Since the Sundance Film Festival premiered, the Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland, set to air March 3 and 4th on HBO, left attendees disturbed by the sexual abuse allegations detailed in the film by two men, who worked with, and knew Jackson when they were just children, Wayne Robson and James Safechuck. In this expose, they claim that the iconic musician sexually abused them when they were young.
However, a new article from Forbes, details incidents that took place that could have led to Robson and Safechuck to change their tune and say they were abused, when back on the stand in 2005 during one of Jackson’s triasl, Robson adamantly, confidently, and credibly asserted that nothing sexual happened between them,
Then in 2013, Robson filed a $1.5 billion dollar civil lawsuit/creditor’s claim, along with James Safechuck, who also spent time with Jackson in the late ‘80s. Safechuck claimed he only realized he may have been abused when Robson filed his lawsuit. That lawsuit was dismissed by a probate court in 2017.
However, several adults who knew Jackson when they were children have spoken up and let it be known that there was no sexual abuse when they were young perpatrated on them by the oop icon including: Macaulay Culkin, Sean Lennon, Emmanuel Lewis, Alfonso Ribeiro, and Corey Feldman, to name a few.
Photo: BJamesTwitter
You can add The Young and the Restless Bryton James (Devon Hamlilton) to that list, James, who appeared at a young age in a commercial with Jackson, and who became a close friend of Michael’s, took to Twitter over the weekend to share his sentiments, and to let people know he never witnessed, or heard of anything inappropriate going on with a minor.
James tweeted: “Over our 15 year friendship, neither I or my family ever witnessed @michaeljackson conduct himself inappropriately with a minor, or anyone for that matter. & during the time I worked with Mr. Robson as a child, he never once mentioned any wrong doing.”
So, what do you think of Bryton’s message in tandem with the Forbes article on the accusers in Leaving Neverland, and the never-ending-saga of Michael Jackson’s alleged sexual abuse of young boys? Jackson had been previously acquitted in court cases in 1990’s and the mid-2000’s. Comment below.
Over our 15 year friendship, neither I or my family ever witnessed @michaeljackson conduct himself inappropriately with a minor, or anyone for that matter. & during the time I worked with Mr. Robson as a child, he never once mentioned any wrong doing… https://t.co/8LvYkLxD28
WOW, 4ever….I wonder if her “state of mind” will trickle down to Y&R?? Will we have a similar storyline where the suspected accused gets away with his/her crime?
Considering MM was fired under not-so-stellar circumstances—-sexual, in nature (as rumored); I find it completely hypocritical.
su000
5 years ago
A$ 1.5 billion dollar civil lawsuit and sexual abuse of young boys, is what makes money..
A story/doc, about a guy that didn’t sexual abuse of young boys, would be totally BLAH..
Michael Jackson had his weirdness but sexual abuse, nope..
but- it is a huge money thing to claim sexual abuse..
Strange, out of a great many boys there is 2-3 suing to fill their pockets..
I personally believe- Michale was creating for himself a childhood he never had including the childhood friends he never had ..
CHACHING! 🙂
Joe
5 years ago
How are the accusations against Michael Jackson any different than the ones against all these other celebrities who have lost their careers over them? Just because he could sing and dance doesn’t make him anymore innocent than people like Harvey Weinstein. Blame the victims.
hi Joe-
At least 22 women have accused President Donald Trump of sexual assault and misconduct between the 1970s and 2013.
(((Trump has not yet made good on his promise to sue any of the women)))
0ooh and Brett Kavanaugh , sigh
One is president the other a lifetime on the Supreme Court..
Justice has never been fair. Every single day that goes by, people in this country get more and more stupid. They rip apart the careers of those who admit their faults, admit their ignorance, and genuinely apologize. But when a racist candidate for presidency is caught on camera disrespecting women, lies through his teeth about it, and has multiple affairs with hookers he’s paid off to keep quiet, he gets elected. This is the same man who bought his way out of the Vietnam draft because he had “bunions” in his feet, and now he’s the leader of the free world. People are not equal when it comes to condemning and judging. Don’t even get me started on politics!
