Michael Jackson Corporations Fight Elderly Woman's Deposition Exemption in Abuse Case
The dispute regarding an undisclosed legal summons, issued within the ongoing case filed by individuals accusing Michael Jackson – specifically Wade Robson and James Safechuck – has escalated, as Us Weekly has exclusively learned.
On September 4, Michael Jackson's corporations, MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures, formally objected to the plea submitted by Marion Goodgame, an 84-year-old woman.
According to Us' initial report, a representative for Goodgame asserted that Jackson's entities had served a subpoena requiring her to attend a deposition. This deposition involves sworn testimony conducted before trial, outside of the courtroom setting.
Within their legal submission, Jackson's companies contended that Goodgame ought to participate, notwithstanding her efforts to be excused from the proceedings. Jackson's legal representatives asserted, “Ms. Goodgame states she is too unwell to provide a deposition, yet she has failed to provide any credible proof that specifically and verifiably demonstrates harm from participating in such a deposition, which is what legal precedent mandates to warrant a protective order exempting a witness.”
Attorneys representing MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures stated that Goodgame had provided two unsworn communications from healthcare professionals, which they dismissed as unsubstantiated rumor and not “duly verified.”
Jackson's corporations alleged that Goodgame was trying to divert focus from her “insufficient evidence by leveling baseless charges” against them, suggesting their deposition request amounted to harassment.
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In their submitted document, Jackson's entities indicated they had proposed arrangements to “reduce any pressure or difficulty” arising from her deposition, but Goodgame nonetheless declined. “Furthermore, numerous ailments cited in the correspondence, including high blood pressure, anxiousness, and joint inflammation, are prevalent among a large segment of the populace, and certain conditions, such as an unstable walk, are clearly improbable to be affected whatsoever by sitting for a deposition,” they argued. MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures petitioned the court to reject Goodgame’s request.
In reply, Goodgame's legal counsel informed the court, “[Jackson’s companies’] objection is an obvious maneuver to divert the court's attention from the pertinent facts. The reality is that Goodgame is elderly, frail, and incapable of enduring a deposition of any duration in this case.”
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They further stated, “no proof has been presented suggesting that Goodgame’s potential testimony holds relevance or could plausibly lead to the uncovering of admissible information.”
As initially disclosed by Us, the undisclosed summons first came to light on August 15 when Goodgame submitted legal documents challenging the deposition.
Goodgame's attorney asserted that she was afflicted by “numerous chronic and incapacitating physical and psychological ailments” and that attending a deposition would “expose her to considerable distress and physical exertion.”
Goodgame's counsel contended, “She is anticipated to give testimony concerning deeply distressing and sensitive matters related to her daughter's sexual abuse.” They further stated, “It is evident that the emotional and physical burden of revisiting these occurrences poses a risk to Goodgame, rendering her unfit to participate in a deposition and endure prolonged interrogation on highly taxing subjects.”
Goodgame's lawyer conveyed to the court that their client possessed no “significant connection” to the lawsuit brought by Robson, 37, and Safechuck.
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A replica of the legal summons from Jackson’s corporations was presented in court. The deceased music icon's legal representatives requested Goodgame provide all correspondence related to Jackson, any discussions with her daughter concerning the performer, and any exchanges with her former son-in-law regarding Jackson. The summons additionally required Goodgame to surrender all photographs taken at Jackson's erstwhile property, Neverland Ranch, along with a register of all presents Jackson bestowed upon her, and any communications pertaining to “any accusations of abuse against Michael Jackson.”
Within their legal action, Robson and Safechuck, both 47, assert that Jackson subjected them to sexual abuse during their childhoods. Jackson's corporations have refuted all claims of misconduct in the ongoing litigation.
