How Would Michael Jackson Defend Himself

The article argues that if Michael Jackson were alive to face new allegations of sexual abuse, his response would likely follow the same pattern as in the past: strong public denials but limited engagement with legal scrutiny. It recalls how in the 1993 Chandler case he settled before being deposed, how he invoked the Fifth Amendment in lawsuits brought by former employees, and how he avoided answering direct questions about his relationships with minors. In the 2005 trial he chose not to testify, instead relying on video statements to assert his innocence, which allowed him to avoid cross-examination. The piece contrasts this with his willingness to testify in non-abuse cases, suggesting his avoidance was deliberate. It challenges the idea that posthumous allegations are unfair, noting that survivors often only feel able to speak once their abuser has died. The conclusion is that Jackson’s defence against new claims would likely be passionate denials in public but weak in court, and that testimonies from Wade Robson and James Safechuck deserve to be heard despite criticism of their timing.