Oh, SuzieQ—Christine Blasey Ford is a proven liar–she could not make heads or tails about anything that happened on that “memorable”, fateful night. She was stoned out of her mind at fifteen years old, who did not want to get in trouble with her parents; and therefore concocted a story!!
She may, also, have had it in for Kavanaugh because his mother was the judge who foreclosed on her childhood house.
Furthermore, they moved in different circles. He was a jock—-she had a thing for him, and he didn’t even know she existed. Her best friend denied Blasey’s account. Kavanaugh, according to those present, refuted everything, to the point where they did not remember even seeing him there. Now, she’s rich from the MeTooFund!! What a crock!!!!!
Trump did not need to throw himself on anyone–the opposite is true!!—-to the point where Fake-Busty-Daniels has to pay him $239, 000 ( around there) for lying.
Besides, did you ever see a picture of Trump years ago? He had enough women kissing his, uhmmm, feet–did not need to violate anyone—having a potty-mouth does not constitute rapist. None of what those women said has been confirmed or backed. It was their fifteen minutes of fame.
Whereas, Bill Clinton, as I read, left sperm deposits on Monica’s dress in the Oval Office. His victims are still suffering. HELLary did her worst on them. It’s all there, su—all you need do is look for it!! Danney Williams; Robert Byrd; smashed blackberries etc.
Trump’s behavior ( towards sexuality and women) has been impeccable while in office.
Sooner than later, all Kavanaugh’s accusers will face a judge; including Blasey Ford….It’s already in the works.
Yet, not one word on Clinton, Weiner, Booker……or any democratic deviant.
To add insult to injury, we never hear much about Farrakhan and his evil spewing upon Jews. He still runs free, albeit he voiced his hate over seeing death to all Jews. A modern-day Hitler.
I have nieces and nephews who are of Jewish heritage on their father’s side…….not a heartening thing to hear, su….
Please let’s leave the Presidrnt alone and allow him to finish his term without maligning him. HE LOVES THIS COUNTRY. A nationalist ( not a dirty word–same meaning as patriot). That’s good enough for me. If Socialism hits this country, we will all have to jump ship or sink!! Peace!!
Celia…I watched the whole Kavanaugh hearing. Christine Blasey Ford was never proven a liar. And I found Kavanaugh…lets say…a condescending person. Much like Clarence Thomas vs. Anita Hill, which I also watched. And if the person in the White House…and I’ve been watching, and hearing him since the campaign…if he only had a potty mouth, but he doesn’t. But he does love himself.
I have never believed in my heart that Michael was guilty of everything he was accused of. I thought he used very poor judgement bringing any child in to his bed, setting himself up for a potential lawsuit. Giving him the benefit of the doubt, his presumed innocence, gave him no reason to think that something he thought of as a loving thing, would turn in to such a nightmare.
I agree, Violet. In my heart of hearts I never believed Michael realized that bringing children to his home and bed was not the right thing to do….
I never thought he hurt these kids in any way. However, it was a strange ‘ritual’, for lack of a better word. The parents of the child saw an opportunity ( money), and seized it.
I honestly think Michael’s mind simply did not go there—-as he was child-like himself—I do believe he was a virgin, albeit he was married twice. Neither marriage was consummated—-I don’t know what the deal with Lisa Marie Presley was all about. His first marriage I can understand. She provided a service—was inseminated by whomever because he wanted children. He did love those kids!! He was such a tortured soul. Sad!! I loved Michael….I really did.❤️
I agree. Violet, I have learned to keep my big mouth shut on such matters and not judge so quickly. These are certainly complex times we live in, aren’t they? I mean, I think it’s hard to navigate the treacherous waters which exist between believing the accusers and giving the accused due process. I felt Al Franken was never given due process and he deserved it. The only celebrity I felt deserved to be tried in the media’s court of law was Bill Cosby. The allegations were too numerous to ignore, and they all had a common theme.
I think if we’re going to listen to the accusers then it follows we must listen to the defenders, Bryton James was there and his voice is important and we need to listen to him.
On another note, what was up with the parents letting their kids have sleep overs with Michael Jackson? I never quite understood that part.
