Facts

Wade Robson filed a lawsuit in 2013 against Michael Jackson's companies MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures. Robson alleged Michael Jackson began sexually abusing him when he was seven years old and continued to do so for seven years. Robson alleged Jackson's companies facilitated the abuse against him.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended Michael Jackson's companies, MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures, owed him a legal duty of care and should have controlled Jackson's behavior. Plaintiff contended defendants failed their duty to train, warn, or educate himself, his parents, the authorities, other employees, or anyone else about the sexual abuse. Plaintiff contended defendants intentionally inflicted emotional distress on him.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendants denied all of the contentions. Defendants contended that MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures had no ability to control Jackson and that they owed plaintiff no legal duty. Defendants also contended plaintiff was not in a trusting relationship with both of the companies.

Result

Defendants' summary judgment was granted and the case was dismissed.

Other Information

Plaintiffs argued that this decision suffers from the same fatal flaws as the prior decision of prior Judge Mitchell Beckloff, which was previously overturned on appeal. For this reason, plaintiffs are appealing this ruling to the Court of Appeal, and to the Supreme Court if necessary. If allowed to stand, the decision would set a dangerous precedent that would leave thousands of children working in the entertainment industry vulnerable to sexual abuse by persons in places of power.