A long-dormant and emotionally charged legal battle connected to the late Michael Jackson has resurfaced in a Los Angeles courtroom, as four siblings who now accuse the pop icon of childhood abuse seek to revive a case believed to have been settled years ago.
On January 14, Frank, Aldo, Marie-Nicole, and Dominic Cascio appeared before a judge to challenge a 2020 settlement agreement with Michael Jackson’s estate. The siblings are attempting to invalidate the deal, arguing it should not prevent them from filing a new lawsuit alleging abuse. Accompanied by their parents, the family travelled to Los Angeles determined to reopen a dispute that has once again drawn intense public scrutiny.
Their attorney, Mark Geragos, told the court that the earlier settlement was “unlawful” and should be considered unenforceable. He argued the agreement was made under pressure and was designed to silence the family from speaking about alleged abuse. However, lawyers representing Jackson’s estate strongly opposed the move, stating that the settlement legally bars any future litigation and requires the matter to be handled through private arbitration.
Estate attorney Marty Singer insisted that the siblings had already reached a financial agreement and later attempted to renegotiate for more money. He told the court that allowing a public lawsuit would violate the original deal. Singer further denied all allegations of abuse, stating that the case moving forward was driven by an alleged extortion demand of $213 million made last year.
The Cascio family had publicly defended Michael Jackson for years, even as abuse allegations surrounded the singer. Their position shifted after the release of the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, after which they claimed they were groomed and abused during childhood interactions with Jackson.
During the hearing, the judge declined to issue an immediate ruling on the estate’s request to force arbitration, though reports suggest a tentative ruling favored the estate’s position. Geragos passionately objected, arguing the law was being misapplied.
Tensions escalated further after the hearing. Another lawyer representing the siblings, Howard King, claimed to possess ten hours of sworn video testimony detailing alleged abuse. He said portions of the footage had been seen by estate representatives — a claim Singer firmly denied, calling it a complete fabrication.
Singer also stated that the estate has filed an extortion claim against Frank Cascio, asserting that authorities have been notified.
One sibling reportedly appeared visibly emotional in court, underscoring the personal weight of the proceedings. The court is expected to revisit the dispute at a follow-up hearing scheduled for March 5, where a key decision could determine whether the case returns to public trial or remains sealed in arbitration.