You’re right, Harry…..Franken was not treated fairly…..and very sagacious of you—-never rush to judgment, albeit the media surely graps a word and runs with it. Then, poof…..however, sometimes people’s lives get ruined because of it.
Yes….the parents gave permission. Either they wanted association with a bigger than life celebrity; or it was a pre-meditated law suit on their part.
@Harry……I think most of those non-Hollywood parents had stars in their eyes with an aim of cash in their pockets, and such considerations rose far above any concerns a normal person might have had for their young sons under similar circumstances with a less famous male individual. At the very best, those sleepovers were just plain weird, and I shudder to think what the worst case scenarios might have included. Having said that, it’s perfectly plausible that Michael and his cadre of little celeb buddies never got up to anything more racy than child-appropriate bedtime stories and his “charming” reminiscences of shared milk and cookies! Hence the assertions of Jackson’s innocence by these former child actors may very well be true, yet perhaps their innocuous visits to “Neverland” were all contrived for PR purposes in order to conceal the actual private activities to which the more anonymous lads were subjected far from the watchful eyes of the paparazzi at those high-profile events where Michael publicly paraded his precocious, happy mini-pals on the red carpet for all to see???
Hi, Shaybelle,
Missed you!! I said almost the same as you…not as an elaborate piece, LOL.
I truly believe that part of your description concerning the sleepovers were innocent, without malicious or perverted intent……albeit strange, if it were anyone else having them, other than he.
Money had a lot to do with it. Later, bell’amica. ❤️
Momo
5 years ago
I do think Michael was doing something. It’s not normal for a man to surround himself with so many young boys and have sleepovers with them.
Patrick Mulcahey OUT as General Hospital Co-Head Writer
May 16, 2024
After various reports surfaced, it has been confirmed that Patrick Mulcahey is out as the co-head writer of General Hospital. This is after a very short tenure of under five months.
Mulcahey was named to the position back in January of 2024 along with longtime GH writer Elizabeth Korte. They replaced the team of Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor, who had been the head scribes of the long-running ABC daytime drama since 2019.
A source informed Soap Opera Digest that stories created by the co-head writing team of Mulcahey/Korte team will air through mid-summer. However they added “There will be more news to share at a later date as to the composition of the new writing team.”
In addition, eagle-eyed soap fans have seen that in recent episodes former co-head writer, Chris Van Etten has been credited, as he is reportedly a breakdown writer with the show.
Soap Opera Network is reporting that Korte has assumed the head writing duties solely on her own at the moment, while Buzz blog initially reported Mulcahey’s exit.
We will have more on the GH writing team evolution in the days ahead.
What do you think about the writing team changes at GH thus far? Comment below.
Melody Thomas Scott and Edward J. Scott to Receive Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Honors
May 6, 2024
The Young and the Restless iconic Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman) and her husband, Emmy-winning producer, Edward J. Scott have been named by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences as Lifetime Achievement Honorees at the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
Melody and Ed will be presented with the award on June 7th during the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards (8 PM ET/delayed PT) broadcast live on CBS and streaming live and on-demand on Paramount+*.
In a statement Melody and Ed expressed, “We are honored and humbled to receive this recognition from NATAS. Throughout our decades-long careers in front of and behind the cameras, we have had the opportunity to work not only with each other, but also with an incredibly talented pool of people who excel in their crafts and are passionate about the art we create in daytime television. We are grateful to have worked side by side with them and to be included with such esteemed recipients who have made their mark in our industry. We look forward to spending another wonderful evening celebrating the daytime community!“
Adam Sharp, President and CEO, NATAS added,“We’ve long wanted to honor the legendary daytime duo of Melody Thomas Scott and her husband Edward J. Scott. With a combined 93 years of contributions to our community, they are true institutions in the world of Daytime television.”
In addition to Melody and Ed receiving their Lifetime Achievement honors, public television host and cookbook author Lidia Bastianich will also be honored.
Photo NATAS
Lidia Bastianich said, “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized and receive the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award for having shared my passion for food with TV audiences for over 25 years. Cooking together and sharing food remain a common denominator of all cultures. Food nurtures, it connects diverse people, and it brings families, friends, and strangers together. There is no better place to be on this earth, especially in these trying times, than sharing food at a table with others. That simple idea has been the basis of my life’s work. Hence, as I say in my shows, “Tutti a Tavola a Mangiare!” Mille Grazie to NATAS for this honor.”
