So when I heard about the new two-night HBO documentary Leaving Neverlandand the fact that Oprah was going to be interviewing Wade Robson and James Safechuck, the two men in the film who accuse Jackson of sexually abusing them as childrenI had a similar reaction to the rest of the world: Disbelief.. And that was my sentiment walking into Oprah Winfrey Presents: After Neverlanda . How Jackson Accuser James Safechuck Is Doing Now, 2019 - Refinery29 After the documentary airs, Jackson issues a statement denying any wrongdoing, and says that he is "devastated" by Bashir's portrayal of him. Or is it somebody who is going to tell the story of survivors and abuse and what that's like? 'Agents, managers, dont call me. Mr Safechuck also featured with Jackson in a Pepsi commercial and often appeared on stage with the singer. Young granted the Jackson estate's request to dismiss the suit brought in 2013 by Wade Robson. However, we do not have any information concerning his siblings, so we are not sure if he is the only son or has siblings. There is no dispute that, at age 34, Michael Jackson slept more than 30 nights in a row in the same bed with 13-year-old Jordie Chandler at the boys house with Chandlers mother present. Wade Robson and James Safechuck once defended the pop icon against allegations of abuse, but both men are now the primary subjects of a blockbuster documentary. After debuting at Sundance in late January, the two-part, four-hour documentary begins airing. The celebrity his starsign is Pisces and he is now 44 years of age. (Jackson's family claims Safechuck and Robson are opportunists who made up these claims to get money from Jackson's estate.) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? In conclusion, James has portrayed a good image to society by showing that he is a strong man, which people should emulate. "I have never forgotten one moment of what Michael did to me, but I was psychologically and emotionally completely unable and unwilling to understand that it was sexual abuse.". Per the International Business Times, Safechuck claimed that Jackson allegedly brainwashed him "into believing that the incidents of sexual abuse were 'acts of love,'" until Safechuck reached puberty. When it comes to his early life, we do not have detailed information about, but at least we can say we have helpful information that will let one know more about James. Leaving Neverland (2019) | Official Trailer | HBO, Inside James Safechuck and Wade Robson's Lawsuits. admits he intentionally didnt fact check his film or do interviews beyond his Anyone who has spent time hearing victims tell their stories of sexual assault knows that it is extremely painful to recall detail after detail. James was both an idea-generator during that . Their individual legal battles against the Jackson estate also meant that they could not communicate with one another. Both initially met Jackson at very young ages: Safechuck was a child actor who landed a coveted commercial alongside the singer, while Robson won an Australian dance contest and won concert tickets and a meet-and-greet with Jackson. Sign up for our Celebrity & Entertainment newsletter. However, having been sexually abused, James happens to defend Michael Jackson, who seems to be a little bit awkward. A child actor from Simi Valley, California, Safechuck landed a coveted role in a Pepsi commercial alongside the pop star in 1987. Why would anyone put himself through this? once made a sex tape. "All of this was terrifying to me," Wade said. From that point onwards, the family claims, Jamie slept with Jackson nearly every night for the next several months. Video, 'Trump or bust' - grassroots Republicans are still loyal, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Mother who killed her five children euthanised, Alex Murdaugh jailed for life for double murder, Zoom boss Greg Tomb fired without cause, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Biden had skin cancer lesion removed - White House. It can be something as simple as a song. And its happened, and thats incredible.". According to James's Complaint, "Decedent encouraged Plaintiff to dress like him and grow his hair long like Decedent's. To start with, James is a son to Stephanie. James Safechuck - Leaving Neverland Facts During a televised interview on Today, in May of that year, Wade claimed that Jackson had "performed sexual acts on [him] and forced [him] to perform sexual acts". Safechuck filed a similar lawsuit a year later. Jackson said he paid that sum to avoid something long and drawn out. Francia also received $2.4 million from Jackson. After the documentary was released, many viewers became concerned with Safechuck's wellbeing, and on March 20, the director of Leaving Neverland gave a welcome update on the Jackson accuser. Before long, Michael had somewhat inserted himself into the Robson family, and young Wade, along with his parents, was touring with the star and visiting him at the now-famous Neverland ranch. