Statement From Michael Jackson’s Estate

The Michael Jackson Estate has released the following statement:

Earlier today certain media ran an item relating to a film included in the lineup of the Sundance Film Festival. The Estate issued the following statement to media reporting the story:

“This is yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson. Wade Robson and James Safechuck have both testified under oath that Michael never did anything inappropriate toward them. Safechuck and Robson, the latter a self-proclaimed ‘master of deception’, filed lawsuits against Michael’s Estate, asking for millions of dollars. Both lawsuits were dismissed. This so-called ‘documentary’ is just another rehash of dated and discredited allegations. It’s baffling why any credible filmmaker would involve himself with this project.”

Unfortunately, anyone can release a documentary and they do not have to secure permission to do so. The only time the Estate has any potential recourse is when a documentary or other film uses intellectual property such as music or video that is owned by the Estate and is not protected under “fair use” claims, which of course the Estate is monitoring. You may recall the Estate filed litigation against Disney earlier this year for violating its intellectual property rights.

As the Estate said, the individuals featured in this documentary have had their claims rejected in court.

Furthermore, Michael was declared innocent in the criminal case against him.  No documentary can change that.