While Adam Sharp shared, “Lidia Bastianich’s astounding success combines her love of cooking while simultaneously entertaining millions each day. It is an honor for us to say ‘grazie’ for the many fine meals borne from her TV kitchen and cookbook pages.”
Melody Thomas Scott recently celebrated 45 years in the role of Nikki Newman, having joined the show in February 1979. Scott’s character has matured from the girl from the wrong side of the tracks to the serial’s luminous and resourceful leading lady. After garnering a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1999, she went on to win in the same category for the Soap Opera Digest Award in 2001 and received four Soap Opera Update Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress (1992, 1993, 1995 and 1996). Scott began her career at age three. She studied singing, tap dancing, ballet and jazz and became one of the world-famous “Meglin Kiddies,” performing in USO shows as she started booking national commercials and guest spots on such series as “Wagon Train,” “My Three Sons,” “Ironside” and a recurring role on “The Waltons.” Scott made her motion picture debut at age eight when she was cast by Alfred Hitchcock as the young Tippi Hedren in the thriller “Marnie.” She has co-starred with legendary actors Clint Eastwood, Geraldine Page, John Wayne and Kirk Douglas. Scott has worked on stage and in numerous television shows and was the subject of Lifetime Television’s “Intimate Portrait.” As a lifelong fan of “I Love Lucy,” Scott served as a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown, N.Y., which is committed to preserving the legacy of the great comedienne. In 2020,
Scott released her memoir, “Always Young and Restless.” Married since 1985 to Edward J. Scott, the couple have three daughters and five grandchildren.
Photo: JPI
Edward J. Scott is a six-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning producer who has played a pivotal role in the historic development of the soap opera genre for nearly five decades. Scott is currently supervising producer for The Bold and the Beautiful, the #2-rated daytime drama in the U.S. and the most-watched daily drama in the world, which is nominated for 12 Daytime Emmy Awards this year. Scott began his association with The Bell Family and Bell-Phillip Television Productions when he joined “The Young and The Restless” as an associate producer in 1976. He quickly moved up the ranks and served as the show’s executive producer for decades.
Scott’s legendary 48-year producing partnership and creative collaboration with “The Young and The Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful” creators, the late William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell, and their son, Bradley P. Bell, has helped create the two most popular daily American television series. Today, both daytime dramas are syndicated internationally. Before joining “B&B” Scott was executive producer for the NBC daytime drama “Days of Our Lives.” Born and raised in Santa Monica, California, Scott earned a B.A from California State University at Northridge with a double major of anthropology and broadcasting journalism. He has been married since 1985 to actress and author Melody Thomas Scott. The couple have three daughters and five grandchildren.
So, excited to hear Y&R’s Melody Thomas Scott and longtime daytime soap opera producer, Edward J. Scott are receiving this year’s Lifetime Achievement Honors at this years 51st Annual Daytime Emmys? Comment below.
‘Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit For Stand Up To Cancer’ Live Virtual Event Announced; Featuring Soap Opera Notables and Moving Tributes
May 2, 2024
Stand Up to Cancer in collaboration with Alan Locher and Michael Fairman, will come together for a a three-hour livestream benefit, Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story.
Several stars from from daytime drama television past and present are scheduled to participate for an evening of stories of emotional on- and off-screen experiences with cancer, and moving tributes to beloved daytime favorites who lost their battle plus musical performances.
Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story, streams live on Thursday, May 16, from 8 to 11 p.m. ET/5 to 8 pm PT simultaneously on StandUpToCancer.org and YouTube channels The Locher Room and Michael Fairman Channel.
Photos: CBS and JPI
Tune-in for cancer survivorship stories with General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison and The Young and the Restless’ Colleen Zenk, who will reflect on the impact of publicly sharing their diagnoses; 2024 Daytime Emmy nominee Eric Braeden, who shares his cancer journey as well his memories of beloved The Young and the Restless co-star Meg Bennett, who passed from cancer April 11; and more.
