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 blackening the reputation of the King of Pop, who died 10 years ago, aged 50.
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.
The fan clubs are asking for one euro each in symbolic damages.
A court in the French city of Orleans held a hearing Thursday.
A lawyer represented Mr Robson and Mr Safechuck, who in the documentary described years of alleged sexual abuse when they were boys and teens.
Jackson was acquitted on charges of molesting a different boy in 2005, and his family has denied the accusations made in the documentary.
However, the programme has led to a backlash against the star's legacy.
Jackson's estate sent a letter supporting the lawsuit.
