Michael Jackson estate lawyer: New molestation claim is ‘pathetic’

A lawyer for the Michael Jackson estate is blasting a choreographer’s claim that he was molested by the pop star, noting the young man has stated repeatedly in the past that nothing occurred.

Attorneys for Wade Robson, who knew Jackson and stayed at the singer’s Neverland Ranch as a teenager, have asked a Los Angeles judge to allow him to make a late claim as a creditor in Jackson’s estate.

Most of the specifics are under seal, but documents filed May 1 that are publicly available say Robson’s claim to money stems from “childhood sexual abuse.” The documents cite sealed evidence from a mental health practitioner.

PHOTOS: Michael Jackson | 1958-2009

Howard Weitzman, an attorney for the Jackson estate, said, “Mr. Robson’s claim is outrageous and pathetic. 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,” he continued. “We are confident that the court will see this for what it is.”

Robson testified in Jackson’s 2005 molestation trial, in which he said that while he stayed at the Neverland Ranch numerous times and slept in the singer’s bed, he was never molested.

“Absolutely not,” he said.

A housekeeper had testified that she saw Jackson showering with a boy she believed to be Robson, who as an adult went on to choreograph for Britney Spears. Robson denied showering with Jackson and said he and the singer played together like children.

In response to the suggestion that Jackson may have molested him, Robson said, “I think it’s ridiculous.”

When Robson took the witness stand for Jackson’s defense, the singer gave him the thumbs up. Jackson was ultimately found not guilty of multiple counts of abusing a 13-year-old cancer survivor.

The singer’s criminal defense attorney told CNN this week the new allegations were “absurd.”

“He was one of the strongest witnesses for the defense at Michael Jackson’s criminal trial in 2005,” Tom Mesereau said of Robson. “He was adamant under oath that he had never been molested at any time.”

Jackson died four years ago at age 50, becoming the the only person in Los Angeles County not in the medical field to die of propofol intoxication in their home in the last 14 years.

Since his death, his estate’s net worth has soared as allegations of molestation have faded.

Jackson’s mother and three children have sued “This Is It” concert promoter AEG, saying the entertainment giant negligently hired and supervised Dr. Conrad Murray, who gave the singer the fatal dose of propofol. That suit is currently at trial.

ALSO:

Jackson believed God was talking to him, producer testifies

Jackson’s weight, absences were of concern, producer testifies

Concert producer feared Michael Jackson was dying, she testifies

Twitter: @lacrimes| Google+

richard.winton@latimes.com