The fan groups are seeking $1.61 from each defendant.
French fans of Michael Jackson are seeking damages from the alleged abuse victims who made claims against the late singer in the recent HBO documentary Leaving Neverland.
As Reuters reports, members from the Michel Jackson Community, the MJ Street and On the Line fan groups engaged lawyer Emmanuel Ludot to sue alleged abuse victims Wade Robson and James Safechuck in Orleans, northern France. The groups are seeking symbolic damages of €1 (or roughly $1.61 AUD) each from Robson and Safechuck.
In France, protection from libel extends beyond a person’s death, which is why these damages can be sought. This is not the case in the Australian, British or US legal systems.
“In France, you cannot sully the image of the dead,” Ludot said to Reuters.
“There’s moral and emotional suffering. And when there’s suffering, there’s compensation. It’s very simple.”
The judgment from the case is expected to be handed down on Friday October 4. Robson and Safechuck did not appear in court for the case, nor did they have lawyers represent them.
If this article has raised any issues, you can contact the National Sexual Assault and Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 737 732 (1800 RESPECT).
