Michael Jackson’s Estate Says Abuse Accuser’s $213M Lawsuit As “Extortion” Attempt

The estate of Michael Jackson is firing back at longtime associate Frank Cascio, accusing him of attempting to extort over $200 million from the late pop icon’s estate in a move they call both “exploitative” and “false.” According to court documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the Michael Jackson Estate and The Michael Jackson Company, LLC have petitioned to force Cascio into arbitration amid claims he’s threatened to spearhead an effort to tarnish Jackson’s legacy in exchange for a massive payout. The filing alleges that Cascio and unnamed co-conspirators threatened to publicly release what the estate calls “unfounded and untrue” accusations against Jackson unless they were paid $213 million. The estate says the threats also included promises to prevent others from making similar claims if the money was delivered “For over 30 years, Mr. Cascio proudly described himself as part of Michael’s ‘second family,’ and repeatedly and publicly denied any misconduct by Mr. Jackson,” a spokesperson for the estate “Now, years after Michael’s passing, Mr. Cascio is attempting to profit by reversing his position and manufacturing claims he previously denounced as false. Cascio, who once held a close personal and professional relationship with Jackson, is also accused of violating a Confidential Acquisition and Consulting Agreement he signed in 2020. The agreement, according to the estate, includes robust confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses, along with a binding arbitration requirement “This is a straightforward case of civil extortion and breach of contract,” Martin D. Singer, attorney for the estate, said in a statement. “We will not allow the legacy of Michael Jackson to be exploited through threats and falsehoods.

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