At a Glance
- Four siblings who accuse Michael Jackson of childhood abuse lost their bid to sue his estate on January 14
- A 2020 confidential settlement likely bars the Cascio family from public litigation
- The estate’s lawyer claims the family demanded $213 million in an extortion attempt
- Why it matters: The ruling could stop other alleged victims from pursuing public court cases against the late pop star’s estate
Four siblings who once defended Michael Jackson against abuse allegations appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on January 14, trying to void a 2020 settlement so they could sue his estate for alleged childhood molestation. A judge signaled the prior agreement will likely block their lawsuit.
The Cascio siblings-Frank, Aldo, Marie-Nicole and Dominic-traveled from the East Coast with their parents for the hearing. Eddie Cascio, the fifth sibling, did not attend.
Longtime Defenders Turn Accusers
For decades the Cascios publicly supported Jackson. They spent extensive time with him at Neverland Ranch and on tour. After the 2019 release of the Leaving Neverland documentary, they reversed course and alleged grooming, manipulation and sexual abuse by the singer.
Their lawyer, Mark Geragos, filed court documents days before the hearing calling the 2020 settlement “unlawful” and “unenforceable” because it was designed to conceal abuse. Geragos argued the family felt coerced into signing.
Estate Demands Confidential Arbitration
Marty Singer, representing the Jackson estate, petitioned the court to force the siblings into private arbitration under the terms of the 2020 deal. He told the courtroom the Cascios had already accepted money once and then returned seeking more.
“We categorically dispute these claims,” Singer said, according to Rolling Stone. “The reason this case is going forward is because there was an extortion demand of $213 million last summer.”
Singer alleged the family’s current lawsuit would violate the confidentiality clause in the original agreement.
Judge Signals Arbitration Likely
In a tentative ruling before the hearing, the judge indicated the court was prepared to compel arbitration, keeping the dispute out of public court. Geragos voiced strong disagreement from the counsel table.
“I feel passionately that the tentative ruling is wrong on the law,” Geragos said.
The judge took the matter under submission and set a follow-up hearing for March 5.
Tears and Accusations in Court
During the proceedings, one sibling was seen crying, according to reports from Rolling Stone and TMZ. After the hearing, Geragos issued a statement to USA Today criticizing the estate’s representatives.
“The family traveled to court to see for themselves Mr. Singer and Mr. Branca on behalf of the estate call them liars just five years after Mr. Branca paid the Cascio family in a secret deal because he believed they were truth tellers,” Geragos said.
Dueling Claims of Extortion and Fabrication
Howard King, another lawyer for the Cascios, told TMZ he possesses 10 hours of sworn video testimony from the siblings detailing “horrific abuse.” King claimed Singer has viewed portions of the footage.
Singer fired back, calling King’s statement “a complete fabrication.”
“I never made any of the statements that he claims were made,” Singer told USA Today. He added that his co-counsel, Jonathan Steinsapir, would confirm King’s allegation is false.
Singer reiterated that King’s client, Frank Cascio, is under investigation for extortion related to the $213 million demand.
Key Takeaways
- The 2020 settlement likely ends the Cascios’ chance for a public trial
- Confidential arbitration would keep evidence and testimony private
- The estate labels the lawsuit an extortion attempt; the family claims coercion
- A final decision on arbitration arrives March 5
