MUMBAI: In a new an unexpected twist that still haunts late pop star Michael Jackson’s family and his estate, a former friend and choreographer has accused Jackson of molesting him when he was a child at Neverland.
Wade Robson 30, who appeared in Jackson’s videos like Black or White, Jam and Heal the World, now is demanding millions from Jackson’s estate for the trauma suffered due to the ordeal.
He was also pals with many of the team behind ‘This Is It’, Jacko’s comeback shows due to start in London in July 2009. He has also worked with pop stars Britney Spears and Usher.
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According to legal documents filed by Robson, the late singer molested him as a child during trips around the world. Robson’s lawyers are asking a judge in the Michael Jackson estate debtors case to allow him to file a late creditor’s claim against the Estate.
According to reports, Robson says he met Jackson when he was five years old and often slept over at the Neverland Ranch, as well as the star’s homes in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, from the ages of seven to 14. Other star child guests included MaCauley Culkin and Emmanuel Lewis.
A probate court judge has sealed the details of the allegation after Robson’s lawyer filed a claim on 1 May.
The documents include an affidavit from a child psychiatrist who treated Robson as a child, reports said.
The award-winning dancer (had) actually testified in the 2005 child molestation trial, shooting down claims the singer abused him.
In the 2005 trial Jackson’s former housekeeper, Blanca Francia testified she caught Jackson in the shower with underaged Robson.
Jackson was acquitted of all charges of molestation, but paid Jordie Chandler $22m to stay silent after sexual abuse allegations emerged in 1993.
Robson could face a tough time in a lawsuit. Aside from saying Jacko was not a pervert in 2005. He had issued a positive statement about The King Of Pop just hours after the star died on 25 June, 2009.
“Michael Jackson changed the world and, more personally, my life forever. He is the reason I dance, the reason I make music, and one of the main reasons I believe in the pure goodness of human kind,” he said at the time.”
Jackson also insisted he was not a molester, but a “Peter Pan” like character.
He added: “I have always maintained my innocence and vehemently denied that these events ever took place. I reluctantly chose to settle the false claims only to end the terrible publicity and to continue with my life and career.”
Robson’s claims will shock Jacko’s three kids Prince, Paris and Blanket, who are suing his promoters AEG for negligence over their dad’s death.
A source close to the Jacksons said: “This news has sent shockwaves around the Jackson camp. Family members including (Jackson’s mother) Katherine have known Wade for a long time, and they were disgusted he has made this move. The children are very upset.
“The news of this couldn’t come at a worse time. If Wade gives evidence in the lawsuit it only paint Michael in a bad light and could have repercussions.
“Some of those close to Michael were always worried something like this would happen. The truth is there were a lot of secrets that even his family never knew in his lost times at Neverland.
“Wade is hoping to earn millions for a settlement. What the estate do will be interesting. They have tried to keep details on Michael’s drug use and medical information sealed, so they may demand to fight this case behind closed doors.”
A judge will decide whether the court will be sealed if the lawsuit moves ahead through the courts.
