Myth: James Safechuck Lied about Going to Euro Disneyland in 1988

April 25, 2020

One of the myths circulating around James Safechuck’s allegations against Michael Jackson is the claim that he stated he was with Jackson at Euro Disney in 1988—a year before the park opened its doors. Jackson apologists often cite it as evidence that James's accusations are fabricated. However, this assertion is fundamentally misleading and warrants closer examination.

The Facts

James Safechuck has never claimed to have been with Michael Jackson at Euro Disney, either in the documentary Leaving Neverland or in the legal documents associated with his civil suit. What he actually recounts is a visit to Disney World in Florida, which opened its doors in 1971. This park was very much operational in 1988, the year in which James and his parents accompanied Jackson on this trip. 

In or about 1988, DECEDENT invited Plaintiff to meet him in Pensacola, Florida, where DECEDENT and his band were rehearsing. DECEDENT and DOES 2 and 3 arranged for Plaintiff and his parents to travel to Florida, and stay in one of the houses that DECEDENT and DOES 2 and 3 had rented there. Plaintiff stayed with DECEDENT in one house, and Plaintiff's parents stayed in one of the other houses. This was the first time that Plaintiff stayed with DECEDENT on a trip. DECEDENT also took Plaintiff and his parents for a side visit to Disney World.

Source: MJFacts.com

Where Does the Confusion Come from?

The confusion seems to stem from the blog “MJ and Boys” who mistakenly labelled a photograph of James and Michael Jackson, stating that they were at Euro Disney—also known as Disneyland Paris. This park, however, did not open until 1992. An aggressive Michael Jackson fan seized on the discrepancy, and called James and the blog owner liars. Following this, the administrator of the blog promptly corrected the caption, acknowledging the oversight.

In summary, the assertion that James Safechuck stated that he was with Michael Jackson at Euro Disney in 1988 is false. His accounts speak specifically of a visit to Disney World in Florida, a park operational well before Euro Disney's opening. This is a prime example, how the smallest, most insignificant details can become a weapon of misinformation for the Michael Jackson fan community.