Michael Jackson’s legacy continues to be clouded by controversy as his two longtime accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, persist in their legal battles against the late pop icon. However, one man who stood by Jackson for years, his former bodyguard Jimmy Van Norman, has come forward with strong words against the duo.
According to Van Norman, Robson and Safechuck are nothing more than opportunists trying to cash in on false accusations.
Van Norman, who worked as Jackson’s personal security detail for a decade, did not mince words when he addressed the claims made by Robson and Safechuck. In an exclusive interview, he dismissed their allegations as a desperate attempt to gain sympathy and financial compensation. “They are full of s**t,” he said bluntly. “They’re just looking to make a quick buck.”
The bodyguard’s statements come ahead of the release of Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson, a follow-up to the controversial 2019 documentary that reignited public debate over Jackson’s past. The new film, set to premiere on Real Stories YouTube, aims to continue the narrative of Robson and Safechuck, focusing on their ongoing legal battles against MJJ Productions, Jackson’s company.
Despite the documentary’s attempt to reinforce the men’s claims, Van Norman remains steadfast in his belief that the accusations are baseless. He insists that, during his years of service, he never witnessed any inappropriate behavior between Jackson and the children who visited Neverland Ranch in the late 1980s and 1990s.
“If I ever thought anything untoward was going on with children, I would’ve freaking killed him myself,” Van Norman declared. “No doubt about that. I was never going to put up with that. And other guys that worked there, too, would have done the same thing.”
His words highlight the frustration felt by many of Jackson’s defenders, who believe that the singer has been unfairly targeted, even years after his passing. To them, the resurfacing of abuse allegations is nothing more than a calculated move to extract money from the late artist’s estate.
The legal battle between Robson, Safechuck, and Jackson’s estate has been ongoing for decades. Their cases against MJJ Productions have been repeatedly dismissed in court, only to be reinstated later.
This legal back-and-forth has fueled skepticism from critics, who argue that the two men are manipulating the system to keep their claims alive.
Van Norman’s perspective offers an insider’s look at what life was like behind the scenes with Jackson. As someone who was with the popstar nearly every day for ten years, he maintains that there was never any indication of wrongdoing. His firsthand experience directly contradicts the allegations made by Robson and Safechuck, casting further doubt on their stories.
The original Leaving Neverland documentary, directed by Dan Reed, sparked a firestorm of controversy upon its release in 2019. The film featured detailed testimonies from Robson and Safechuck, who alleged that Jackson groomed and sexually abused them for years. However, critics, including Jackson’s family and former associates, were quick to question the credibility of the documentary.
Many pointed out inconsistencies in the accusers’ statements, as well as the fact that both men had previously defended Jackson under oath.
Robson, in particular, testified in Jackson’s defense during the singer’s 2005 trial, stating unequivocally that no abuse had ever occurred. Years later, he reversed his stance, claiming that he had been pressured into lying. This dramatic shift in his narrative has led many to doubt his credibility.
For Van Norman, these inconsistencies are proof that Robson and Safechuck’s claims cannot be trusted. He views their legal battle as nothing more than a ploy to seek financial gain, using Jackson’s name to generate sympathy and profit.
“The timing of all this is suspicious,” Van Norman remarked. “Michael’s been gone for years, yet they keep coming back. Why? Because they know there’s money to be made.”
Indeed, the allegations against Jackson have continued to generate media attention long after his death in 2009. Despite being acquitted of all charges during his lifetime, his estate has faced relentless legal challenges from accusers seeking compensation.
Supporters of Jackson argue that the singer has become an easy target, unable to defend himself against the accusations. They believe that the continued pursuit of these claims is an exploitation of Jackson’s legacy, rather than a pursuit of justice.
Van Norman’s unwavering defense of Jackson adds another layer to the debate, reinforcing the belief that the popstar was the victim of opportunists seeking to capitalize on his fame. While Leaving Neverland 2 may attempt to strengthen the accusations against Jackson, those who knew him personally, like Van Norman, continue to push back against what they see as a baseless attack on the King of Pop’s name.
As the documentary premieres and the legal battle drags on, one thing remains clear—Michael Jackson’s legacy will continue to be fiercely defended by those who stood by him during his lifetime.