Celebrity

Michael Jackson’s Employees Were Not Legally Obligated To Prevent Sex Abuse, Lawyer Argues In Court

Published

1 year ago

2023-07-27

Kiara Grace

LA – According to an attorney testifying before an appeals court on Wednesday, employees at companies controlled by Michael Jackson were not required by law to shield youngsters from the pop icon.

Jonathan Steinsapir, an attorney for the Michael Jackson estate, disputed a potential ruling by the 2nd District Court of Appeal in California, which indicated that it was inclined to reinstate cases that had previously been dismissed involving two men who claim that Jackson sexually assaulted them for years when they were boys.

According to Steinsapir, the court’s rationale “would require low-level employees to confront their supervisor and call them paedophiles.”

According to Holly Boyer, the plaintiff’s Wade Robson and James Safechuck, should be held accountable for that duty.

Boyer informed the three judges in the videoconference session that “we do require that employees of the entity take those steps because what we are talking about is the sexual abuse of children.” We’re dealing with kids who are 7 and 10 years old and completely unprepared to defend themselves against their guru, Michael Jackson.

Boyer continued, “The defendant’s staff left the lads alone in this lion’s lair. The obligation to safeguard and warn is explicit.

Jackson passed away in 2009. Safechuck sued in 2014 after Robson had sued in 2013. After sharing their tales in the 2019 HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland, ” the two men gained additional notoriety.”

Employees at companies controlled by Michael Jackson were not required by law to shield youngsters from the pop icon.

The lawsuits were rejected in 2021 by a court that determined that Jackson’s two firms, MJJ Productions Inc. and MJJ Ventures Inc., of which he was the only shareholder and owner, could not be expected to operate similarly to the Boy Scouts or a church where a child in their care could expect their protection.

According to Steinsapir, evidence in the untried cases demonstrated that the parents did not expect Jackson’s staff to serve as monitors. He claimed that a deposition from Robson’s mother revealed that, when she initially brought her 7-year-old son into the pop star’s presence, she was completely unaware of the existence of the businesses.

They didn’t seek protection against Michael Jackson from the companies, according to Steinsapir.

Steinsapir said it was illogical for the corporations to be accused of careless hiring since they were hiring in the complaint and the court’s potential ruling.

“Anyone who might have a propensity for crime has a duty not to hire himself?” said Steinsapir.

Steinsapir frequently referred to the men’s claims as unsubstantiated and inaccurate, even though the hearing only addressed the legal requirements of businesses rather than the veracity of their claims.

When Jackson was 5 years old, Robson, a choreographer now in his 40s, first met him. He later made three Michael Jackson music video appearances.

Jackson allegedly raped him for seven years, according to his lawsuit.

When Safechuck, now 45, met Jackson while filming a Pepsi commercial, he was 9 years old, according to what he said in his suit. He said Jackson pampered him with gifts and frequent phone calls before engaging in sexual assaults.

The Associated Press normally does not identify anyone who claims to have been sexually abused. However, Robson and Safechuck have spoken out and given their consent for the publication of their names.

The men’s cases have already recovered from a 2017 dismissal that occurred because the statute of limitations had passed. The appeals court reinstated them due to a new California statute that temporarily enlarged the scope of sexual assault prosecutions. 2015 saw the dismissal of Jackson’s estate or the assets he left behind as a defendant.

The Michael Jackson estate has vehemently and repeatedly disputed that he molested any of the boys and has emphasized that both Safechuck and Robson testified to authorities that they had not been mistreated during Jackson’s 2005 criminal trial, in which Jackson was found not guilty.

Three judges heard the matter on Wednesday, but no decision was reached right away.

It “seems to me that these corporations were in an excellent position to prevent these injuries,” said Justice John Wiley. Wiley suggested they might have demanded that a chaperone be there for the kids.

Steinsapir responded, “Could my law firm tell me who I’m allowed to be with in my own home?” Steinsapir emphasized that the claimed molestation incidents occurred in Jackson’s home, not at work.

Attorney Boyer for the plaintiffs replied, “Michael Jackson’s workers staffed these houses. They established policies and procedures that allowed Jackson to be alone with these kids.

SOURCE – (AP)

Celebrity

Burt the Huge Croc in Crocodile Dundee Dies at Age 90

Published

3 days ago

2024-12-24

Geoff Brown

Burt, the massive crocodile that rose to prominence with an appearance in the film "Crocodile Dundee"

Burt, the massive crocodile that rose to prominence with an appearance in the film “Crocodile Dundee” and continued to impress visitors with his fierce temper, died at the age of ninety. Staff at Darwin’s Crocosaurus Cove, where Burt had lived since 2008, confirmed his death.

