The estate of Michael Jackson is suing the pop star’s former manager, Frank Cascio, accusing him of a $213 million civil extortion scheme in violation of a prior confidentiality agreement
The Michael Jackson Estate has lodged a legal plea to enforce arbitration against Frank Cascio, a long-standing family friend and former manager, accusing him of masterminding a £213 million blackmail plot in breach of a previous confidentiality agreement.
Legal papers submitted on July 8 in Los Angeles County Superior Court by lawyers for the Michael Jackson Company, LLC, and estate co-executors John Branca and John McClain allege that Cascio, once deemed part of Jackson’s “second family,” is threatening to air false allegations unless he receives hundreds of millions of pounds.
The petition alleges that Cascio and his associates have persistently threatened to launch a public lawsuit accusing Jackson and his estate of misconduct, despite having signed a 2020 settlement agreement that incorporated strict confidentiality, non-disparagement, and compulsory arbitration clauses.
The estate contends that this agreement was designed to “protect Michael Jackson’s children and legacy” and included five years of payments to Cascio and his family in return for personal items such as home videos and memorabilia from their decades-long friendship with Jackson.
The estates lawyers wrote: “For over 30 years, Respondents have held themselves out as Michael Jackson’s ‘second family,’ and they have been among Michael Jackson’s most passionate defenders. Few people outside of Michael Jackson’s own family were as vocal as Respondents in defending him against false child molestation allegations in the media.”
“Following his death, Michael Jackson’s unmatched musical and financial success continues to make his legacy a target for cunning opportunists. This Petition arises from a £213 Million civil extortion scheme orchestrated by such opportunists.”
The filing reveals that Cascio was a staunch defender during Jackson’s 2005 criminal trial, providing media interviews denying any abuse, and even wrote a book depicting Jackson as a compassionate, innocent figure, reports the Mirror US.
After the 2019 release of HBO’s Leaving Neverland documentary, which reignited public scrutiny of Jackson’s legacy, Cascio allegedly approached the estate demanding new payments and threatened to make “outlandish accusations” if his demands were not met.
The estate revealed that it lodged a formal arbitration request in September 2024, accusing Cascio of civil extortion and anticipatory breach of contract. The petition states that Cascio, represented by his lawyer Mark Geragos, has declined to enter into arbitration and continues to threaten public litigation, now demanding $44 million, down from his initial $213 million claim, in what the estate labels a “transparent shakedown.
“This is a straightforward case of civil extortion and breach of contract,” solicitor Martin D. Singer informed the Mirror US on Wednesday morning.
“We will not allow the legacy of Michael Jackson to be exploited through threats and falsehoods.”
The estate is urging the court to enforce the arbitration agreement and prevent Cascio from initiating lawsuits in public court, which they argue would infringe upon the binding terms of the 2020 agreement.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