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. According to the LA Times, while Safechuck was in a band that "exploded in a spectacular fashion," he later found himself involved in computer programming. Throughout the documentary, which aired on HBO, Safechuck and Robson recount the abuse they allege they suffered at the hands of Jackson, mostly while they were prepubescent boys. Vince Finaldi, who represents Wade Robson and James Safechuck, told The Associated Press in January that the suits were indeed dismissed on technical grounds and had nothing to do with the credibility of their stories. Wade Robson, James Safechuck, Michael Jackson Victims - Where Are Wade "It was tough. Notably, neither of these judgments address the credibility of Robson's accusations. In 1986, 8-year-old James Safechuck met Michael Jackson when they starred in a Pepsi commercial together. Jackson is eventually indicted on 10 criminal counts, including child molestation, abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. Michael Jackson and 10-year-old James Safechuck in 1988, 'Trump or bust' - grassroots Republicans are still loyal. During their stays, Michael and James would stay together in "the big house" while the rest of the family would stay in one of the guest rooms. Francia's son also alleges that Jackson has molested him. Jonathan Steinsapir and Howard Weitzman, representing MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures, told the BBC: "We are pleased that the court agreed that Mr Safechuck had no grounds to pursue his lawsuit.". Daily Sweat: Lakers, now without LeBron James, look to continue winning We stand by our clients, and we believe them, and we fully expect them to be vindicated., The Jackson estate, which is suing HBO for $100 million, has released a statement calling the documentary "just another rehash of dated and discredited allegations.. Safechuck, who appeared in the recent documentary Leaving Neverland, alleged in a 2014 lawsuit that Jackson had abused him from 1988 until 1992. Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office/Getty Images, 'Neverland' Director On Investigating 'What Happened Once The Bedroom Door Closed'. His undeniable childhood dance talent blossomed into a successful career. Therefore being a software developer is an achievement for him, for it is not just a career but something that needs hard work and determination to get to the title of being a software engineer. for me robson and safechuck are more credible. L.A. overcame a 27-point deficit and beat the Dallas Mavericks 111-108 on the road. "Because he was a minor, and he was an employee working for them, they had a duty to protect him. However, information about him being sexually abused by Michael Jackson has led to the evolution of documentaries that he has been participating in and engaging most of his time in it. When the former husband and wife square off in a Virginia courtroom this week, it will mark the culmination of a divorce that has been without comparison in the annals of modern American celebrity. James Safechuck's life changed forever after he met Michael Jackson at age 8. As soon as James was done with high school, he graduated from Artcenter College of design, and now he holds a degree in graphic design. Two years later, in May 2015, a judge in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Mitchell L. Beckloff, dismisses Robson's suit against the estate, saying that he waited too long to file his claim. "Women feel very protective of James. Mr Safechuck was one of two men who accused the late pop star of abuse in last year's Leaving Neverland documentary. Like Wade, James does not hold back when describing details of the sexual abuse that he experienced but, again, there was also an emotional element to their bond. 'The Bear''s Jeremy Allen White Keeps His Awards In His Kids' Room For A Cute Reason, 'Yellowstone' Prequel '1923' Really Earned Its TV-MA Rating, Daisy Jones & The Six Is A Nostalgic Series Based On A Best-Selling Book, The 'Ted Lasso' Season 3 Trailer Is Finally Here & Fellas, It'll Give You Goosebumps, What Parents Are Talking About Delivered Straight To Your Inbox, By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. "It's still really hard for me. It was on the set of a 1988 Pepsi commercial that then 10-year-old James Safechuck met Michael Jackson. Content warning: This article includes detailed claims of sexual abuse of a minor. two sources. "So yeah, I quit all of it and I tried to bury it all alive and I swore Id never dance or make music or make films ever again. One of the men in Leaving Neverland is. "It's still really hard for me. Safechuck had been working on a 1988 Pepsi advert that also starred the chart-topper. It is described as "a public lynching" by Jackson's surviving family. But his counterpart, Safechuck, has been almost a complete unknown until this point. Read about our approach to external linking. Or is it somebody who is going to tell the story of survivors and