The wildlife centre made a statement on Instagram: “It is with great regret that we announce the demise of Burt, the iconic saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee.

“Burt passed away peacefully over the weekend, estimated to be over 90 years old, signaling the end of an incredible era,” American Crocodile News stated.

In the film, Mick Dundee (Hogan), wearing his now-famous Crocodile Dundee hat, leaves the Australian outback for the jungle of New York after meeting American reporter Sue Charlton (Kozlowski), who finally falls in love with him.

The crocodile is famously seen in the moment where Kozlowski’s character is assaulted while kneeling next to a creek.

Burt and Paul Hogan in Crocodile Dundee

Crocodile Dundee highest-grossing Australian picture

Crocasourus Cove described Burt, who was taken in the 1980s in the Northern Territory’s Reynolds River, as having a “bold” demeanor.

“Burt was a confirmed bachelor – an attitude he made clear during his earlier years at a crocodile farm,” the center said.

“His fiery temperament earned him the respect of his caretakers and visitors alike, as he embodied the raw and untamed spirit of the saltwater crocodile.”

“Burt was one of a kind.” He was more than simply a crocodile; he was a natural force, a reminder of the great creatures’ power and majesty.

“While his attitude may be tough, it was also what made him so unique and appreciated by those who worked with him and the thousands who came to see him over the years.

The statement ended with the following: “Visitors from around the globe marveled at his impressive size and commanding presence, especially at feeding time.”

Saltwater crocodiles can live for more than 70 years, especially in captivity.

Burt will be honored with a commemorative sign at the site, among some of the Crocodile Dundee 2 cast members.

Crocodile Dundee is the highest-grossing Australian picture of all time, earning $47,707,598 (Australian dollars).

It inspired two sequels, Crocodile Dundee II (1988) and Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001).

Hogan and Kozlowski married in 1990 and later divorced.

A documentary about the film’s production is anticipated to be released next year.

7 Whales Dead In New Jersey, Wind Farm Protests Continue

Celebrity

Blake Lively Accuses Justin Baldoni of Sexual Harassment

Published

5 days ago

2024-12-22

Geoff Brown

Blake Lively has launched a legal battle against Justin Baldoni

In an 80-page complaint, Blake Lively accuses Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and launching a smear campaign against her after she declined his approaches.Baldoni’s lawyer Bryan Freedman has denied Lively’s allegations, calling them “false, outrageous.

Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, charging the actor-director of inappropriate behavior and defamation related to their 2024 film, It Ends With Us. What was once thought to be a public relations campaign to promote the picture turned out to be a complaint.

Lively accuses sexual harassment, including unwanted kissing and sexual comments, throughout the filming. She further claims that Baldoni tried to tarnish her reputation after she declined his approaches.

Baldoni and his production firm, Wayfarer Studios, deny any charges regarding Blake Lively’s nude images or accusations.

Lively’s complaint targets not only director Justin Baldoni, but also key officials in his production firm and people accused of spreading false information about her.

This includes the film’s principal producer, Jamey Heath, Wayfarer co-owner Steve Sarowitz, and a number of others. Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, angrily disputes Lively’s charges, calling them “false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious,” according to Entertainment Weekly.

Baldoni created a toxic workplace

According to Freedman, the actress even neglected to appear on site and made disturbances throughout filming, resulting in the picture’s dismal performance, including “threatening not to show up to set, threatening not to promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release.”

The Gossip Girl star’s complaint claims that Justin Baldoni, producer Jamey Heath, and Wayfarer Studios “created a toxic workplace, ignored harassment complaints, and failed to protect the cast and crew.”

The dossier also claims that Baldoni recruited a public relations agency to create a revenge campaign before potential allegations were public.

According to the complaint copy received by People, Baldoni included sexually graphic and naked sequences, including those for an underage character, without Blake Lively’s agreement.

This contained a lengthy “virginity loss scene and an orgasm scene” that did not appear in the original work.

Blake Lively Nude

Baldoni allegedly asked intrusive questions regarding Lively’s intimate sexual encounters with her spouse, including questions about Blake Lively nude images, which she considered invasive and refused to address.

According to the lawsuit, while filming, Baldoni improvised physical intimacy with no previous discussion or choreography. This contained kissing sequences and a slow dance sequence.

According to People, one instance detailed in the complaint states that Baldoni “discreetly bit and sucked on Ms. Lively’s lower lip during a scene in which he improvised numerous kisses on each take.” He eventually “insisted” on shooting “over and over again.”
intrusive behaviours

Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath “repeatedly entered Lively’s trailer uninvited while she was undressed or breastfeeding her child.”

Baldoni and Heath put pressure on Lively to imitate full nudity during a birth scene, despite the fact that there was no prior agreement in the screenplay or contract.

