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Michael Jackson fan clubs sue ‘Leaving Neverland’ subjects for harming his reputation

Click to play video: 'Alleged abuse victims of Michael Jackson sued by French fans for accusations of defamation'
Alleged abuse victims of Michael Jackson sued by French fans for accusations of defamation
The two men who alleged Michael Jackson sexually abused them as children were taken to court in France on Thursday, though they did not appear in the courtroom, over French fans' own allegations that they defamed the pop star – Jul 4, 2019

Three Michael Jackson fan clubs in France are suing two men who accused the singer of sexual abuse in the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland.

The lawsuit accuses Wade Robson and James Safechuck of unfairly harming the reputation of the King of Pop, who died 10 years ago.

WATCH: June 25 – Michael Jackson fans remember late singer 10 years after his death

Click to play video: 'Michael Jackson fans remember late singer 10 years after his death'
Michael Jackson fans remember late singer 10 years after his death

A lawyer for the fan clubs, Emmanuel Ludot, said he is seeking conviction under a French law against the public denunciation of a dead person.

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The fan clubs are asking for one euro each in symbolic damages.

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READ MORE: HBO counters $100M ‘Leaving Neverland’ lawsuit filed by Michael Jackson Estate

A court in the French city of Orleans held a hearing Thursday. A lawyer represented Robson and Safechuck, who in the documentary described years of alleged sexual abuse when they were boys and teens.

Jackson’s estate denies the allegations and sent a letter supporting the lawsuit.

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