Moving tributes to soap stars who’ve lost their cancer battles, including: Daytime icon Jackie Zeman, who played nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital for 45 years, shared by daughters Cassidy MacLeod and Lacey Gorden, a tribute to Elizabeth Hubbard who played the iconic Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns and Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, as shared by her on-screen daughter Martha Byrne and real-life son Jeremy Bennett, two-time Emmy Award-winner Jerry verDorn (Guiding LightOne Life to Live), shared by widow Beth verDorn and his on-screen wife on Guiding Light, friend and co-star Liz Keife, the iconic Andrea Evans, who played Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live, shared by her husband Stephen G. Rodriguez and daughter Kylie Rodriguez and Kamar de los Reyes shared by his One Life to Live co-stars Michael Easton(General Hospital)Trevor St. John (The Young and the Restless).
Photo: MEastonFacebook
Poignant reflections from actors who have portrayed breast cancer survivors, including Sharon Case and Eileen Davidson from The Young and the Restless; Erika Slezak from One Life to Live; Tina Sloan and Kim Zimmer from Guiding Light and more.
Additional talent slated to participate in the virtual benefit include (*subject to change): Eddie and Kristen Alderson (One Life to Live); Elia Cantu (Days of Our Lives); The Day Players, Featuring Days of OurLives castmates Carson Boatman, Brandon Barash, Wally Kurth (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee), Eric Martsolf (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee); Kassie DePaiva (One Life to Live); Don Diamont (The Bold and the Beautiful); Linsey Godfrey (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, Days of Our Lives); Leo Howard (Days of Our Lives); LesliKay (The Bold and the Beautiful); Eden McCoy (General Hospital); Kin Shriner (GeneralHospital); Michelle Stafford (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, The Young and the Restless).
Courtesy/LaceyGorden
“Daytime television invites viewers into the private lives of characters, often bringing important issues like cancer screenings into living rooms and around water coolers. Soaps debuted the first cancer storyline in 1962 – years before the topic was discussed in the mainstream, and it left an indelible impact: a whole generation of women who scheduled a potentially life-saving Pap smear for the first time,” said Daytime Stands Up host Alan Locher. “For so many viewers, this brought the issue front and center,” added co-host Michael Fairman. “Today, it’s become almost impossible to avoid; but there is hope with cancer research, thanks to organizations like Stand Up To Cancer.”
SU2C Co-Founder Sue Schwartz, SU2C President and CEO Julian Adams, Ph.D., and SU2C Health Equity Committee Member Elizabeth Jaffee, M.D., will also participate to speak to the importance of early detection, exciting scientific breakthroughs, and the ongoing work yet to be done to make screenings and treatment equitable for all.
“This year, an estimated 2 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer, presenting an opportunity for the public to stand with us and rise to the occasion,” said Adams. “We’re thankful to Alan Locher, Michael Fairman and our friends from the daytime television community, who will raise critical funding to honor those we’ve lost – and to propel new scientific breakthroughs for current and future patients. Everyone has a story, and we’re grateful to all of you for sharing yours.”
For over 15 years, SU2C has leveraged its relationship with the entertainment community – which includes more than 1,100 celebrity ambassadors – to generate public donations, increase awareness and fund cutting-edge cancer research. SU2C research has contributed to the development of more than 10 scientific breakthroughs that have significantly impacted the field and provided new treatment options for breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, pancreatic, pediatric and prostate cancers.
Photo: SUTC
In support of the event, SU2C will also be launching a 10-day eBay silent auction, from May 16 through 26, for fans to bid on items, including a meet-and-greet experience with the cast of NBC’s Days of Our Lives; an autographed script from the cast of Young and Restless and signed merchandise from the Bold and Beautiful cast; a 1:1 video call with General Hospital’s Cynthia Watros, Maura West and Laura Wright, and with daytime legends Robert Newman, Vincent Irizarry, Colleen Zenk, and more. Full details will be shared the evening of May 16, on Stand Up To Cancer’s website.
Are you looking forward to this very special one-night only virtual event to help benefit cancer research and shed light on the stories, performances and lives of the people we love and have loved in daytime TV? Comment below.
