Michael Jackson’s Estate Deems 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 on Tuesday (July 8) 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.
Musician Michael Jackson performs at the taping of “American Bandstands 50th…A Celebration” television special honoring the music show April 20, 2002 in Pasadena, CA.
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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 told The Blast.
“Now, years after Michael’s passing, Mr. Cascio is attempting to profit by reversing his position and manufacturing claims he previously denounced as false.”
Michael Jackson performs “Heal the World” during the Halftime show as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII at Rose Bowl on January 31, 1993 in Pasadena, California. The Cowboys won 52-17.
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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.”
The estate’s petition seeks to compel Cascio to comply with arbitration and block any public legal actions that could damage Jackson’s posthumous reputation. Arbitration proceedings reportedly began in September 2024 and are still ongoing.
Singer Michael Jackson appears outside the courtroom at the Santa Maria Courthouse during a break in his child molestation trial May 23, 2005 in Santa Maria, California. Jackson is charged in a 10-count indictment with molesting a boy, plying him with liquor and conspiring to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion.
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