Michael Jackson Estate Faces 'Sex Trafficking' Lawsuit from Former Family Friends
In a dramatic legal development, the estate of the late pop icon Michael Jackson is being sued for 'sex trafficking' by former family friends who once served as his staunchest defenders. Siblings Frank, Dominic, Marie-Nicole, and Aldo Cascio have filed a new complaint in federal court in Los Angeles, alleging they were 'groomed and brainwashed' by Jackson over a prolonged period.
Allegations of a Decade-Long Campaign of Abuse
The 23-page lawsuit, obtained by Rolling Stone, describes Jackson as a 'serial child predator' who allegedly drugged, raped, and sexually assaulted each of the plaintiffs, with some incidents beginning when they were as young as seven or eight years old. The document claims the abuse occurred across multiple locations worldwide, including the Cascio family home, Jackson's Neverland Ranch, and various international sites linked to his music tours.
According to the filing, Jackson used his immense fame and wealth to gain the trust of the Cascio family, showering them with expensive gifts and sustained attention. He then allegedly isolated the children from responsible adults, plied them with drugs and alcohol, exposed them to pornography, and abused them individually. The lawsuit specifically details assaults on Edward during interstate and international travel, including trips to the United Kingdom, while Dominic, Aldo, and Marie-Nicole were allegedly assaulted at Neverland Ranch and other global locations.
Attempt to Void Prior Settlement and Legal Context
The Cascio siblings are seeking to void a prior financial settlement with Jackson's estate, which they describe as 'an unlawful agreement to silence victims of childhood sexual abuse.' This move marks a significant shift for the family, who previously defended Jackson during his infamous 2005 trial, where he was exonerated of charges related to allegations from a boy named Gavin Arvizo. Jackson died in 2009 from an overdose of a prescription anaesthetic.
The lawsuit cites the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, which explored claims of abuse by Wade Robson and James Safechuck, as inspiration for the Cascios to come forward with their own experiences. This adds to a growing body of posthumous allegations against Jackson, challenging his legacy and prompting renewed scrutiny of his conduct.
Supporting Testimonies and Broader Implications
Adding weight to the allegations, Vincent Amen, Jackson's former public relations agent from the early 2000s, recently stated in the Channel 4 documentary Michael Jackson: The Trial that he believes Jackson was 'guilty of child abuse and molestation.' Amen revealed that while preparing for Jackson's trial, he discovered a 'naturist magazine' with advertisements for videos of 'naked kids' marked for order, leading him to alert prosecutors. Although not called to testify, Amen emphasized he has no regrets about coming forward, stating, 'Where there's smoke, there is fire.'
This lawsuit could have profound implications for Jackson's estate, potentially affecting its financial stability and public perception. It also highlights ongoing legal battles surrounding historical abuse claims in the entertainment industry, raising questions about accountability and victim support. As the case progresses, it is expected to draw significant media attention and public debate over the complexities of fame, power, and justice.
