Michael Jackson's estate has launched legal action against one of his former associates, who allegedly threatened to reveal new allegations of abuse against the late pop star if he is not paid $213 million. This stormy development arrives just as the estate braces for the upcoming release of the biopic titled Michael, which focuses on Jackson's life and is slated for April 2025.
According to reports from multiple media outlets, this accuser, whose identity has not been disclosed, is claiming he is unhappy with the settlement previously reached with Jackson's estate. This earlier arrangement was struck back in 2020 and involved payments totaling $20 million, with the accuser and four others each receiving about $2.8 million. The terms included dropping their claims against the estate and agreeing not to disclose allegations pertaining to Jackson.
John Branca, co-executor of Jackson’s estate, expressed serious concerns over the timing of these renewed threats. “This is merely a blatant attempt to cash in on Jackson's legacy,” he stated, adding, “the accuser knows very well he can't be sued for libel fifteen years posthumously.” This period without any charitable contributions presents vulnerable moments where allegations can resurface, particularly just before big projects like the Michael biopic.
The estate's legal papers assert the unnamed accuser is attempting to breach the previously established non-disclosure agreement. Allegedly, representatives for the accuser stated explicitly, “If you don’t meet our demands, we’re going to have to share these allegations with more people.” This situation escalated quickly, leading the estate to inform the U.S. Attorney's Office, which has yet to take official action.
The two main accusers leading the way against Jackson, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, have been part of the continually tumultuous narrative surrounding Jackson since his passing. They first came forward with their allegations during the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland, released in 2019. Their claims have been persistent, with both filing new civil suits against Jackson, even years after his death. Notably, Robson alleges abuse happened between 1990 and 1996 when he was just eight years old, whereas Safechuck claims events unfolded between 1988 and 1992 when he was eleven.
Despite the allegations, Michael Jackson was never convicted of child molestation and firmly denied any wrongdoing. His supporters and estate have consistently pointed out the lack of legal findings against him, arguing his accusers are capitalizing on his legacy, knowing he cannot defend himself. Given the estate’s financial success, recently estimated at around $3 billion, this contentious legal climate raises many questions about how Jackson's image will be preserved.
The allegations have not only hung heavy over Jackson’s legacy but have also impacted other aspects, including future earnings and ability to plan business ventures surrounding his music and memorabilia. The estate has pursued strategic negotiations to secure his catalog with deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars, including potential sales to major partners like Sony.
With the new allegations coming as negotiations are happening to sell music catalog rights, the tension within the estate has increased. Given Jackson’s history of dealing with similar accusations, the estate is confident but also cautious as discussions and legal battles continue.
Should the accuser move to openly breach his previous agreement, it could trigger not only legal ramifications but also potentially reignite public interest and scrutiny surrounding Jackson’s legacy once again.
