[Discussion] Sexual Abuse Claims Against MJ Estate - Robson/ Safechuck/ Doe

[ivy]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

And personally, I don't like how the Estate have handled this Wade mess so far. This is a very serious case. And they need to really step up to the plate and deal with it. It's not doing any good to tell people to "ignore" it. And it is certainly not helping the Estate in dancing around the subject of Michael's innocence either. They need to take a much harder stand against this garbage, in my opinion.

I hope people realize that any lawsuit follows a certain order. After the claim gets filed the first step is to get it dismissed by doing demurrer and/or summary judgment motions. Discovery phase comes with requests from both sides and oppositions towards those requests. and only if a case survives all these it becomes to time to fight.

No one goes "yes let's take it to court" or "here's everything you asked for" in a trial. As of now they are doing what they are supposed to do, asking Wade's claims to be dismissed and filing oppositions for his request. We haven't really seen how they would handle case and we won't see it until it goes to trial. Let's hope that it doesn't come to that.

 

[Kingofpop4ever3000]

I don&#8217;t see where they are ignoring anything. We know now Wade had to sit for a deposition and had to admit to lying about what he knew about the estate. So, you lost me on that part<o></o>

The Estate are not ignoring anything hopefully. Getting Wade to admit that he knew about the Estate after all is only one very small victory, in my opinion. There are still other parts of his case that are much more serious. And the Estate needs to really get tough on this or they will lose everything, including what respect the public still has for Michael. Personally, I don't want yet another trial about this trash again. Enough is enough.

 

[Justthefacts]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

A small victory? You do realize his excuse for filing his claim late was he said he did not know there was an estate right?

 

[Kingofpop4ever3000]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

A small victory? You do realize his excuse for filing his claim late was he said he did not know there was an estate right?

Yes. Hopefully, that will lead into the Estate's team saying "Well, since Wade admitted to knowing that there was an Estate when he had previously claimed he didn't know, then how are we not supposed to think he's lying about everything else?".

 

[Kerry Hennigan]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

I hope people realize that any lawsuit follows a certain order. After the claim gets filed the first step is to get it dismissed by doing demurrer and/or summary judgment motions. Discovery phase comes with requests from both sides and oppositions towards those requests. and only if a case survives all these it becomes to time to fight.

No one goes "yes let's take it to court" or "here's everything you asked for" in a trial. As of now they are doing what they are supposed to do, asking Wade's claims to be dismissed and filing oppositions for his request. We haven't really seen how they would handle case and we won't see it until it goes to trial. Let's hope that it doesn't come to that.

I agree it's being dealt with as it needs to be. We react strongly because it's Michael's reputation being attacked (yet again). Fortunately being in Australia I am at a pleasant distance from the sources of a lot of the tabloid gossip and innuendo... or perhaps it's just that I don't have the opportunity (working full time) or don't care to read/watch it. People here seem generally uncaring or unknowing (or, I'd prefer to think, unbelieving) of the WR situation - and I sincerely hope nothing happens to change that. Having said that though, I don't trust him. It made me laugh when a (US) fan commented on twitter back when this all started "Can't we deport him?" (Because, of course, Robson is an Australian). Brett Barnes, who lives in Melbourne, quickly responded "We don't want him!" Thanks Brett; my feelings exactly!

 

[8701girl]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

a small victory? You do realize his excuse for filing his claim late was he said he did not know there was an estate right?

pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee the brother knew the estate existed! Who didnt!

 

[Robbsaber01]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

1993, 2003, 2013, 3 decades of extortion/lies. When does it end?

 

[Bubs]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

There are still other parts of his case that are much more serious. And the Estate needs to really get tough on this or they will lose everything, including what respect the public still has for Michael. Personally, I don't want yet another trial about this trash again. Enough is enough.

I noticed that there were only few tabloids who reported the latest "news" from Wade R . Hopefully it will stay that way, and we can help by NOT clicking links to those tabloids.
I suppose, at this stage it is better that the lawyer for the estate doesn't go on media every time when Wade comes up with something, and let Wade talk. The more he talks, the more ammo he gives to estate lawyers.

One thing what I hope that will happen when the estate wins the case (one way or the other), that they leave no room for Wade to go on tabloids selling crap. If they have damaging info about him, let it out to media.

