Leaving Neverland

Michael Jackson Molestation Allegations Will Officially Go To Trial

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Michael Jackson will officially be tried for sex crimes related to Wade Robinson when he was a child. According to TMZ, the California Court of Appeal will allow Robinson to make his case. His claims state that Jackson molested him in Neverland Ranch between the ages of 7 to 14. Robinson is actually suing Michael Jackson’s corporation MJJ Productions. Jackson’s lawyers have argued that MJJ Production had no ability to control Jackson, therefore no duty to protect Robinson. After that was originally ruled in favor of the company an appellate court has now overturned that rule and it will go to a trial.

In 2005 Michael Jackson was on trial for molestation of a different boy and Robinson testified. At the time he said that while he did lay in a bed with Jackson, nothing further ever happened. Years later when he filed a lawsuit against the company he claimed “complete manipulation and brainwashing” were the reasons for his inaccurate testimony. Another man who filed a lawsuit with similar claims is expected to also get his opportunity for trial. Despite the ruling representatives for Jackson told TMZ that they suspect the truth will come out and they will prevail during the trial.

Michael Jackson Trial Will Proceed

(FILES) US pop star and entertainer Michael Jackson preforms before an estimated audience of 60,000 in Brunei on July 16, 1996. Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 after suffering a cardiac arrest, sending shockwaves sweeping across the world and tributes pouring in on June 26 for the tortured music icon revered as the “King of Pop.” AFP PHOTO/FRANCIS Sylvain (Photo credit should read FRANCIS Sylvain/AFP via Getty Images)

Recently many were reminded of Michael Jackson’s influence when Britney Spears posted some throwback tribute pics. Spears posted a video of the two legendary pop figures dancing together. He was also recently honored by Lil Kim while she was on tour. Fittingly she’s touring with none other than Janet Jackson.

In other legal news, Jackson’s estate is working through a trial of its own. His own mother is set to testify against having his masters sold. The proposed sale for his music was expected to run over $800 million. What do you think about the newest legal developments for Michael Jackson? Let us know in the comment section below.

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The post Michael Jackson Molestation Allegations Will Officially Go To Trial appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Michael Jackson Biopic “Will Glorify A Man Who Raped Children,” “Leaving Neverland” Director Says

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A biopic on Michael Jackson is officially on the way. However, it appears that a film surrounding the life and times of the King Of Pop is already facing backlash. Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed published an op-ed in The Guardian where he slammed Lionsgate for moving forward with the film. The title of his op-ed reads, “This new Michael Jackson biopic will glorify a man who abused children.”

Reed’s op-ed not only criticized Lionsgate but also, the press for the “gentle raising of eyebrows” surrounding the film. The comment was made in response to The Hollywood Reporter which reported that the film will “address all aspects of Jackson’s life, though it is unclear how the film will address the many controversies involving” the singer.  “No one is talking about ‘cancelling’ this movie, which will glorify a man who raped children,” he wrote. From there, he directed a question to the filmmakers involved, including director Antoine Fuqua.

“How will you represent the moment when Jackson, a grown man in his 30s, takes a child by the hand and leads him into that bedroom? How will you depict what happens next? By sidestepping the question of Jackson’s predilection for sleeping with young boys, you are broadcasting a message to millions of survivors of child sexual abuse. That message is: if a pedophile is rich and popular enough, society will forgive him.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 14: Director Dan Reed poses in the press room with the award for outstanding documentary or nonfiction special for Leaving Neverland’ during the 2019 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on September 14, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/WireImage)

At this point, there aren’t many details surrounding the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. However, Lionsgate confirmed it was in the works. Shortly after, Fuqua confirmed Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, would take on the role of the late pop star. 

Reed left people devastated when Leaving Neverland debuted in 2019. The four-hour documentary explored the stories of Wade Robson and James Safechuck and their relationship with Jackson. Though Robson previously testified on Jackson’s behalf, leading to his 2008 acquittal, he later said that he lied to protect his mentor and abuser. 

Leaving Neverland ultimately went on to win a Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special. The documentary marked the first time when Jackson’s accusers spoke publicly about the alleged abuse they experienced. We’ll keep you posted on any more updates surrounding the biopic. 

[Via]