abuse and what that's like? "It was tough. In 1987, Safechuck was . Related: Leaving Neverland is not the documentary you think it is. "It's the complexity that drew me into wanting to really tell the story," Reed says, "which is that in an abusive pedophile relationship there is both love, affection, mentoring, friendship, caring and there is sexual abuse. But for many, the question mark over his closeness to young boys has remained troubling. hide caption. Another boy, Jason Francia, whose mother worked as a housekeeper for Jackson, testified under oath that he was molested by Jackson, bringing to five the number of young men whove sworn that Jackson showed them pornography, masturbated them, or introduced them to sex when they were between the ages of 7 and 12. At a young age, James was a child actor in which he has taken his acting skills up to this age to earn himself a living. Content warning: This article includes detailed claims of sexual abuse of a minor. Jackson also had bondage sculptures of women with ball gags in their mouths on his desk, in full view of the boys who slept there. Though times are still tough, Safechuck said he feels supported by his family and that he's grateful for (if not surprised by) the kindness some viewers have shown him. According to Slate, Safechuck and Robson both say in the film that Jackson promised them jewelry in exchange for sexual favors. he said. (Jackson's family claims Safechuck and Robson are opportunists who made up these claims to get money from Jackson's estate.) Now 41, Safechuck shared detailed allegations in HBO's 2019 documentary, Leaving Neverland, which details his and Wade Robson's claims of childhood sexual assault they says they experienced at. In a bid for positive counter-programming, Jackson's estate releases the 1992 film on YouTube at the same time as Leaving Neverland's broadcast premiere. Safechuck and Wade Robson, who's also accused Jackson of child sexual abuse, recognized that viewers may be skeptical of their claims. "Is this person out to just put together a piece for people to watch because it's Michael? He took them away on holiday and then. ", The documentary hasn't been the only triggering thing in his life. In the new HBO documentary Leaving Neverland, both men accuse the late singer of sexual abuse. "HBO will move forward with the airing of Leaving Neverland, the two-part documentary, on March 3rd and 4th. Jimmy Safechucks parents got a house. Back in 1993, when the first charges of sexual abuse were leveled at Michael Jackson by a 13-year-old boy named Jordan Jordie Chandler, I was assigned to write about the case for Vanity Fair. "We can't change what happened to. His drawings were sealed in an envelope. 2. Now that the film is out, Safechuck can, hopefully, focus on his needs and feel good knowing he shared his side of the story. Why make me feel so bad? READ MORE AT: https://www.showbiz411.com/2017/07/09/michael-jackson-exonerated-second-sex-abuse-claim-by-jimmy-safechuck-dismissed-by-court, https://www.showbiz411.com/2017/07/09/michael-jackson-exonerated-second-sex-abuse-claim-by-jimmy-safechuck-dismissed-by-court, Broadway Grosses Analysis:MJandLeopoldstadtSet House Records, Michael Jackson Musical MJ Announces London Production, Michael Jackson Thriller 40th Anniversary Details, Myles Frost Talks About the Impact of Playing Michael Jackson on Broadway, 2022 Tony Award Nominations: A Strange Loop, MJ, Paradise Square Lead the Pack. All rights reserved. Robson and Safechuck are not being paid by HBO. Leaving Neverland premieres on HBO on Sunday, Mar. "However the law is becoming more friendly to the young victims of abuse and people now realise that these stories can take decades to come to light." "I do think there are others out there, but I also don't expect them to just come out now that we're coming out," he said. On two other occasions, Jackson was hit with lawsuits alleging abuse. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Once again, MJ became close to the 9-year-old as well as his family. The boy's lawyer tells the magazine, "Michael was in love with the boy.". ", The documentary hasn't been the only triggering thing in his life. And more! "My greatest inspiration comes from kids," Jackson says to Bashir indignantly, while holding onto the child. He is not only a man with a career but is as well a husband and a father. