Child Sex Trafficking Lawsuit Against Michael Jackson's Estate: Siblings Speak Out
Four siblings have filed a child sex trafficking lawsuit against Michael Jackson's estate, alleging that the late musician abused them when they were minors. The lawsuit claims that Jackson drugged, raped, and sexually assaulted each of the plaintiffs over more than a decade, starting when some were as young as seven or eight. The siblings were allegedly groomed and brainwashed by Jackson using his wealth, celebrity status, and network of employees and advisers. The abuse is said to have taken place in various locations worldwide, including the siblings' family home.
The lawsuit details the alleged abuse suffered by each sibling, including incidents during international travel, visits to Jackson's Neverland Ranch, and at various other locations. The siblings claim that Jackson isolated them from responsible adults, plied them with drugs and alcohol, exposed them to pornography, and then abused them individually. The filing also mentions that the siblings were previously known as Jackson's "second family" and were among his supporters during his criminal trial in 2005.
After Jackson's death in 2009, Wade Robson and James Safechuck came forward with allegations of molestation, which were detailed in the documentary "Leaving Neverland." The Cascio siblings were reportedly inspired by the documentary to share their own experiences. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for child sex trafficking, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, breach of contract, negligent hiring, and fraud. The siblings' lawyer, Howard King, stated that they hope their filing will encourage other victims and enablers to speak out.
Jackson's estate has denied the siblings' accusations, claiming that they are linked to an extortion demand made last summer. The estate attorney stated that the allegations are false and disputed by the estate. Despite threats of financial ruin from the estate, the Cascio siblings have chosen to speak out and seek justice for the abuse they allegedly endured. Jackson died at the age of 50 from an accidental overdose in 2009, and his estate has continued to profit from his music and legacy. A biopic about Jackson's life is set to be released in April after years of delay.