Overview
- Judge Michael E. Whitaker set the consolidated civil trial for February 14, 2028 on Friday, June 12, 2026 and ordered a September status hearing to monitor discovery progress.
- Plaintiffs Wade Robson and James Safechuck allege Michael Jackson sexually abused them as minors and say employees of MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures helped enable or conceal the alleged misconduct.
- Robson and Safechuck filed separate suits in 2013 and 2014 that were revived on appeal and consolidated in 2024 after an appellate court ruled companies tied to Jackson can owe separate duties to potential victims.
- Lawyers agreed to waive earlier deadlines because depositions and discovery have been delayed by factors such as Safechuck’s counsel’s trial calendar and limited availability of the court-appointed discovery referee.
- The estate continues to deny the allegations and points to Jackson’s earlier criminal investigations and his 2005 acquittal, while the civil trial will proceed under a lower burden of proof and could renew public scrutiny of Jackson’s legacy and corporate liability.