According to a new Financial Times report, Michael Jackson’s estate made a secret $2.5 million payment earlier this year to five individuals who accused the late pop icon of sexual abuse. The payment marked the final installment of a larger $16.5 million settlement that was originally reached in 2020. The quiet resolution, uncovered through court documents, has reignited public and legal attention around long-standing allegations tied to Jackson’s legacy.
The plaintiffs involved in the case claim they were coerced into accepting the 2020 settlement under pressure and without a full understanding of its conditions. They are now petitioning the court to reopen the case and push for a full, open trial. This challenge could force new scrutiny into the details of the agreement and the actions of Jackson’s estate in handling the matter over the past five years.
A Los Angeles court is expected to determine whether the renewed proceedings will take place in a public trial or through private arbitration. The choice of forum will significantly shape how much information about the allegations and settlement becomes available to the public. Jackson’s estate representatives have maintained that all issues were settled fairly under the 2020 agreement and insist that any further disputes should remain confidential.
The estate’s legal team has also rejected the plaintiffs’ claims, arguing that reopening the case would violate the terms of the prior settlement. They assert that the payments made were in accordance with the law and part of a mutually agreed-upon resolution. Despite their efforts to keep the matter private, growing media attention has placed fresh pressure on the estate ahead of major public projects tied to Jackson’s name.
According to FT, the controversy could have broader implications for the upcoming biopic Michael, scheduled for release in 2026. Produced by Oscar-winning filmmaker Graham King, known for The Aviator and Bohemian Rhapsody, the film aims to celebrate Jackson’s musical genius. However, renewed legal battles and potential public hearings may complicate its promotional campaign, reviving questions about the darker aspects of Jackson’s life and legacy.
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