Civil, Media Bias

Michael Jackson’s Estate v Wade Robson, Fact Check
Judge Decision Summary


Justin M. Howard | April 30, 2021

Fact-check: There is a connection between Wade Robson’s sexual abuse claims against Michael Jackson’s estate and the court decision to dismiss his lawsuit. James Safechuck and Wade Robson sued MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures, Michael Jackson’s estate, claiming these companies “facilitated the abuse.” The company’s involvement in their alleged abuse is another large portion of their story that was proven to be false in a court of law.

Michael Jackson performing during his bad tour.
“Defendants [Michael Jackson’s Estate] argue that they are entitled to summary adjudication on the first cause of action for intentional infliction of emotional distress (“IIED”) because Plaintiff [Robson] cannot demonstrate “extreme and outrageous conduct by Defendants.” – Judge Mark A. Young

Robson stated that Jackson’s companies were “designed, developed and operated what is likely the most sophisticated public child sexual abuse procurement and facilitation organization the world has known.” Robson’s lawyer, Vince Finaldi, also added: “The thinly-veiled, covert second purpose of these businesses was to operate as a child sexual abuse operation, specifically designed to locate, attract, lure and seduce child sexual abuse victims.”

Michael Jackson’s Estate and New Allegations

The representatives of Michael Jackson’s Estate have always been adamant that Jackson was not guilty of child molestation. During Jackson’s lifetime, he was subjected to several police and FBI investigations. However, by labeling company employees co-conspirators, Robson made a new allegation. The functionality and conduct of the employees working for MJJ businesses have never been under intense investigation – until now.

Michael Jackson's Estate - John Branca
Entertainment and corporate lawyer John Branca, the co-executor of Michael Jackson’s estate, poses in his office next to an artwork presented to him from Sony Music commemorating the sale of 100 million copies of Michael Jackson’s album “Thriller,” at the law firm of Ziffren Brittenham LLP in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Why Was The Lawsuit Dismissed?

Robson claimed that MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures had “facilitated abuse and procured children for Jackson.” The Estate proved that Robson never met Jackson through any of these companies. “Defendants also contend that the evidence does not show that Plaintiff was procured by the corporations.” L.A. County Superior Court Judge Mark Young agreed that the companies had no “special relationship” with Robson that would create a legal duty for them to protect him from alleged molestation. If Robson’s claims in the lawsuit were valid, he would’ve been able to prove “a special relationship” with Jacksons’ companies, and evidence of “extreme and outrageous conduct“, the intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Michael Jackson’s Estate – A Special Relationship

An IIED claim can only apply to a business if there is “a special relationship”. A business could be negligent in one of the following examples: 

  1. A crime took place on business property.
  2. Employer fails to supervise employee assailant.
  3. The corporation placed the victim with the assailant. 
  4. The corporation is a child or victim care unit (hospital, school, or daycare, etc.)
  5. Business must have control over the assailant’s work position.

Judge Young did not find the companies negligent or in a position to be negligent as Robson claimed. “Defendants [Michael Jackson’s Estate] argue that they are entitled to summary adjudication on the first cause of action for intentional infliction of emotional distress (“IIED”) because Plaintiff [Robson] cannot demonstrate “extreme and outrageous conduct by Defendants.”  

Michael Jackson's Estate Executors
The late Howard Weitzman in 2009 with John Branca, who had recently been named the executor of Michael Jackson’s estate, in front of Los Angeles Superior Court. 

Michael Jackson went to court and was found innocent in 2005. In 1993 Jackson was subjected to a criminal investigation by two jurisdictions. No evidence of guilt was ever found. The Jackson estate is currently suing HBO over the Leaving Neverland film, requesting a public arbitration to resolve the matter.