Michael Jackson plaintiffs make bizarre demand after abuse allegations

Michael Jackson’s estate is facing a staggering legal battle as two of his accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, are seeking $400 million in damages over allegations of sexual abuse. 

The figure was disclosed in new court filings, as per Page Six, on September 15, which also revealed tension over whether the estate should continue covering legal fees as the case drags on.

According to documents obtained by Us Weekly, Paris, Michael's daughter, raised concerns about the estate footing the entire bill, but executors John Branca and John McClain argued that pulling financial support would have dire consequences. 

They warned that without resources, the estate could not sustain its defense against Robson and Safechuck. 

“The Estate would likely have to default, where numerous depositions, discovery matters, and other matters are scheduled to take place over the next several months, and where [Robson and Safechuck] are seeking $400 million,” the filing stated. 

The executors further added, “It would be disastrous for the Estate to default in this case.”

The lawsuits, brought against MJJ Productions Inc. and MJJ Ventures Inc., had not previously disclosed a specific dollar amount until now. 

Both Robson, 43, and Safechuck, 47, accuse Jackson of grooming and sexually abusing them when they were children, allegations the estate has consistently denied. 

A spokesperson reiterated this stance to Page Six, saying, “The lawsuit has no merit and Michael is innocent.”

Robson first filed his case in 2013, alleging abuse between the ages of 7 and 14. Safechuck followed with a suit in 2014, claiming Jackson targeted him after they met on the set of a Pepsi commercial when he was 10. 

Their accounts were later brought to international attention in the 2019 HBO documentary Leaving Neverland, where both men detailed their experiences.

Jackson’s estate responded aggressively to the documentary at the time, suing HBO for breaching a non-disparagement clause tied to a 1992 contract. 

That dispute was resolved in 2024, when HBO agreed to remove the film permanently from its platform.

With hundreds of millions of dollars now at stake, the fight between Jackson’s accusers and his estate shows no signs of slowing, though whether the estate will continue shouldering the mounting legal costs remains uncertain.