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. However, we dont have much information about what he does that is being not a software developer nor being an actor. Oprah Winfrey Believes Wade Robson and James Safechuck That kind of stress can and does destroy families. Now, as you'll see in scenes from Leaving Neverland, a 36-year-old Robson is unveiling the traumatic effect that his childhood experiences have had on him and the impact that it's also had on his family. This is a bond. You never know which one will stick in your mind, causing depression, nightmares, and P.T.S.D. Safechuck was an actor from Southern California then, Robson a little dancer from Australia, when the alleged pedophilia began when both were under 10 years old. He explained that it had taken him a long time to process and come to terms with the fact that he had, in fact, experienced sexual abuse at the hands of the star between the ages of 7 and 14. To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. Being born on 28 February 1978, James Safechuck is 44 years old as of today's date 4th February 2023. This article originally misidentified James Safechuck as one of those who testified in Michael Jackson's defense during his 2005 trial he did not. "Both have had their cases thrown out of courts before," he said. However, Michael Jackson denied the allegations before he died, which becomes a controversial situation even for the people handling the issue. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. like, Oh, what did I do? and taped over it. This is from a director who James Safechuck Net Worth 2023: Age, Height, Weight, Wife, Kids, Bio Dan Reed said on the podcast Reality Life With Kate Casey. After years of struggling to cope with his past, Safechuck finally decided to come forward with his allegations, joining a previously begun lawsuit of Robson's. Robson testified at the trial, saying he had slept in Jacksons room many times and nothing happened. MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures were set up by Jackson to run his career. The singer is found unresponsive at his home in Holmby Hills, Calif. At the time of his death, his family releases a statement saying that it is believed that he died of cardiac arrest. "You go out to have a drink with your friend, you're trying to relax and let everything go, and he'll come on. In the 236-minute documentary, two adult men, James Safechuck and Wade Robson, allege sexual abuse against Michael Jackson when they were young boys in the '80s and '90s. For years, the former child actor has alleged that Jackson kissed him, taught him how to masturbate, performed oral sex on him, and forced him to perform oral sex. Safechuck Says Jackson Told Him If They Were "Caught" His Life Would Be Over: After learning of Robson's abuse claim, Safechuck immediately felt "panic" like he was "being caught." "Michael had . We have also clarified that Safechuck claims to have lied in a statement given in the 1993 investigation, while Wade Robson claims to have lied during his testimony in the 2005 trial. The parents were divorced. He continued, "James is in a pretty good place. Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. The Full Lyrics to Look at Us Now (Honeycomb), Inside Riley Keoughs 'Daisy Jones' Transformation, Tracy Oliver on That Harlem Season 2 Finale, Aminah Nieves on Those Shocking 1923 Scenes. i read mj fans in defense of mj. Within months, prosecutors charge Janet Arvizo with fraud and perjury related to statements made at the Jackson trial; she accepts a plea agreement the following year. And he said Wade and fellow alleged Jackson victim James Safechuck are more than used to legal setbacks. But now that the dead cant sue, Reed and Safechuck can make these same false claims that Michael held irresponsible accusers accountable for in life. I think Sundance was a real turning point for him, to have that public validation of his story. LeBron James out with right foot soreness; could miss multiple weeks This came two years before he went public with his accusations against Jackson, the circumstances around which you'll see unfold in Leaving Neverland. He filed a lawsuit claiming he was sexually abused by Jackson over a seven-year period. Corporations cannot be direct perpetrators, he said. Safechuck also made it clear that he in no way wants others to feel pressured to share their personal experiences. At that time, James was very young and as young as ten years old while Michael Jackson was 30 years old. "It's such a difficult thing to do to come out. Readers who are affected by the issues raised in this story are encouraged to contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 (www.nspcc.org.uk). Michael repeatedly told him that people "wouldn't understand" what they did with each other, and that if he told anyone then they would both "go to jail" for the rest of their lives. Michael Jackson Accusers Share Chilling Allegations: There Are Others Out There. It has been transformational for both Wade and James.". Wade Robsons mother testified in the 2005 trial that she funneled wages through Jacksons company and was given a permanent resident visa. Safechuck also made it clear that he in no way wants others to feel pressured to share their personal experiences. If thats the point of doing the movie, youre setting yourself up to be really disappointed.". It gets easier, but it's still hard.". In 2005, Jackson was found not guilty on all charges. Every time. In a 2002 documentary, Living with Michael Jackson, Jackson told Martin Bashir there was nothing wrong with sharing his bed with boys. The