 

[8701girl]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

I hope that too

 

[AliCat]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

I thought Attorney, John Branca, handled his Interview on "60 Minutes" substantially well, when it comes to a situation that Wade Robson would like to draw attention to. I believe he will do the same, with tact, when asked in future interview's!

Lara Logan: The real Michael Jackson also told Ed Bradley on 60 Minutes that he let young boys sleep in his bed. You can't run away from that right? You can't hide from it.

John Branca: Well, I don't recall that interview and, um, I just know the Michael Jackson that I knew was somebody I considered, you know, a very honorable person.


http://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-jacksons-lucrative-legacy-08-09-2013/

 

[ChrisC]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

I thought Attorney, John Branca, handled his Interview on "60 Minutes" substantially well

I thought the COMPLETE opposite.

I've commented here on that before.

 

[myosotis]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

I thought Attorney, John Branca, handled his Interview on "60 Minutes" substantially well, when it comes to a situation that Wade


Lara Logan: The real Michael Jackson also told Ed Bradley on 60 Minutes that he let young boys sleep in his bed. You can't run away from that right? You can't hide from it.

John Branca: Well, I don't recall that interview and, um, I just know the Michael Jackson that I knew was somebody I considered, you know, a very honorable person.


http://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-jacksons-lucrative-legacy-08-09-2013/

The problem is that everybody's media responses pale beside TMez's. He speaks with real conviction, with no hesitations, 'ums' and 'you knows', which make the speaker sound uncertain. .

 

[Justthefacts]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

In a way he is telling her I knew Michael you didn't. Never mind the fact Michael never said that

 

[AliCat]

I thought Attorney John Branca was saying 'I'm not giving this credence, Michael's interview on 60 Minutes, where he stated he shared his bed.'

John Branca is not going there, drawing attention to a subject that he did not want to focus on as Michael's legacy.

At least Michael looked out for children's rights, unlike most celebrities. Then this undue attention turns it into raping children. That's what Michael was worried about, children losing their innocence.

Nope, sorry, I liked how John Branca kept it short and sweet. Wade would like people to think that since John Branca has been around since the Thriller day's, he would cover up something like this. I don't think John Branca would ever do something so dishonorable!

At John Branca and Julia McArthur’s wedding with Little Richard, who performed the ceremony.

 

[ChrisC]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

Weak response it was.

I agree that the forum was inappropriate to discuss that, and certainly not why Branca had agreed to the interview, but the fact she DID ask it and 60 Minutes chose in edit to include it, means that a resolute response was required in my eyes.

What we got was some meek response where he awkwardly and apologetically looked back at her and then some nonsense about 'the MJ I knew' - which if you consider language and nothing else, acknowledges there was an MJ he didn't know.

I didn't like it one bit. His limited defence was as believable as his single tear he produced in Spike Lee's condescending documentary.

 

[Robbsaber01]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

His limited defence was as believable as his single tear he produced in Spike Lee's condescending documentary.

Spike Lee's documentary was amazing, and it focused on MJ and the music. Unlike other documentaries. There was nothing condescending about it.

 

[analogue]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

Sad truth is that the fans probably know more about these false allegations than The Estate does. The Estate needs to educate themselves.

 

[Justthefacts]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

I thought this thread was about Wade?

 

[ChrisC]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

Spike Lee's documentary was amazing, and it focused on MJ and the music. Unlike other documentaries. There was nothing condescending about it.

It focused on the music videos and the team that created the album/music videos.

Just because it didn't go on and on about molesting boys doesn't make it above reproach.

 

[Justthefacts]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

Again I ask what is this thread about again?

 

[Robbsaber01]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

It focused on the music videos and the team that created the album/music videos.

Just because it didn't go on and on about molesting boys doesn't make it above reproach.

Well, it sucks you feel that way about such an amazing representation and appreciation of MJ's work on BAD. Spike wanted to focus on the music, not the false media portrayal. I went to the Toronto film festival to watch it. It got great reviews none the less. I completely disagree with you on this but whatever, we cannot all agree on everything.
Maybe watch it again lol it was all about MJ and his work and the people that helped make it happen. The only thing I could care less about was JB.
This is all off topic, so lets just agree to disagree on this one Peace.

