A civil trial concerning Michael Jackson’s alleged sexual abuse of two young boys during the late 1980s and early 1990s has been scheduled to commence on 14th February 2028. This date was confirmed by a Los Angeles County judge on Friday, 12th June, following a series of delays in the discovery process related to the case.
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The trial is set to involve Wade Robson and James Safechuck, both of whom have publicly accused the late pop icon of molestation. Robson and Safechuck’s allegations were brought to wider attention through the HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland,” which aired in 2019. The pop star, known for his remarkable influence in the music industry, passed away in 2009 due to complications from a propofol overdose at the age of 50.
Originally, the trial was slated to take place in November 2027. However, a source informed PEOPLE that both parties involved in the case mutually agreed on the new date, attributing the change to procedural delays rather than any extraordinary circumstances.
Robson, a choreographer and director, claims that Jackson began sexually abusing him at the age of seven and that this course of abuse extended for a period of seven years. In contrast, Safechuck, who is noted as a writer, actor, and director, alleges that he was first abused by Jackson in Paris when he was only ten years old; this pattern of behaviour purportedly lasted until he was fourteen.
The legal action has been filed against MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures, two companies solely owned by Jackson prior to his death. The accusations outlined in the lawsuit include allegations of negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress, as well as breach of fiduciary duty. Furthermore, the lawsuit charges that employees of Jackson’s companies played a part by enabling the alleged abuse to occur.
Both Robson and Safechuck initially sought legal redress in separate lawsuits filed in 2013 and 2014. Unfortunately, these cases were dismissed due to statute of limitations issues, which mandated that claims must have been filed before the plaintiffs reached the age of 26. By the time they filed, both men were already in their thirties.
A significant change occurred following the signing of a new law by California Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2020, which extended the timeframe for individuals alleging childhood sexual abuse to lodge their claims. This change allowed the plaintiffs to revive their cases.
Nevertheless, the lawsuits faced another setback in April 2021 when a judge ruled that Jackson’s companies bore no legal responsibility to safeguard children from sexual abuse. However, this ruling was subsequently overturned, paving the way for Robson and Safechuck to consolidate their cases for the 2024 timeline.
While the forthcoming trial is set to attract considerable media attention due to the high-profile nature of the allegations, an attorney representing Robson and Safechuck did not provide any comments when contacted by PEOPLE.
Throughout his life, Jackson vehemently denied any accusations of child abuse. His legal troubles included a 2003 criminal case in which he faced charges related to the molestation of 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo; he was acquitted of all charges in 2005, two years later.
As this civil trial approaches, it promises to be a key event for all parties involved and adds another chapter to the ongoing discourse surrounding Michael Jackson’s legacy, as well as the broader conversation about childhood sexual abuse and accountability.