Producer Jamey Heath allegedly showed Lively and her assistant a disturbing video of his wife giving birth without their consent.

Degrading remarks

Baldoni allegedly criticized Lively’s age and weight after giving birth, even phoning her trainer to encourage her to lose weight quickly.

He “often” described ladies in the office as “sexy”. To address the hostile work environment, a list of 30 protections was implemented.
Smear Campaign.

Prior to the film’s release, Baldoni allegedly orchestrated a smear campaign against Lively, afraid she might come out about her experiences.

Lively believes that her legal action would “pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics” and protect others who report mistreatment.

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Celebrity

MGK and Megan Fox Love Hate Relationship

Published

6 days ago

2024-12-20

Geoff Brown

MGK and Megan Fox

MGK and Megan Fox have been in the news for years because of their turbulent relationship. Their four-year romance has been filled with drama, heartache, and passion. The attention is now more focused than ever after their recent breakup caused a stir.

Let’s examine this famous pair’s highs, lows, and potential future developments.

Allegations of a romance between MGK and Megan Fox began in 2020 when they met while filming the movie Midnight in the Switchgrass. What started as a short-lived romance quickly grew more intense, and the two often publicly displayed their love in bold ways.

When they announced their engagement in January 2022, MGK presented them with a unique two-stone ring “symbolic of their souls’ union.”

But this supposedly idyllic partnership wasn’t at all easy. Reports of heated fights, problems with trust, and emotional ups and downs started to surface behind closed doors. The couple’s tremendously passionate yet erratic relationship often made headlines during their time together.

MGK and Megan Fox Breakup

The Thanksgiving weekend in 2024 was a turning point. According to reports, Megan broke up with MGK after finding “upsetting material” on his phone.

This information led to sentiments of betrayal, which have been the main cause of their breakup. According to those close to her, the actress frequently felt disrespected and upset by MGK’s actions.

Megan is expecting the couple’s first child, which heightens the strain. According to sources, co-parenting negotiations are underway as the actress concentrates on her pregnancy. Despite the breakup, Megan is committed to providing a healthy environment for their pregnant child.

Meanwhile, MGK isn’t prepared to give up. Insiders claim that the 34-year-old artist is trying to regain Megan’s affection. He attempts to demonstrate his willingness to change with cryptic social media statements and public apologies.

According to a person close to the couple, MGK is extremely sorry for the problems that caused them to part ways. Megan, though, seems less likely to make amends. According to friends, she is tired of the drama and is concentrating on her own and her kids’ welfare.

Is the separation, however, truly irreversible? Although some say it’s final, others counter that their relationship’s sporadic nature offers room for future reunion.

MGK’s ex-girlfriend

The split’s more strange side story revolves around MGK’s ex-girlfriend Amia Miley’s previous accusations. On a recent podcast, she made startling allegations regarding MGK’s intimate behaviour during their past relationship. Even though it has nothing to do with his recent split from Megan, the article has raised more questions about MGK’s private life.

The musician hasn’t been doing well lately in terms of public opinion. Numerous admirers have characterized his acts as immature and untrustworthy, and they have voiced dismay. On the other hand, Megan has received a ton of support and recognition for her fortitude during this trying period.

Despite the heartache, Megan isn’t dealing with this alone. According to reports, she has received support from her ex-husband, Brian Austin Green, and his fiancée, Sharna Burgess. Sharna, Megan’s soon-to-be stepmother, has been consoling throughout the breakup.

For Megan, this odd bond has turned into a benefit. It demonstrates her capacity to preserve wholesome relationships for the benefit of her children. Megan is devoted to her son’s happiness, having three sons: Noah, Bodhi, and Journey.

It isn’t easy to foresee what will happen to Megan and MGK. Reconciliations have occurred when no one expected them to, and their connection has always been erratic. But according to many close to Megan, this time feels different.

MGK is having a difficult time

Megan appears to be concentrating on her pregnancy and mental health at the moment, and MGK is having a difficult time winning back her trust. One thing is certain: MGK and Megan Fox will continue to be tabloid favourites for the foreseeable future, regardless of whether they can reconcile or go their separate ways.

MGK and Megan Fox’s relationship reminds us that love can occasionally have a price, no matter how intense. Their experience also reminds us of a partnership’s value of open communication, respect, and trust.

It’s simple for spectators and fans to become enmeshed in the drama. Fundamentally, however, this is a very human tale of two individuals attempting to do what is best for themselves and their families while overcoming personal obstacles.

MGK and Megan Fox still haven’t written the next chapter. How this story ends—through co-parenting, reconciliation, or a complete break—will only become clear with time.