Michael Jackson Accusers’ $400M Request Could Have ‘Destabilizing Consequences’ for Estate If Legal Fees Unpaid, Motion Claims

Michael Jackson Accusers Seek $400M Could Have ‘Destabilizing Consequences’ for Estate, Motion Claims

Michael Jackson’s accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, are currently pursuing a significant payout of $400 million over the sexual abuse allegations they have made against the late singer. In a motion filed recently and revealed by PEOPLE, Robson, aged 43, and Safechuck, aged 47, are determined to seek damages of nine figures.

The estate executors, John Branca and John McClain, have detailed the expenses related to employing law firms to manage various requirements of the Michael Jackson estate, which includes legal representation for dealing with intellectual property registrations, enforcement of rights, agreement negotiations, probate administration, and ongoing litigation such as the case filed by Robson and Safechuck.

Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter and a beneficiary of the estate, is opposed to the idea of the executors continuing to cover all legal fees associated with the sexual abuse allegations and ensuing lawsuit. She has expressed her disapproval, stating that she does not support the estate bearing these expenses.

In response to Paris’ stance, the estate executors have raised concerns about the potential repercussions if they are unable to pay the legal fees. They have warned that this could lead to severe destabilizing effects on the estate, as outlined in court documents. The estate claims that Paris’ petition to revoke the authority of the executors to fund their attorneys is unfounded.

The estate’s legal team has emphasized the critical nature of maintaining financial support for legal representation, stating that any halt in payments could result in the estate being unable to defend against the allegations effectively. The court documents highlight the urgency of the situation, as ongoing depositions, discovery processes, and other legal matters are scheduled to progress in the coming months, with the accusers seeking a substantial amount in damages.

In the event that the court rules in favour of Paris and mandates a cessation in legal fee payments, the estate argues that they might be forced to default in the litigation against Robson and Safechuck. This scenario, the estate warns, would have disastrous implications for their ability to counter the allegations effectively and protect Michael Jackson’s legacy.

Both Robson and Safechuck have come forward with allegations of being sexually abused by Michael Jackson during their childhood. These claims were detailed in the controversial 2019 documentary, Leaving Neverland. While the estate has staunchly denied these allegations, the accusers have stood by their accounts of the alleged abuse they faced.

Looking ahead, Safechuck and Robson are gearing up to face Michael’s companies in a legal battle scheduled to take place before a jury in November 2026. The Estate of Michael Jackson has reiterated their stance on the lawsuit, maintaining that the accusations hold no merit and emphasizing Michael’s innocence.

The recent financial challenges faced by Michael Jackson’s estate, in light of the ongoing litigation and the pushback from Paris Jackson regarding legal fees, spotlight the complex dynamics surrounding the aftermath of the singer’s controversial legacy. As the legal proceedings unfold and tensions mount within the estate, the future implications and outcomes remain uncertain.