The film Michael, a biopic chronicling the life of Michael Jackson, has been a financial triumph at the box office, drawing significant audiences. However, this success has been overshadowed by disturbing claims from the Cascio siblings, who once considered themselves part of Jackson’s inner circle. Eddie, Aldo, Dominic, and Marie-Nicole Cascio have stepped forward with allegations of sexual abuse by the pop icon, recounting their experiences over several years.
Michael Jackson’s ‘second family’ accused him of abuse
Jackson’s connection with the Cascio family began through their father, Dominic, whom he met at a hotel where Jackson was a regular guest. This meeting marked the start of a close bond, with the family becoming what The New York Times described as a “second family” to the legendary singer. This relationship saw the Cascios frequently traveling with Jackson and visiting his famous Neverland Ranch.
Back in 2010, the Cascios publicly discussed their ties with Jackson on The Oprah Winfrey Show, vehemently denying any inappropriate conduct on his part. However, they now admit that their previous statements were untrue, claiming they were manipulated by the “biggest star in the world.” They describe feeling “brainwashed” and “groomed” by Jackson, leading to their initial denials.
The turning point for the siblings emerged after viewing the documentary Leaving Neverland, which prompted them to re-evaluate their experiences and recognize Jackson’s actions as predatory. In 2019, they approached the Jackson estate with specific allegations of abuse, which resulted in a settlement involving five annual payments of around $690,000.
Currently, the Cascio siblings have escalated their claims by filing a lawsuit that accuses Jackson of repeated child sexual abuse, a move that adds yet another chapter to the complex and controversial legacy of the pop superstar.
They have now filed a lawsuit accusing Jackson of repeated child sexual abuse.
Michael Jackson’s ‘second family’ described him as a monster
The Cascio siblings allege that Jackson abused them over a period of 25 years.
“When you have the biggest superstar in the world in the ’80s that wants to be your friend, you’re vulnerable and easily manipulated,” Dominic said in an interview with 60 Minutes Australia.
They allege that he began sexually abusing them when they were as young as seven. The siblings claim Jackson plied them with drugs and alcohol. For years, they say he groomed them to protect him.
“He’s a monster. He’s evil,” Dominic said. “What he did was evil, and he’s tricked the whole world to think that he’s this innocent, perfect human being, and he’s not.”
His estate has denied the allegations
Jackson’s estate has vehemently denied the Cascios’ story, as they have with other allegations of child abuse.
“This lawsuit is a desperate money grab by additional members of the Cascio family,” attorney Martin Singer, who represents the estate, said in a statement (per Variety). “The family staunchly defended Michael Jackson for more than 25 years, attesting to his innocence of inappropriate conduct. This new court filing is a transparent forum-shopping tactic in their scheme to obtain hundreds of millions of dollars from Michael’s estate and companies.”
Singer noted that the family waited years to come forward with their account.
“Notably, these shakedown attempts come more than 15 years after Michael’s death, thus carrying no risk of being sued for defamation,” he said. “Sadly, in death just as in life, Michael’s talents and success continue to make him a target.”
How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.