Debunking the Euro Disney Myth: What James Safechuck Really Said

April 25, 2020

One of the more baffling misconceptions surrounding James Safechuck’s claims against Michael Jackson is the ongoing rumour that he supposedly said he visited Euro Disney with the pop star in 1988. The issue? Euro Disney—now known as Disneyland Paris—didn’t open its doors until 1992, four years after the alleged trip. This apparent timeline conflict is often highlighted by Jackson supporters as supposed “proof” that Safechuck’s testimony is inaccurate or intentionally misleading.

At first glance, this argument might seem convincing—it appears to reveal a major flaw in James’s account. However, once the facts are closely inspected and placed within the correct historical framework, the claim rapidly falls apart. Not only is the rumour demonstrably false, but it also illustrates a broader concern: how misinformation can be spread and used manipulatively when context and reliable sources are overlooked.

What Did James Actually Say?

Despite what many online discussions suggest, James Safechuck never stated—neither in Leaving Neverland nor in any official legal documents—that he went to Euro Disney in 1988. His real testimony is quite specific: the trip he refers to was to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, which has been open since 1971. 

Here’s a direct quote from his official legal complaint, describing events from that time:

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

This passage highlights several important details:

• The visit clearly took place at Walt Disney World in Florida—not Euro Disney in France.
• Safechuck stayed in the same house as Jackson, while his parents stayed elsewhere—a key turning point in their relationship.
• The trip coincided with Jackson’s rehearsal sessions in Pensacola and was planned and funded by his team.

There’s absolutely no mention of a European theme park, making the rumour particularly misleading.

How Did the Euro Disney Rumour Even Start?

This false narrative can be traced back to an honest mistake on a blog titled MJ and Boys, which critically examines Jackson’s relationships with young boys. The blog published a photograph showing Jackson with Safechuck, and mistakenly labelled it as having been taken at Euro Disney.

Spotting what seemed like a contradiction, an especially vocal Jackson supporter accused both Safechuck and the blog of dishonesty. The accusation spread quickly across social media, framed as supposed confirmation that the timeline didn’t add up. However, the problem originated solely from the blog’s caption—not from anything James ever claimed. Once the blog author was informed, they promptly corrected the caption and acknowledged the error.

While the mix-up may seem minor, the way in which it was exploited reveals a concerning pattern. Jackson’s defenders often scour public records and media for any hint of inconsistency—no matter how trivial or external—to undermine the credibility of abuse allegations. In this case, a simple caption error unrelated to James’s actual words was inflated and weaponised to cast doubt on his entire story.

In conclusion, the rumour that James Safechuck claimed to have gone to Euro Disney in 1988 is categorically false. His testimony specifically refers to Walt Disney World in Florida—a well-established park that fits neatly within the timeline and is supported by legal documentation. The mix-up originated from a blog caption error, which was quickly corrected once identified. Nonetheless, the persistence of this myth shows how easily misinformation can be amplified and used to distort serious conversations.