Cascio Siblings Sue Michael Jackson's Estate, Alleging Years of Sexual Abuse
Five siblings, the Cascios, who were close to Michael Jackson, have filed a lawsuit against his estate, alleging sexual abuse that spanned over a decade. They claim they were 'brainwashed' and 'groomed' by the late pop star.
Note: This article contains references to sexual assault that readers may find disturbing
In a recent interview with The New York Times, five siblings who grew up closely connected to Michael Jackson have detailed their decision to sue the late singer's estate for alleged sexual assault. The Cascio siblings, who often referred to themselves as Jackson's "second family," shared their experiences and explained why they remained silent for so long. "We were brainwashed, we were groomed," stated Eddie Cascio. "I felt like he took my manhood away."
The interview, conducted earlier this month, featured Dominic, Eddie, Marie-Nicole, and Aldo Cascio recounting their encounters with Jackson, which purportedly occurred at Jackson's home, during tour stops, and on interstate and international trips. Aldo claims the abuse began at age 7, while he was playing a Game Boy in his bedroom. Marie-Nicole alleges the first assault happened at age 12. Dominic says the abuse started at age 8, during a trip to Euro Disney. A fifth sibling also alleges abuse but cannot join the suit for legal reasons. The Cascio parents declined to be interviewed through a lawyer.
The siblings revealed that watching Leaving Neverland in 2019 helped them recognize similarities between their experiences and those of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who accused Jackson of abuse in the documentary. Some of the Cascio siblings stated that Leaving Neverland “deprogrammed” them, leading them to view their relationships with Jackson as exploitative. "[Jackson] made us feel like he was everything: a friend, father, like every sort of emotional support," Eddie shared.
The Cascio siblings' lawsuit, filed in February, alleges that Jackson abused and sexually trafficked them for over a decade. The suit claims Jackson gave the children alcohol and drugs, using childlike language to describe them. It further alleges that Jackson's employees were complicit and that Jackson stressed the importance of secrecy to the plaintiffs. He allegedly used manipulation tactics, including isolating the siblings, encouraging homeschooling, and taking them on international trips.
Prior to the lawsuit, the Cascio siblings confronted Jackson's estate about the alleged abuse. In 2020, an agreement was reached, granting the siblings approximately $16 million in payments over five years, with the accusations remaining confidential. When the payments ceased in 2025 and the siblings sought additional compensation, negotiations reportedly broke down, leading to the lawsuit and the public interview.
The Cascios' relationship with Jackson began in the 1980s when the singer met the elder Dominic Cascio at the Helmsley Palace in Manhattan. Over time, Jackson visited the Cascio home, brought them to concerts, and hosted them at his Neverland Ranch starting in 1993. Frank noted in his 2011 memoir, My Friend Michael, that the family supported Jackson in the 1990s after he was accused of molestation. Eddie, Frank, and their father even joined Jackson on a press tour in Tel Aviv to show their support.
Jackson's history of abuse allegations dates back to 1993, when Los Angeles police launched an investigation. In September 1993, a family alleged that Jackson had "repeatedly committed sexual battery" on their son. In 2003, Santa Barbara police arrested Jackson on 10 criminal counts. In June 2005, Jackson was acquitted of all criminal charges. He died in 2009. Robson and Safechuck filed their own lawsuits after his death, which are set to go to trial in November.
Debate around Jackson’s public image has resurfaced with the premiere of a new biopic, Michael, which does not explore Jackson’s history of alleged abuse. The film's production was delayed after attorneys discovered a clause in a 1993 settlement with Jordan Chandler, prohibiting the dramatization of his likeness on film. Reshoots reportedly cost up to $15 million.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, we encourage you to reach out for support:
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
http://www.rainn.org
1 800 656 HOPE (4673)
Crisis Text Line
http://www.facebook.com/crisistextline (chat support)
SMS: Text “HERE” to 741-741
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