Legal proceedings advance for Michael Jackson estate amid abuse claims

A judge has allowed the Michael Jackson Estate to move a legal dispute with Frank Cascio and his siblings into arbitration. The Cascio family, who spent time with the late pop star, had accused Jackson of being a “serial child predator” and filed a lawsuit alleging child sex trafficking.

The court ruled that the estate could enforce an existing arbitration agreement signed by Frank Cascio in 2020, allowing the case to proceed outside of court. The estate must submit a proposed order by March 18, with objections due by April 1.

The Cascio siblings claim that the late singer abused them over many years and allege the incidents occurred at various locations worldwide, including Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, as well as homes of celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Elton John.

The Jackson estate, represented by lawyer Marty Singer, has dismissed the claims as a “transparent money grab” and alleged that Frank Cascio and his siblings had previously defended Jackson publicly. Singer stated the arbitration will address the estate’s claims that Cascio attempted to extort the estate for $213 million.

Frank Cascio’s lawyer, Howard King, noted that only the estate’s claims of alleged extortion are moving to arbitration, while the other federal court cases filed by Cascio’s siblings remain ongoing.

The case follows the release of the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland, which detailed similar allegations from James Safechuck and Wade Robson.