The final decade-plus of Michael Jackson's life often found his incredible record as a performer overshadowed by more uncomfortable tidbits, such as the many allegations of inappropriate behavior around children. At least one of those cases has been kept out of court, if not entirely disproven, as Wade Robson's claims were dismissed by a Los Angeles Court (from Billboard).
Judge Michael Beckloff of the Los Angeles Superior Court ruled that Robson had waited too long to file his complaint in court.
That brings up an interesting consideration...should there be a statute of limitations for crimes committed against a minor, who may be less likely to come forward immediately and report them? Perhaps but there's more to Robson's case than just time. For example, the choreographer actually testified in support of Jackson at a 2005 court hearing on similar allegations. He would later wait until 2013 to file a complaint against Jackson, although he claimed that at the time he didn't realize how much the incident would impact him later in life, including nervous breakdowns he allegedly suffered several years ago.
Robson alleges that Jackson had violated him over a seven-year period during his youth. Although Robson testified during 2005 that he had slept over at Neverland, including in Jackson's bedroom, at least 20 times, he disagreed with those who testified that they witnessed the pop star touching the boy inappropriately.
Robson, 32, has had a successful career within the music industry thanks to his dance expertise. He has directed tour choreography for Britney Spears and NSYNC, as well as creating routines for So You Think You Can Dance and hosting his own show, The Wade Robson Project.
According to E! News, Robson will appeal the decision.
