Michael Jackson Estate Wins Dismissal of Cascio 'Second Family' Trafficking Suit

A federal judge has thrown out a child sex trafficking lawsuit against the estate of Michael Jackson, ruling that the claims from four siblings who once called themselves the singer's 'second family' must be settled in private arbitration, not a public courtroom.

Judge Hernán D. Vera dismissed the case brought by Edward, Dominic, Marie-Nicole and Aldo Cascio on August 12, citing the clear terms of a 2019 settlement between the family and the Jackson estate. That agreement, which paid the Cascios $3.5 million without admitting wrongdoing, contains an arbitration clause covering all related disputes.

“Although the allegations are horrific, the court is without discretion to do aught but enforce the language of the arbitration clause,” wrote Judge Vera in his ruling.

What did the Cascio siblings allege against Michael Jackson?

The Cascios grew up with Jackson and were long among his most vocal defenders against pedophilia claims. In a February lawsuit, however, they alleged that Jackson raped and molested them as children over more than a decade. The claims first emerged in 2019 after the release of the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland, which the siblings said “deprogrammed” them.

The Jackson estate strongly denies all allegations of sexual misconduct. It has characterized the Cascio claims as a “desperate money grab,” noting that the family spent years affirming Jackson's innocence, including a 2010 appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show where they said Jackson was “never” inappropriate with them.

Why did the judge send the case to arbitration?

The Cascios argued that the 2019 settlement is void because they were coerced into signing it. Judge Vera acknowledged those arguments are “serious” but ruled they do not belong in a public courtroom under the settlement's terms.

“While plaintiffs are fully within their rights to raise questions about unconscionability, those challenges must be presented later before an arbitrator,” the judge wrote.

The ruling mirrors a March decision in California state court involving a related claim from the Cascios' fifth brother, Frank. That judge also found that Frank's signature on the same settlement required arbitration of all further disputes.

What happens next for the Cascio family?

Howard King, a lawyer for the Cascio siblings, expressed disappointment at the ruling but said the family will continue to pursue their claims in arbitration.

“It's disappointing, but not surprising, that the decision on whether the Cascios were duped into signing an unconscionable agreement with an arbitration clause will be made by an arbitrator rather than a jury of peers,” King told Billboard.

“The family had hoped the court would allow for a public trial over the decades-long molestations of the Cascio siblings by Michael Jackson and the ensuing cover-up by his advisors. Instead, the family will seek justice from the dark confines of a private conference room.”

Representatives for the Jackson estate did not immediately comment on the decision.

How does this fit into Jackson's legal legacy?

Jackson, who died in 2009, was never convicted or held legally liable for any accusation of child sex abuse during his lifetime. He settled a civil claim in 1994 without admitting wrongdoing and was acquitted at a 2005 criminal trial.

The allegations have continued to shadow his legacy, particularly after Leaving Neverland amplified claims from Wade Robson and James Safechuck. The estate called the documentary a “one-sided hit job” and litigation led to its removal from HBO. Robson and Safechuck are continuing to litigate civil abuse claims against the estate.

Frequently asked questions

Why was the Cascio lawsuit dismissed?

The lawsuit was dismissed because a 2019 settlement between the Cascio family and the Jackson estate contains an arbitration clause. Judge Vera ruled that all related disputes must be handled in confidential arbitration rather than public court.

Who are the Cascio siblings?

Edward, Dominic, Marie-Nicole, Aldo and Frank Cascio grew up with Michael Jackson and were known as his “second family.” They were longtime defenders of the singer before alleging abuse in 2019.

Did Michael Jackson ever face criminal charges for child abuse?

Jackson was acquitted at a 2005 criminal trial on child molestation charges. He settled a civil claim in 1994 without admitting wrongdoing. He was never convicted of any abuse-related offense.

What was the 2019 settlement between the Cascios and the Jackson estate?

The estate paid the Cascio family $3.5 million in 2019 without admitting any wrongdoing. The settlement followed the release of the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland and included an arbitration clause for future disputes.