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.
‘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.
Haley Pullos Receives 90-Day Jail Sentence Following DUI Charge And Wrong-Way Car Crash
April 29, 2024
Former General Hospital actress, Haley Pullos (ex-Molly Lansing-Davis) is going to be doing time in jail, exactly one-year after her arrest from a hit and run wrong-way car collision.
The crash resulted in bodily harm and damages to the other driver, and now Pullos who pleaded “no contest” to the charges and will serve 90 days in jail. She was taken in custody on Monday, April 29th, after the ruling.
According to Haley’s attorney, Mark Daniel Melnick, the 25-year-old actress struck a plea deal and after her three months in jail will be sentenced on July 29th. As part of that sentencing, she must serve five years probation, 200 hours of community service and pay $8,260 in restitution to Courteney Wilder, the other driver in the crash and her driver’s license is revoked for a year.
Courtesy/ABC
According to TMZ, the plea deal for Pullos has the “no contest” to one DUI, while the judge dropped the felony DUI causing bodily injury and misdemeanor hit and run charges.
Melnick said in a statement to PEOPLE, “Haley is very grateful to the court for a minimum sentence and for recognizing her remorse and the strides she has made in her sobriety.”
Pullos had played the daughter of Alexis Davis (played by Nancy Lee Grahn) on the ABC soap opera since 2009, but after her car crash and DUI she was replaced by three different actresses until the show finally settled on the current Molly, Kristen Vaganos.
Photo: Pasadena PD
Back in April 29 of 2023, and at the scene of the crash, the police found edibles and mini-bottles of tequila in Pullos’ vehicle and that she was intoxicated. As it turned out, this was to be the second hit and run in the evening for Pullos who had an earlier collision with another car.
The courts decision follows a year-long legal battle with Haley’s pleas changing throughout it, ranging from “not guilty” to “no contest”. She sought treatment for her drinking at a rehab following the crash.
Nancy Lee Grahn, who portrayed Pullos’ on-screen mom took to X on Monday night, April 29th and shared on the sentence and the specific jail, Haley will be serving time: “As Haley’s TV mom I can tell some truths about her as I’ve loved her since she was little girl. She made a HUGE mistake, knows it, owns it & has spent the last yr doing EVERYTHING imaginable to take responsibility 4 it. It’s not that I oppose jail. It’s that I oppose this jail.” The jail in question by Grahn is the L.A. county jail.
So, what do you think about Haley Pullos serving a 90-days jail sentence, and the other rulings that will be part of her sentencing? Comment below.
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
April 26, 2024
Marla Adams, best known for portraying matriarch, Dina Abbott Mergeron on CBS’ The Young and the Restless for 37 years, died on April 25, 2024, in Los Angeles. The news came from Y&R’s Director of Media and Talent, Matt Kane.
Throughout her veteran soap opera career, Marla appeared had appeared on Secret Storm (in her other longest running soap role as Bell Clemens from 1988-1974), The Bold and the Beautiful (ex-Beth Logan), Days of our Lives (ex-Dr. Claire McIntyre), Generations (ex- Helen Mullin), General Hospital (ex-Mildred Deal) and Capitol (ex-Myrna Clegg).
However, it was her role as Y&R’s upper crust Dina, who abandoned her children and her marriage to John Abbott (the late Jerry Douglas) that was her most memorable role. Throughout the years, Dina would have several romantic reunions with John, but in 2017, the character returned to Genoa City to reunite with her estranged family. Dina was the on-screen mother to Ashley Abbott (Eileen Davidson), Traci Abbott (Beth Maitland) and Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman).
Photo: JPI
As for Adams, she joined Y&R in 1982, but left the soap three years later her contract expired. She returned to Genoa City for stints in 1991, 1996 and 2008 before being asked by then Y&R head writer-producer Sally Sussman to return in 2017, which would begin the top-rated daytime drama telling the story of Alzheimer’s disease. Through Dina, the show shed light on a person going through the perils of the illness, and how the family copes and tries to come to terms with its fate.
In fact, Marla took home the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series in 2021 for her work in the storyline, She had previously been nominated in 2018.
Photo:JPI
Speaking with Michael Fairman TV, Marla shared on her final scenes on Y&R when Dina passed away and was reunited with John Abbott, “It was heart-wrenching for me. In the story, Dina died when she went outside and to the front door of the Abbott home. They did not tell me before-hand, and that’s why it was so wonderful. I hope they came in for a closeup of that because I had no makeup on, it was beautiful, and then, Dina said, “Oh, John.” I’ve done everything from movies, to daytime, to nighttime, to Broadway, but that was the iconic moment for me, to do this gig with wonderful, wonderful actors and friends, and to do this particular storyline.
Born in Ocean City, New Jersey, on August 28, 1938, Adams’ love for the stage was ignited after winning the Miss Ocean City and Miss Cape May pageants and finishing as a runner-up in the Miss New Jersey pageant. She also fondly remembered being the Miss Diamond Jubilee Queen during the 1954 celebration of the 75th anniversary of Ocean City’s founding. A student at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Adams appeared on Broadway in the 1958 production of The Visit at the Morosco Theatre with Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne and starred as June in the 1961 feature film, Splendor in the Grass
Over the span of her decades long career, Adams starred in more than 40 productions including television’s: The Golden Girls, Hart to Hart, The Love Boat, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, Harry O, Adam-12, Starsky and Hutch, Marcus Welby, M.D., Barnaby Jones, and the feature film, Beneath the Leaves.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Y&R’s current head writer and executive producer, Josh Griffith expressed, “On behalf of the entire company of The Young and the Restless, we send our deepest sympathies to Marla’s family. We’re so grateful and in awe of Marla’s incredible performance as Dina Mergeron as both Marla and Dina made an unforgettable mark on Y&R.
Marla is survived by her daughter, Pam Oates, son, Gunnar Garat, grandchildren, Gefjon and Stone, and her great-grandson, Remi.
Photo: JPI
Michael Fairman TV sends our condolences to Adam’s family, friends and co-stars. Now below, share your remembrances of Marla Adams, and watch a few of our interview with Marla from the set of Y&R during the show’s 45th anniversary celebration and on the red carpet at the Daytime Emmys below.
