Siblings Testify in Court Alleging Michael Jackson Molested Them

Frank Cascio and his siblings have alleged that Michael Jackson groomed, manipulated, and molested them from the late 1980s until his death in 2009. This serious claim was discussed recently in a Beverly Hills courtroom as the Cascio family sought to annul a settlement agreement with Jackson’s estate.

Siblings Testify in Court Alleging Michael Jackson Molested Them

The siblings’ court appearance aimed to void what they termed an “unlawful agreement to silence victims of childhood sexual abuse.” A judge heard arguments from both the Cascio family and the estate’s representatives but did not issue an immediate ruling on the estate’s petition for confidential arbitration.

Details of the Case

Marty Singer, representing the estate, stated that the Cascios had previously entered into a deal in January 2020, which they later renegotiated for more compensation. He accused the family of now seeking to file a public lawsuit that would violate previous arbitration agreements. According to Singer, “We categorically dispute these claims,” rejecting the alleged abuse of all five Cascio siblings.

• Initial deal was made in January 2020.
• The settlement was renegotiated for “significantly more money.”
• The estate accused the family of extortion, citing a demand of $213 million last summer.

Legal Arguments

Mark Geragos, the attorney for the Cascios, criticized the court’s tentative ruling favoring arbitration, claiming it misinterpreted legal standards. He suggested that the family felt pressured into signing agreements while in a state of trauma. Geragos noted that the settlement contained illegal nondisclosure clauses shielding childhood sexual abuse from public scrutiny.

After the hearing, emotional interactions occurred among family members, as one brother was seen in tears. Geragos emphasized the purpose of attending the hearing: to confront the estate’s allegations that they were lying.

Background and Impact

This situation has taken a notable turn given that Geragos previously represented Jackson during a criminal investigation in 2003, where he was acquitted in 2005. The Cascio siblings, Aldo and Marie, provided declarations in October recounting their experiences with Jackson, including instances where he allegedly instructed them to hide when meetings with their attorney occurred.

In opposition to the estate’s arbitration efforts, Geragos argued that the siblings believed they had a unique relationship with Jackson, who allegedly used psychological tactics to ensure their loyalty. Their perspective shifted significantly after watching the documentary “Leaving Neverland,” which highlighted similar accusations against the singer.

Statements and Future Hearings

Howard King, another attorney representing the family, indicated that he possesses extensive video and audio recordings of the siblings detailing the abuse they endured. He warned that silencing these accounts could prevent them from coming to light. Following the hearing, plans for a subsequent session to address document sealing in the case were scheduled for March 5.