defendants stated:

“The nature of these false allegations renders it impossible for the Corporations to adequately defend themselves without the involvement of Michael Jackson himself.”

“The challenge of thoroughly defending against [James’] false allegations is heightened by the reality that [James] consistently denied these claims throughout Michael Jackson’s life,” the legal representative contended.

Furthermore, the defendants requested that the lawsuit be dismissed on the grounds that they could not have reasonably been aware, prior to Jackson’s death, that Safechuck would “bring frivolous claims like those presented here and that they should have been ready to defend against such frivolous claims.”

Jackson’s accusers were unsuccessful in their attempts to obtain subpoenas.

Safechuck and Robson have not experienced success in their lawsuits, as a judge has denied their request for sensitive information. 

The duo sought to acquire sensitive photographs of Jackson and additional evidence through subpoenas directed at the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office.

Nonetheless, Jackson’s companies contested the subpoenas, and a judge approved their request for refusal. 

Outside the courtroom, Robson and Safechuck have advanced their narrative of abuse through various interviews and the 2019 documentary “Leaving Neverland,” along with its sequel “Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson,” released in March 2025.

The Blast reported on the story, detailing how Safechuck and Robson discussed the consequences of their allegations prior to the release of the sequel. Robson expressed that the fear of public reaction was “fricking terrifying,” and Safechuck shared his feelings of anxiety regarding the debut of the first documentary.

Wade Robson and James Safechuck Reflect on Their Allegations of Abuse

Similar to the initial documentary, “Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson,” explored the claims of abuse made by Robson and Safechuck against Jackson. Safechuck reflected on some of his distressing experiences, alleging that the late singer engaged in sexual acts with him while he was asleep.

Furthermore, the sequel traced their challenging journey and sought to illuminate the effects of their allegations on a prominent individual such as Jackson. Robson also shared his thoughts on receiving Oprah Winfrey’s support after the release of the first documentary. According to him:

“Winfrey understood what James and I had experienced, reaching a stage in life where keeping it a secret was no longer feasible.”