Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The sexual harassment case allegedly committed by the late Michael Jackson has been reopened. This lawsuit was filed by Wade Robson and Jame Safechuck.
According to CNN InternationalThe Second Court of Appeals for the District of California, United States of America (USA), ruled that Robson and Safechuck’s lawsuit can be reactivated because there are a number of irregularities.
“A company that ‘facilitates’ the sexual abuse of children by an employee is still obligated to protect children even if the company is wholly owned by the perpetrator,” said the Second District Court of California, quoted Tuesday (22/9/2023).
Based on the same statement, the court stated that it was difficult to distance Michael Jackson from the charges that were previously suspended. Therefore, the case was reopened.
Robson and Safechuck’s lawyer, Vince William Finaldi, said that his party welcomed the court’s decision to reopen this old case. Vince said he was not surprised by the decision because he believed Michael Jackson had sexually assaulted him.
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Photo: Michael Jackson (REUTERS/Lee Celano/File Photo)
FILE PHOTO: Michael Jackson displays a poster he received from fans during an appearance on “Wetten dass”, a German game show, in Saarbruecken, Germany, March 20. REUTERS/Ralph Orlowski /File Photo PLEASE SEARCH “FROM THE FILES – 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF MICHAEL JACKSON’S DEATH” FOR ALL PICTURES. |
“We are pleased but not surprised that the court of appeal overturned the earlier ruling,” said Finaldi.
“It (sexual harassment) violates California law and can set a dangerous example that harms children throughout the state and country. We eagerly await the hearing of the verdict,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Michael Jackson’s attorney, Jonathan Steinsapir, said that his party objected to the reopening of this case. Because, he believes the figure of ‘the King of Pop’ was innocent.
“We are disappointed by the Court’s decision. We remain confident that Michael Jackson is innocent of these charges,” Steinsapir said.
Initially Michael Jackson was suspected of sexual harassment
Previously, Robson and Safechuck accused Michael Jackson of sexually abusing them when they were children. This recognition was expressed through a documentary Leaving Neverland which premiered on HBO in 2019.
In the documentary, both tell events that are closely related to acts of sexual harassment. According to Robson and Safechuck, the abuse has been going on for years.
In addition to sexual harassment, Robson and Safechuck also claimed to be forced to ‘shut up’ by Michael Jackson so that this case would not be revealed.
According to VarietyRobson and Safechuck first filed these suits in court in 2013 and 2014. However, those suits were dismissed due to prosecution deadlines.
In 2020, the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, signed a new law extending the time limit for allegations of child sexual abuse. Thanks to this Act, Robson and Safechuck get a new opportunity.
Although their case was dismissed in 2021, now three appeals court judges have decided in favor of Robson and Safechuck by taking the case to a lower court.
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(hsy/hsy)