Siblings Allege Sexual Abuse by Michael Jackson in Lawsuit Against His Estate
Allegations of Abuse Surface
Four siblings, once considered part of Michael Jackson's close-knit circle, have initiated legal action against the estate of the late pop icon, claiming he sexually abused them during their childhood. The plaintiffs—Eddie Joseph Cascio, Dominic Savini Cascio, Marie-Nicole Porte, and Aldo Cascio—assert that Jackson groomed them over several years, drugged them, and assaulted them, with some incidents reportedly starting when they were as young as seven or eight years old. They allege that the abuse took place at Neverland Ranch, during various trips, and at different concert venues.
Background of the Relationship
The Cascio family's close association with Jackson began in the 1980s when their father, Dominic Cascio Sr., worked at a luxury hotel in Manhattan where Jackson frequently stayed. Over time, Jackson became a regular visitor to their New Jersey home, even recording music in their basement and referring to them as his 'second family.' The children spent considerable time with him, including sleepovers and travel.
Public Defense and Subsequent Revelations
In December 2010, the family appeared on Oprah Winfrey's show, publicly defending Jackson against allegations of sexual abuse and portraying their relationship as innocent. However, they now claim that their previous statements were misleading, stating they were groomed to protect Jackson and became his 'soldiers' in defending him against accusations. It was only after viewing the 2019 documentary 'Leaving Neverland' that they began to confront and discuss their own experiences.
Legal Proceedings and Estate's Response
The lawsuit, filed in February 2026 in a Los Angeles federal court, accuses Jackson's entourage of enabling the alleged abuse and claims the estate is guilty of child sex trafficking through coercion and fraud, along with negligence and emotional distress. The estate has vehemently denied these allegations, with representatives labeling the lawsuit as a 'desperate money grab.' They also noted that the Cascio family had previously received a settlement of approximately $16 million from the estate in 2020, following the release of 'Leaving Neverland.'
Current Status of the Case
The estate is seeking to move the case to private arbitration based on prior agreements, and a court has already ruled to send part of the dispute to arbitration. This legal battle comes as a new biopic about Jackson, titled 'Michael,' has recently premiered, reigniting public interest in his complex legacy. Jackson was acquitted of child molestation charges in a 2005 trial, and his estate has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct since his passing in 2009.
The claims from the Cascio siblings add to a growing list of accusations from individuals who once defended Jackson but later shared their own stories. In a recent interview, the family expressed that they had remained silent for years due to loyalty and fear but felt compelled to come forward. The lawsuit represents the latest significant legal challenge for Jackson's estate, which continues to manage his extensive music catalog and image rights while facing multiple claims from alleged victims.
As the case progresses—likely in arbitration—it underscores the ongoing public discourse surrounding Jackson's personal life more than 16 years after his death. The Cascio siblings state their decision to sue stems from years of internal conflict and a desire for accountability, while the estate argues that the accusations are financially motivated and inconsistent with the family's long history of support for Jackson. No trial date has been established, and the case remains active in the legal system.