WASHINGTON: The estate of Michael Jackson is facing renewed legal scrutiny following a new lawsuit that has surfaced shortly after the global release of the biopic Michael, which chronicles the life of the late pop icon.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, a family previously known for publicly defending Jackson has now accused him of sexually abusing four of their children over several years. The family had once referred to themselves as Jackson’s “second family”.
Reports, citing The New York Times, state that Dominic and Connie Cascio, along with their children, allege that the abuse took place at Neverland Ranch, during tour travel, and at various stops on Jackson’s concert schedule. The family had previously appeared in public in support of the singer, including television interviews.
The lawsuit further claims that the family raised these allegations with Jackson’s estate years ago, resulting in an alleged private settlement worth around $16 million paid over five years. However, it is claimed that payments ceased in 2025, after which discussions reportedly collapsed and legal action was initiated.
A lawyer representing the estate, Marty Singer, rejected the claims in a statement to THR, describing them as a “desperate money grab”. He added that the family had “staunchly defended Michael Jackson for more than 25 years” and that the new filing was a “transparent forum-shopping tactic” aimed at seeking substantial damages from the estate.
The family has also said that watching the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland helped them confront their past and encouraged them to speak out. That documentary previously featured separate allegations of sexual abuse against Jackson.
The complaint reportedly contains detailed and serious accusations, alleging that Jackson groomed, drugged and sexually assaulted the plaintiffs over more than a decade, beginning when some were as young as seven or eight. It further claims he used gifts, attention and access to his celebrity lifestyle as part of a pattern of manipulation.
Michael Jackson, widely regarded as one of the most influential music artists of all time, died in 2009. His legacy continues to be deeply polarising, with enduring admiration for his music alongside longstanding legal disputes and allegations that remain part of public discourse.
Meanwhile, the biopic Michael is expected to perform strongly at the box office over the weekend.
(With inputs from ANI)