TRIGGER WARNING: This article includes references to sexual abuse.Michael Jackson’s former family friends, the Cascio siblings, have filed a lawsuit against his estate, accusing the late singer of sexual abuse and sex trafficking. The plaintiffs allege the abuse began when some of them were as young as seven or eight years old and continued for nearly a decade. They are suing The Michael Jackson Company and others, claiming they were “drugged, raped, and sexually assaulted.”
Michael Jackson estate lawsuit over sex trafficking claims
According to TMZ, Edward Cascio, Dominic Cascio, Marie Porte, and Aldo Cascio accuse Jackson of sex trafficking children by force, fraud, or coercion. The lawsuit claims he used gifts, access to his celebrity lifestyle, and declarations of love to gain their trust. The siblings allege he then isolated them from one another and their families before abusing them.The complaint lists alleged incidents during “interstate and international trips” to Switzerland, Florida, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Edward Cascio claims he was abused in Elizabeth Taylor’s Switzerland home and Elton John’s United Kingdom home.The siblings also allege Jackson normalized the abuse by showing them “pornography and pictures of unclothed children,” which they say he referred to as “sweet.” They further claim he was often under the influence of drugs such as Xanax, Vicodin, and other prescription medications.
Estate denies allegations, calls lawsuit a money grab
Attorney Marty Singer, who represents the estate, strongly denied the claims in a statement to TMZ. He said, “This lawsuit is a desperate money grab by additional members of the Cascio family who have hopped on the bandwagon with their brother Frank, who is already being sued in arbitration for civil extortion.”Singer added, “The family staunchly defended Michael Jackson for more than 25 years, attesting to his innocence of inappropriate conduct. 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.”He continued, “Statements by the Cascios, including those appearing in dozens of passages throughout Frank Cascio’s 2011 book, as well as in interviews with Oprah Winfrey and others, directly contradict what is being alleged now. Throughout, the Cascios consistently and repeatedly asserted that Michael never harmed any of them or anyone else.”The siblings say they previously received $690,000 per year for five years after watching the documentary ‘Leaving Neverland,’ but now believe that amount was inadequate. Their attorney, Howard King, told TMZ his clients deserve $200 million.DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, assault, or abuse, please seek immediate help. Reach out to a mental health specialist, NGO, or trusted individual. Several helplines are available to offer assistance.