 

[jamba]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

Re that Lara Logan interview--she was dangling the bait and Branca didn't bite. He completely deflected the question rather get into a discussion what what MJ said and did. The minute you open that 'can of worms' with someone like that horrible media hack you are setting yourself up for follow-up questions. I have seen people get up and walk out of interviews b/c the media hack pushed and pushed and would not drop a salacious, scandal-oriented (usually involving SEX) question, hoping to stir up the mud at the bottom, even though the person said clearly--I don't want to talk about that. L. Logan was not that pushy and dropped the question b/c Branca did not give her an opening. Anything he said by way of a defense, she would have taken and run with. Sometimes it's best not to 'go there.'

I agree T Mez would be the better person for a full rebuttal of the legal situation, but then again an adult sleeping with boys/children is not illegal, although it is not commonly done in USA. The crime is the sexual abuse, not the sleeping in the same bed--which even Sneddon made clear in 2003.

IMO Branca handled the situation well. He is an entertainment lawyer, not a criminal or civil lawyer. He ducked her question and yet made the point that MJ was an 'honorable' person, i.e. not a criminal, and that turns a negative question into a positive answer, putting MJ in a good light. And he was an honorable person, not a liar and scumball bottom-feeder like the media hacks.

 

[Petrarose]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

Again I ask what is this thread about again?

I don't know what is happening. First the attack was against Wade, then it trickled down to Weitzman, and now it is against Branca. It is almost as though when Wade is quiet people pick on others to attack. What is going on?

 

[HIStory]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

I don't know what is happening. First the attack was against Wade, then it trickled down to Weitzman, and now it is against Branca. It is almost as though when Wade is quiet people pick on others to attack. What is going on?

It's not like Weitzman and Branca have nothing to do with this subject.

Weitzman came up because of his role in 1993 and because of his non-reply to the Sunday People's claims (which involved him personally). And Branca is the co-manager of MJ's Estate. It's not like it's irrelevant how they handle the situation. A lot will depend on that. So it's only natural if people discuss how they react to the situation. So far they legally did what was obligatory (it seems at least), but it's still early days. PR-wise they weren't very strong so far. Especially the whole "FBI files" fiasco leaves a bitter taste in my mouth and I agree with ChrisC that even in that program Branca could have given a stronger answer all the while cutting off all further questions in that direction.He's a lawyer, he should be good at that. On the other hand I have to say that there was this interview with Weitzman I saw on YT a couple of months ago and he was good there.

 

[Ramona122003]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

It's not like Weitzman and Branca have nothing to do with this subject.

Weitzman came up because of his role in 1993 and because of his non-reply to the Sunday People's claims (which involved him personally). And Branca is the co-manager of MJ's Estate. It's not like it's irrelevant how they handle the situation. A lot will depend on that. So it's only natural if people discuss how they react to the situation. So far they legally did what was obligatory (it seems at least), but it's still early days. PR-wise they weren't very strong so far. Especially the whole "FBI files" fiasco leaves a bitter taste in my mouth and I agree with ChrisC that even in that program Branca could have given a stronger answer all the while cutting off all further questions in that direction.He's a lawyer, he should be good at that. On the other hand I have to say that there was this interview with Weitzman I saw on YT a couple of months ago and he was good there.

Personally, I think you all are given this story too much stock. Outside of certain circles, no one is talking about this. So, the estate is doing what it needs to do without making it a big deal. It only a big deal on the fan boards since I always have to come here to catch up on what is happening.

Also, there is really nothing the estate can say that will change people's mind either way on rather Michael is a molester or not and most people think Wade is a lying anyway.

 

[HIStory]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

^^ I think some fans underestimate the problem such allegations mean to Michael's image (which also affects his marketability, by the way). This is the single biggest stumbling block for most people in the general public when it comes to MJ's reputation. Just because some fans keep telling themselves it all doesn't matter and we should not care about it, the problem will not go away. Now there is silence but that does not mean it will just go away. Once the court action resumes it will be in the media again or if it will get thrown out then it's almost certain Wade will make his money by touring the media with his allegations. It's also wishful thinking to say that no one believes Wade. Unfortunately the general public easily believes such allegations and they do not even have to make sense. Just think of the Arvizo allegations - they are totally ridiculous but people do not care about the details which showcase that. Nor do they care about how Jordan's allegations emerged when his father decided he wanted Michael's money. To most people allegation=guilt unfortunately.

Personally, I think you all are given this story too much stock. Outside of certain circles, no one is talking about this. So, the estate is doing what it needs to do without making it a big deal. It only a big deal on the fan boards since I always have to come here to catch up on what is happening.

