Michael Jackson Estate Takes Legal Action Over $213 Million ‘Shakedown’ by Former Sexual Assault Accuser

The Michael Jackson Estate has initiated legal action in response to what it describes as a “$213 million shakedown” by a former sexual assault accuser. This move reflects the estate’s stance on protecting Michael Jackson’s legacy against what it considers to be baseless and financially motivated claims.

The accuser, Wade Robson, originally brought forth allegations against Michael Jackson years after the pop star’s death in 2009. Robson, a well-known choreographer, previously testified in Jackson’s defense during a 2005 child molestation trial, stating that nothing inappropriate had occurred between him and Jackson. However, in 2013, Robson filed a lawsuit against the estate, alleging childhood sexual abuse by Jackson, a claim he later publicized in the controversial 2019 documentary “Leaving Neverland.”

This latest legal clash comes as Robson and another accuser, James Safechuck, have sought to revive their lawsuits against the Jackson Estate and associated companies. The accusations resurfaced amid the wave of the #MeToo movement and intensified scrutiny of historical allegations of abuse. The estate, however, has consistently maintained that these claims are not only false but also financially motivated, given the massive wealth associated with Michael Jackson’s estate.

The $213 million figure cited by the estate likely reflects the substantial monetary damages and claims brought forth in these lawsuits. The estate’s legal representatives argue that the lawsuits are part of a long-standing effort to extract money from Michael Jackson’s posthumous fortune. In their latest legal filings, the estate describes the accusers’ attempts as a “shakedown,” indicating their belief that the accusations are opportunistic and devoid of merit.

For years, the Jackson Estate has been embroiled in legal battles to defend the pop star’s reputation. It has successfully dismissed multiple claims, often pointing to a lack of evidence and the accusers’ inconsistent testimonies. The estate’s legal team argues that Robson and Safechuck’s changing narratives and pursuit of substantial financial compensation highlight ulterior motives.

The case has sparked widespread debate over the complexities surrounding accusations against high-profile figures, particularly those made posthumously. On one side, supporters of Robson and Safechuck argue for the importance of hearing and believing survivors of abuse. On the other hand, Jackson’s defenders point to the inconsistencies in the accusers’ accounts and their previous denials of abuse as grounds for skepticism.

The outcome of this latest legal action remains uncertain, but it underscores the ongoing efforts of the Michael Jackson Estate to protect his legacy. As these disputes continue to play out in court, they serve as a reminder of the complexities and emotions involved in cases of alleged historical abuse, especially when they involve globally renowned figures like Michael Jackson. The estate’s decision to take legal action reflects its commitment to challenging what it views as unfounded allegations and preserving the legacy of the pop icon.