police find no incriminating evidence at Jackson's Neverland ranch, nor at his Los Angeles condominium. He is also married and the father of two children, including one son. Career James is known to be an actor and a software developer. It's hard. The Jackson family, for its part, has filed a $100 million lawsuit against HBO, trying to prevent the documentary from being aired. According to the now-41-year-old, part of that. "Theres a lot of release happening for me. That's our argument.". Theres been a lot of tears. In one particularly harrowing scene, Safechuck describes a mock wedding that he had with the superstar, showing a piece of jewellery that symbolised a wedding ring. Safechuck told the Associated Press earlier this year that he was initially hesitant to participate in Leaving Neverland. Born on February 28, he is a Pisces. March 2019 According to the Neverland staff interviewed by the Santa Barbara authorities, no one ever saw or knew of a woman spending the night with Michael Jackson, including his two spouses, Debbie Rowe or Lisa Marie Presley. "There's no alarm bells going off in your head or any thoughts like that," he said. The anguished voice of Wade Robsons father will always haunt me. "I was concerned about somebody just sensationalizing the story," he said. Michael Jackson suffered from the skin discoloration disease vitiligo. However, HBO issued a statement, revealing that they would continue as planned. Safechuck and Jackson first crossed paths in 1987, when Safechuck was chosen to costar with Jackson in a Pepsi commercial. Denniss sorrow was compounded by his own dark secret: he himself had been molested as a child, he told me, and had been unable to bring himself to tell anyone for 30 years. He first met Jackson on set for Jackson's Pepsi commercial. "Michael is my brother. "There's no alarm bells going off in your head or any thoughts like that," he said. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. . 6. And I don't think a day goes by where I don't hear a song," he said. Aside from that, James was a child actor as well, but at the moment, he is doing something different that is, he works as a director of innovation and technology. He knows that, but he is strong. If we're a family, you've got to think of me as a brother. Hes going to be in therapy for the rest of his life. "Is this person out to just put together a piece for people to watch because it's Michael? Now that the film is out, Safechuck can, hopefully, focus on his needs and feel good knowing he shared his side of the story. I asked him what had prompted this sudden change of heart. James married Laura Primack in a private ceremony. 4. Wade Robson made his claims in the Leaving Neverland documentary alongside James Safechuck, who has also had his case dismissed. He also won two Emmys for Outstanding Choreography for his role as guest judge for So You Think You Can Dance's earlier seasons. Wade Robson and James Safechuck have both testified under oath that Michael never did anything inappropriate toward them, the statement said. Thats the only way its going to change. ET. Safeshuck is now the Director of Innovation and Technology at a digital advertising agency. UPDATE: This story was originally published on March 3. We regret the error. James Safechuck, who appeared in the explosive HBO documentary, is pursuing a separate lawsuit from fellow "Neverland" accuser Wade Robson. But in the lawsuit it was claimed: "The thinly-veiled, covert second purpose of these businesses was to operate as a child sexual abuse operation, specifically designed to locate, attract, lure and seduce child sexual abuse victims.". Michael Jackson's estate continues to deny all allegations, as the entertainer did in his lifetime. Decades after his fall from grace and mysterious disappearance from the food world, Ruggerio is coming clean. According to Chris Haynes on the #thisleague UNCUT podcast, James' injury won't require surgery, and if need be, he could "probably" play right now, even if he would be in considerable . Robson, now a 38-year-old choreographer, met Jackson when he . He also slept in the same bed with Jordie Chandler at Chandlers fathers house. As part of the settlement, the singer denied any "wrongful acts.". Jimmy Safechucks parents got a whole house; the documentary never mentions the cars they received, or the permanent residence visa that Wade Robsons mother testified in 2005 to having received by funneling whatever wages she had received through the Michael Jackson Corporation. On Sunday, HBO will debut its two-part documentary Leaving Neverland, featuring interviews with two of Michael Jackson's former child companions. So far, five boys Michael Jackson shared beds with have accused him of abuse: Jordie Chandler, Jason Francia, Gavin Arvizo, Wade Robson, and Jimmy Safechuck. Now, as the Leaving Neverland HBO premiere date vastly approaches, people are searching for more background on who the accusers are, including where James Safechuck is now.