Michael Jackson’s Accuser James Safechuck Criticized for Making ‘Scurrilous’ Allegations in Court.
James Safechuck, one of Michael Jackson's accusers, has been challenged by the late pop star’s companies for bringing his claims of sexual abuse years after Jackson's death. In court documents, Michael Jackson’s businesses, MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures, denied all allegations and filed a response to James’ third amended complaint on January 30, 2025.
The companies strongly rejected the claims, asserting that James' legal actions are barred due to his own history of "false statements" and "inequitable conduct" in previous legal matters. According to Michael’s legal team, the accusations were "frivolous" and brought in "bad faith." The companies further accused James of waiting "almost four years" after Michael Jackson’s death to make his allegations.
The legal argument emphasized that due to the nature of these allegations, it is impossible for the companies to defend themselves fully without the late singer's involvement. The companies pointed out that James had previously denied similar accusations during Jackson’s lifetime. In fact, the response highlighted that James had defended Michael in 1993 during an investigation into accusations of wrongdoing.
The legal team’s response continued by calling out James’ "scurrilous" allegations, stating that they were frivolous in nature. The companies insisted that they had no indication, prior to Michael’s death, that James would bring such claims. They also noted that when Michael Jackson was investigated in 1993, James had rejected the allegations and defended the pop star.
Michael's businesses filed a motion requesting the lawsuit be dismissed and that James be ordered to cover the companies' attorney fees. This is not the first time such accusations have surfaced. In 2013, another accuser, Wade Robson, filed a similar lawsuit, though Michael's companies also denied the allegations in his case.
James’ lawsuit against Michael's companies dates back to 2014, but it was initially dismissed before being revived by an appellate court. Both cases were consolidated, and both parties are preparing for a potential trial. In his lawsuit, James accuses MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures of intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and breach of fiduciary duty, among other claims.
James first met Michael Jackson in the 1980s when he was cast in a Pepsi commercial. In his suit, he claims that after the commercial, Michael sent him a letter expressing interest in working together again. "It was fun working with you on the Pepsi commercial! Maybe we can work together again. I’d like to have you come and visit me on the set sometime or when I have some free time you can come to my house. Keep sending me letters. I love to hear from you," the letter allegedly read.
According to James, after receiving the letter, he visited Michael’s home in Encino, California, with his parents, and later spent more time with him alone. He says their relationship became closer, and he was invited to join Michael on his Bad tour in 1988. It was during this tour, James alleges, that the first incident of sexual abuse occurred, when he was just 10 years old.
James’ lawsuit details the alleged abuse, claiming that Michael would give him jewelry as a reward after each incident. He also alleges that the pop star instructed him to remain quiet about the relationship and to deny any questions regarding the abuse. "Michael Jackson would repeatedly instruct [James] to be confident and deny everything if ever asked about the abuse," the lawsuit reads.
James claims the abuse continued until 1992, and he still possesses some of the jewelry given to him by Michael, including a necklace bearing Michael's face. He also admitted to providing a witness statement to police during the 1993 investigation into Michael Jackson. James further alleges that Michael attempted to pressure him to testify in his favor during the 2005 criminal trial, but he refused to do so.
Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50. James says that it was only after meeting with a psychiatrist in 2013 that he fully began to understand the impact of the abuse he allegedly suffered.
As the case continues to develop, both sides are preparing for a courtroom battle, with the companies seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed while James pursues justice for the alleged abuse he claims to have endured.
