Michael Jackson’s estate is facing serious allegations of child sex trafficking in a lawsuit filed by the Cascio siblings. Edward, Dominic, Marie-Nicole, and Aldo Cascio claim that the late pop icon “groomed and brainwashed” them during their childhood. The legal complaint, which has been reviewed by PEOPLE, alleges that the siblings met Jackson through their father, who worked at a luxury hotel frequented by the singer.
According to the lawsuit, Jackson allegedly provided the siblings with drugs and alcohol, exposed them to pornography, and subjected them to abuse. The complaint states: “Michael Jackson was a serial child predator who, over the course of more than a decade, drugged, raped and sexually assaulted each of the plaintiffs, beginning when some were as young as seven or eight.”
The allegations claim that this abuse took place over extended periods and in various locations worldwide, including during visits when Jackson and his children stayed at the Cascio family home.
Estate’s Denial and Legal Response
Attorney Marty Singer, representing the Jackson estate, categorically denied the allegations. In a statement to PEOPLE, he described the lawsuit as “a desperate money grab” by the Cascio family. Singer emphasized that the family had defended Jackson for over 25 years and had previously claimed he never harmed anyone.
He stated, “This new court filing is a transparent forum-shopping tactic in their scheme to obtain hundreds of millions of dollars from Michael’s estate and companies.” Singer also pointed out that previous statements by the Cascios, including those made in interviews and in Frank Cascio’s 2011 book, contradict the current allegations.
The attorney claimed that the Cascios threatened to go public with “heinous accusations” unless the estate paid them large sums of money.
Background on Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, known as the King of Pop, died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50 from acute propofol intoxication. His personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for administering the fatal dose of medication to treat Jackson’s insomnia. Murray served two years of a four-year prison sentence.
The ongoing legal battle reflects the complex legacy of Jackson, whose life and career have been marred by numerous allegations of abuse. As the estate continues to navigate these claims, many observers are closely monitoring the developments surrounding this high-profile case.
