Los Angeles – The estate of Michael Jackson is facing a new lawsuit alleging child sex trafficking, filed February 27th in California federal court by four siblings who claim they were abused by the late singer in the 1990s. The lawsuit details allegations of systematic abuse, drugging, and manipulation, adding another layer to the complex and controversial legacy of the pop icon. This case centers on claims of abuse spanning over a decade, and raises serious questions about the conduct facilitated by Jackson’s inner circle.
Edward, Dominic, and Aldo Cascio, along with their sister Marie-Nicole Porte, allege that Jackson and his employees facilitated and concealed years of abuse. The plaintiffs, formerly close friends of the Jackson family, claim Jackson “groomed and brainwashed” them, beginning when some were as young as seven or eight years classic. The lawsuit seeks monetary compensation and a legal determination to void a prior agreement the siblings signed, which they claim silenced them regarding the alleged abuse.
According to the lawsuit, Jackson was a “serial child predator” who allegedly drugged, raped, and sexually assaulted each of the plaintiffs. The allegations extend to claims that Jackson used his wealth and celebrity status to isolate the children from responsible adults, exposing them to harmful materials and creating an environment of fear and control. The siblings allege that Jackson’s actions continued until shortly before his death in 2009.
The legal battle unfolds as the estate attempts to navigate a series of accusations and legal challenges related to Jackson’s past. Attorney Marty Singer, representing the Jackson estate, dismissed the lawsuit as a “desperate money grab” by individuals who previously defended Jackson, characterizing it as a scheme to obtain “hundreds of millions of dollars” from the estate. Singer further stated the plaintiffs are seeking a “multi-million-dollar payday” after previously contradicting their current claims.
Allegations of Coercion and Prior Settlements
The lawsuit alleges that in 2019, the Jackson estate offered the Cascio family payments totaling approximately $690,000 annually for five years, minus a 6% commission, in exchange for signing an “acquisition and consulting agreement.” This offer reportedly came after the release of the HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland”, which featured allegations of abuse by Jackson. The siblings claim they were pressured into signing the agreement, believing it was a “life rights” agreement, when it actually released the estate from liability for Jackson’s alleged crimes.
Prior to this lawsuit, the Cascio family had publicly defended Jackson for over 25 years. Singer claims the family previously “threatened to make accusations” following the release of “Leaving Neverland,” leading the estate to “reluctantly” pay each sibling $2.8 million over five years to protect Jackson’s legacy and future projects. The estate alleges this was done to safeguard projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars to Jackson’s beneficiaries.
Details of the Alleged Abuse
The lawsuit details how the Cascio family’s relationship with Jackson began through their father, who worked at a luxury hotel frequented by the singer. Jackson allegedly spent holidays with the family and stayed in their home, using gifts and attention to gain their trust. He then allegedly isolated the children, exposing them to alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, and prescription medications like Xanax, Vicodin, and Viagra, according to the court filing. The siblings also claim Jackson lavished them with exclusive experiences, including trips on his Dangerous and HIStory world tours.
In July 2025, representatives for Jackson’s estate filed a petition to compel arbitration, including Frank Cascio, who authored the 2011 memoir “My Friend Michael,” and who has been accused of extortion by the estate. The Cascios contested the arbitration agreement, arguing it cannot be enforced. The case is currently proceeding in federal court, with a hearing scheduled for March 5, according to Rolling Stone.
The plaintiffs allege that Jackson’s “brainwashing” prevented them from seeking help for years, even after his death. Their attorney, Howard King, stated the siblings hope their lawsuit will encourage other victims and enablers to arrive forward. “Ignoring threats from the Michael Jackson Estate of financial ruin and faced with the Estate’s false public accusations of extortion and lying, the Cascios have elected to remain silent no longer,” King said in a statement.
This lawsuit represents the latest legal challenge to the Jackson estate, which has faced numerous allegations of misconduct following the singer’s death in 2009. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the estate’s financial future and Jackson’s enduring legacy.
The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the allegations remain unproven in court. Further developments are expected as the case progresses, potentially shedding more light on the claims and the estate’s response. Readers seeking support can contact RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or via chat.
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