The Michael Jackson Estate is hitting back at Wade Robson's allegations that Michael Jackson sexually abused him as a child, by noting that the "So You Think You Can Dance" judge and choreographer previously testified that he was never molested by the pop star.
"Mr. Robson's claim is outrageous and pathetic," Howard Weitzman, an attorney for the estate, said in a statement to TheWrap. "This is a young man who has testified at least twice under oath over the past 20 years and said in numerous interviews that Michael Jackson never did anything inappropriate to him or with him. Now, nearly four years after Michael has passed this sad and less than credible claim has been made."
Robson's allegations are under seal, but legal documents obtained by TheWrap allude to claims of "childhood sexual abuse." In the filings, Robson's attorneys are asking a Los Angeles judge for permission to file a late claim against the singer's estate.
Henry Gradstein, an attorney for Robson, did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the choreographer and television star does appear to be reversing previous statements he made in Jackson's 2005 sexual abuse trial.
At the time, Robson contradicted testimony from a maid that the two had showered together when he visited Jackson's Neverland Ranch as a teenager. He did admit to sleeping in Jackson's bed with the singer, but said nothing inappropriate happened, according to the New York Daily News.
In his statement, Weitzman implied that Robson's change of tune would be invalidated by his previous remarks.
"We are confident that the court will see this for what it is." the attorney said.
Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.