I disagree. I was talking things like the fake "FBI files" story and it spread like wildfire at the time. It was republished by many, many other papers and websites - and not even only by tabloids. Papers talked about it as if it was a fact that the FBI had documents proving MJ paid off 24 boys after molesting them. It wasn't just some little buzz on fan forums. It was all over in the media! And it even entered the folklore. I still see people bring it up in comment sections on general websites. People refer to that as if it's a fact! And the Estate did nothing! They promised to fans to file a complaint but then they failed to go through with it, quietly hoping fans would just forget about it. It was really poor PR job and it wasn't even something that was hard to refute. We have all the facts and documents to refute that story, yet they were lazy to go through even with that. I'm not anti-Estate but I'm not going to defend them over everything they do or they fail to do. Whether they will handle the WR situation well or not, we will see. Obviously I hope they will handle it well.

 

[Ramona122003]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

^^ I think some fans underestimate the problem such allegations mean to Michael's image (which also affects his marketability, by the way). This is the single biggest stumbling block for most people in the general public when it comes to MJ's reputation. Just because some fans keep telling themselves it all doesn't matter and we should not care about it, the problem will not go away. Now there is silence but that does not mean it will just go away. Once the court action resumes it will be in the media again or if it will get thrown out then it's almost certain Wade will make his money by touring the media with his allegations. It's also wishful thinking to say that no one believes Wade. Unfortunately the general public easily believes such allegations and they do not even have to make sense. Just think of the Arvizo allegations - they are totally ridiculous but people do not care about the details which showcase that. Nor do they care about how Jordan's allegations emerged when his father decided he wanted Michael's money. To most people allegation=guilt unfortunately.




I disagree. I was talking things like the fake "FBI files" story and it spread like wildfire at the time. It was republished by many, many other papers and websites - and not even only by tabloids. Papers talked about it as if it was a fact that the FBI had documents proving MJ paid off 24 boys after molesting them. It wasn't just some little buzz on fan forums. It was all over in the media! And it even entered the folklore. I still see people bring it up in comment sections on general websites. People refer to that as if it's a fact! And the Estate did nothing! They promised to fans to file a complaint but then they failed to go through with it, quietly hoping fans would just forget about it. It was really poor PR job and it wasn't even something that was hard to refute. We have all the facts and documents to refute that story, yet they were lazy to go through even with that. I'm not anti-Estate but I'm not going to defend them over everything they do or they fail to do. Whether they will handle the WR situation well or not, we will see. Obviously I hope they will handle it well.

You keep mentioning that FBI story, but here is the thing, that story was only really big here and in some places. My family, big fans but not internet fans like me, do not know about the FBI story and my mom looks at gossip shows. Most people with common sense knew from the jump that the FBI thing was bogus because if the FBI had proof that Michael paid off people it would had ended up in court along with everything else that was thrown at him back in 2005. Also, Michael's FBI file was released months after his death and no pay offs were mentioned, which the family, to their credit, mentioned several times. So, yes, I do think you and others are overestimating this and the FBI story. The only people who uses either of these stories as facts are haters who would believe anything regardless of the source and people who are always willing to believe the worst of humanity.

Fact, Michael's image is always going to be tainted. Once you are accuse of something like child molesting, it never truly goes away because you cannot disprove a negative. Despite having a trial with all the facts laid out, some people believe Michael was guilty. There are people who have been clear of murder through DNA, the closet thing you can get to an absolute, and there are some people who still think they are guilty or they did something to themselves to make them appear guilty. It is human nature.

 

[HIStory]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

^ Just because your family did not see it it does not mean it did not spread like wildfire. And not just on the Internet. It was also reported on TV where I live. And I'm sure many other parts of the world. Yes, some people will not be convinced by a statement by the Estate but when there is no response at all in a situation like this that's even worse. It would look better when there is a report about it in an article or on TV and they could add that "but the MJ Estate says this and this". But they were not even able to add that to these reports because the Estate never issued a statement. (And no, I do not mean condescending statements to fan forums saying "just ignore it and go listen to Tabloid Junkie".) The Estate executors are making lots of money by being executors, so it's not a favour that they would do. It's their obligation to protect MJ's reputation as much as they can. They aren't only here to exploit MJ's likeness but also to protect it. There are situations in which it's not easy because it's a he said/she said situation or whatever, I understand that. And I agree that as of now there is no need for them to beat the drums about Wade in the media. But in this particular "FBI files" case, because it went very viral, they could have and should have issued a stronger statement or at least go through with the complaint and they did not. That was disappointing. I don't think with the amount of money they make it's too much to ask for that in situations like where there is a clear chance of cornering the media about a false claim (like it was the case here) they should be a bit more strong-handed about it and not non-responsive.

