Four Siblings Sue Michael Jackson Estate, Alleging Childhood Sexual Abuse
On February 27, in Los Angeles, four siblings—Edward, Dominic, Marie-Nicole, and Aldo Cascio—initiated a civil lawsuit against the Michael Jackson Estate, asserting that they were sexually abused by Jackson during their childhood. Their brother, Frank, also alleges abuse but is not part of the lawsuit. The Cascio family had a long-standing relationship with Jackson, spanning over 25 years, due to their father, Dominic, who managed a hotel frequented by the pop star. Although they previously defended him, they now allege manipulation. These claims emerged following the 2019 documentary "Leaving Neverland." In 2020, they reached a settlement with the Estate for $690,000 annually for five years. The Estate's attorney labeled the lawsuit "a desperate attempt to extort money." Jackson had faced similar allegations in 1993 and 2005.
Key facts
- Four Cascio siblings filed a civil lawsuit against the Michael Jackson Estate on February 27 in Los Angeles federal court.
- The siblings allege Michael Jackson sexually abused them when they were minors.
- A fifth brother, Frank Cascio, claims abuse but did not join the suit for legal reasons.
- The Cascio family knew Jackson for over 25 years, meeting through their father's hotel.
- The siblings previously defended Jackson in a 2010 Oprah Winfrey interview and Frank's 2011 book.
- They now say their defenses were lies, claiming Jackson brainwashed them.
- A prior 2020 settlement paid each sibling $690,000 per year for five years.
- The Estate refused a subsequent demand for $213 million in late 2024.
- The biopic 'Michael' grossed $218 million worldwide in its first week.
- Jackson was accused in 1993 (settled for $25 million) and acquitted in 2005.
Entities
Artists
- Michael Jackson
- Antoine Fuqua
- Jason Malachi
- Wade Robson
- James Safechuck
- Jordan Chandler
- Gavin Arvizo
Institutions
- Michael Jackson Estate
- New York Times
- ABC
- Good Morning America
- Sony
- GB News
- MJJ Productions
- MJJ Ventures
- Oprah Winfrey Show
Locations
- Los Angeles
- California
- United States
- Hawthorne
- New Jersey
- Neverland Valley Ranch
- Santa Barbara
- Manhattan
- New York City
- Disneyland Paris
- France
- Tel Aviv
- Israel
- Dan Hotel