Both Wade Robson and James Safechuck could have their cases heard before a jury after the California Court of Appeal issued a tentative ruling over a new statute of limitations law.
- November 19, 2019
AceShowbiz - The two men who accused Michael Jackson of sexual abuse in the harrowing "Leaving Neverland" documentary are likely to get their day in court.
Wade Robson and James Safechuck previously sued the late King of Pop for sexual abuse, but their lawsuits were dismissed in 2017, partly due to the statute of limitations. Both men later appealed their rulings and the cases have been stuck in appellate court.
However, according to TMZ, the California Court of Appeal issued a tentative ruling which would overturn the dismissals, on grounds a new California law extended the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases from the time a victim is age 26 to age 40 - meaning they could have their cases heard before a jury.
Oral arguments are set to be made this week, beg November 18, and the justices could change their minds on the matter. However, it is expected the tentative ruling will stand.
Jackson's estate has vehemently denied all allegations against the "Thriller" hitmaker, and are suing HBO, which aired the Dan Reed-directed flick, over a non-disparagement clause in a 1992 contract, which provided the network with rights to air a televised concert following the release of Jackson's album "Dangerous".
HBO previously had the case removed to federal court, however, U.S. District Court Judge George H. Wu sent the case to arbitration in September.
Officials from the network are contesting the decision in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