Also I think you are overestimating people's common sense. If common sense really ruled then no one would have ever believed the Arvizos or Chandlers. Unfortunately that's not how it works though.

 

[Ramona122003]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

^ Just because your family did not see it it does not mean it did not spread like wildfire. And not just on the Internet. It was also reported on TV where I live. And I'm sure many other parts of the world. Yes, some people will not be convinced by a statement by the Estate but when there is no response at all in a situation like this that's even worse. It would look better when there is a report about it in an article or on TV and they could add that "but the MJ Estate says this and this". But they were not even able to add that to these reports because the Estate never issued a statement. (And no, I do not mean condescending statements to fan forums saying "just ignore it and go listen to Tabloid Junkie".) The Estate executors are making lots of money by being executors, so it's not a favour that they would do. It's their obligation to protect MJ's reputation as much as they can. They aren't only here to exploit MJ's likeness but also to protect it. There are situations in which it's not easy because it's a he said/she said situation or whatever, I understand that. And I agree that as of now there is no need for them to beat the drums about Wade in the media. But in this particular "FBI files" case, because it went very viral, they could have and should have issued a stronger statement or at least go through with the complaint and they did not. That was disappointing. I don't think with the amount of money they make it's too much to ask for that in situations like where there is a clear chance of cornering the media about a false claim (like it was the case here) they should be a bit more strong-handed about it and not non-responsive.

Also I think you are overestimating people's common sense. If common sense really ruled then no one would have ever believed the Arvizos or Chandlers. Unfortunately that's not how it works though.

If common sense was that much of a rarity than, quite frankly, more people would believe Wade. And it also not just my family. I live in Gary, where Michael was born, and most people around here knows crap about the FBI thing or Wade.

Also, why would people believe the estate when it comes to Michael? What estate is going to say that the person that they represent is a molester? So, even if the estate came out swing and shouting to the top of their lungs that Michael's is innocent, common sense dictates that they are going to be bias. So if people want the truth, they would not go looking to the estate for answers sinse they are going to always present the most positive picture of Michael. Just as the DA in Michael's is always going to present the most negative picture of him.

On your final statement, most people do not really believe the Arvizos. What they believe that something happened between Michael and other kids and the Arvizos used that to their advantaged. Hence the common line, 'right changes, wrong family'. The Chandlers, almost no one really knows what happened in that case. All they know that they settled out of court, which to many people is a sign of guilt no matter how you try to explain the situation.

Just because something is big on the internet does not mean it is global or well known.

 

[HIStory]

Re: [Discussion] Wade Robson files claim of sexual abuse against MJ-Estate

Also, why would people believe the estate when it comes to Michael? What estate is going to say that the person that they represent is a molester? So, even if the estate came out swing and shouting to the top of their lungs that Michael's is innocent, common sense dictates that they are going to be bias. So if people want the truth, they would not go looking to the estate for answers sinse they are going to always present the most positive picture of Michael. Just as the DA in Michael's is always going to present the most negative picture of him.

Actually the Estate could have done a bit more than just issue a general statement. They could have factually shown why the article is a lie. If fans could break it down on various blogs why couldn't MJ's Estate who are paid big bucks for their job? But even issuing a general statement would have been better than silence. I did say that it would not make people automatically believe in MJ's innocence, but at least there would be an official challenge from MJ's Estate which is better than dead silence from which many people conclude that if not even MJ's Estate protests then that must mean there's not much defense for MJ and it must be true. And exactly in a case like the "FBI files" where there are hard cold FACTS that the Estate could have laid out to challenge the article, it was just wrong not to react at all and act like it's nothing when in fact it went viral and was reported as a fact in several medium. For God's sake the article claimed about Weitzman that he was drawing up hush money agreements between boys and MJ! How does it look like to the Average Joe when this Weitzman does not say anything about that and does not come out denying it? And even I can prove it's not true, you only have to examine and know the origin of that so called document to know, so why did not Weitzman even bother? And then the Estate told fans they would file a complaint and then told Taj Jackson to withdraw his complaint because the Estate would take care of it. Only to silently let it slip away. It was highly disappointing how they dealt with it.