Seksuālā vardarbība pret mazgadīgajiem: Kādā Lietuvā uzskaitis Maikls Džeksonu aktīvi?
Los Angeles County Superior Court has set a trial date of February 14, 2028, for a civil lawsuit alleging Michael Jackson sexually abused two men as children in the 1980s and 1990s, according to a source cited by PEOPLE. The case involves Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who claim the pop icon exploited them during their childhoods, with Robson alleging abuse began at age 7 in 1990 and Safechuck at age 10 in 1988.
What triggered the trial date change?
The court rescheduled the civil trial from November 2027 to February 2028 due to “some delays in discovery,” a source told PEOPLE. The plaintiffs, who appeared in the 2019 HBO documentary Leaving Neverland, have accused MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures—companies owned by Jackson before his 2009 death—of failing to protect them from alleged abuse. The case was initially dismissed in 2021, but a 2024 court ruling allowed the claims to proceed after a California law extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases.
Why does this case matter?
The lawsuit represents a rare legal challenge against Jackson’s legacy, as he was never criminally convicted of child sexual abuse. In 2003, he was acquitted of charges involving a 13-year-old boy. The case also highlights the evolving legal landscape around childhood abuse claims, as California’s 2020 law aimed to address long-standing barriers for survivors seeking justice. The outcome could set a precedent for similar cases against entertainment industry figures.
What may happen next?
The trial could take years to resolve, given the complexity of the claims and the involvement of Jackson’s corporate entities. Legal experts note that the plaintiffs must prove Jackson’s companies had a duty to protect them, a threshold that has previously been disputed. If the case proceeds, it may reignite public scrutiny of Jackson’s personal conduct and the role of his associates in alleged abuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the trial scheduled? The civil trial is set for February 14, 2028, after being rescheduled from November 2027.
What are the plaintiffs alleging? Wade Robson and James Safechuck claim Michael Jackson sexually abused them as children in the 1980s and 1990s, with Robson alleging abuse began at age 7 and Safechuck at age 10.
How did the case progress? The plaintiffs initially faced dismissal due to statutes of limitations, but a 2024 court ruling allowed the case to proceed after California’s 2020 law extended deadlines for childhood abuse claims.
How might this case impact ongoing conversations about accountability in the entertainment industry?