James Safechuck, who revived his lawsuit against Michael Jackson ‘s companies for alleged historic abuse when he was a child, has been dealt a blow by a California judge.
The Leaving Neverland contributor re-started his 2014 lawsuit against MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures Inc after Governor Gavin Newsom extended the statute of limitations for alleged victims of abuse in the State of California.
However, according to US publication TMZ, the judge threw out the case after Safechuck failed to provide enough evidence to back up his allegations.
The publication reports that Safechuck’s main argument was that bosses at MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures Inc had a legal obligation to keep an eye on Michael Jackson’s behaviour in the 1990s, which is when the singer allegedly abused Safechuck.
A revived lawsuit against Michael Jackson’s companies was thrown out in court (Image: AFP/Getty Images)
However the judge concluded that Michael was the owner and sole shareholder of both companies, therefore his own employees could not have been expected to keep him in check.
The court found that there was no evidence that other staff members had the power to supervise MJ.
Safechuck also argued that while he was around the King of Pop, his companies served a semi-parental role so would have had a duty to protect him.
James Safechuck, pictured with MJ as a child, will reportedly appeal the decision (Image: Channel 4)
However the judge decided that he didn’t provide enough facts to support his claim.
Now, Safechuck’s attorney Vince Finaldi has said they will appeal the ruling and “win this thing”.
He told TMZ: “Young Jimmy Safechuck was employed by this company and was entertaining with Michael Jackson.
“The notion that this company and its employees would not have duty to protect him and keep him safe is ludicrous.”
He added: “His ruling turns California law on its face. We are going back to court of appeal and we are going to win this thing.”
Leaving Neverland was released in 2019 and was produced by Channel 4 and US network HBO.
It looked at allegations of child sex abuse against Michael, from Safechuck and a second man Wade Robson, whose past case was also previously dismissed.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
