Michael Jackson's 'second family' files lawsuit alleging sexual abuse of four kids

The Cascios, a family once described as Michael Jackson's second family, have filed a lawsuit alleging years of sexual abuse. The case revives scrutiny of the singer as his biopic Michael reaches cinemas.

In Short

• The Cascios, Michael Jackson's second family, accused him of sexual harassment
• The family had publicly defended Michael for years
• The Cascios had earlier reached a $16 million settlement with Jackson estate

As Michael arrived in cinemas, a family once regarded as among Michael Jackson's closest confidants has filed a new lawsuit alleging sexual abuse by the late singer. Dominic and Connie Cascio, along with their five children, have come forward in the case, which says four of the children were abused at Neverland Ranch, during tour stops and on family trips.

In an interview with The New York Times, Edward Dominic and Alfonso Cascio, along with their sister Marie-Nicole Porte, described the abuse they say they suffered as children during the years their family was exceptionally close to Michael. The family remained close to him for decades and maintained his innocence across several media appearances before making the new allegations.

The foundation of a "second family"

• The 1980s: A chance meeting

The decades-long bond began when Dominic Cascio Sr. met the pop icon while working as a manager at a luxury Manhattan hotel. Michael became a frequent guest, eventually integrating the Cascio family into his inner circle.

• The 1990s – 2000s: Life at Neverland

The Cascios became so close to the singer they are often referred to as his "second family." During this period, the children—including Edward Dominic, Alfonso, and Marie-Nicole Porte — frequently stay at Neverland Ranch, joined Jackson on global tours, and accompany him on private family trips.

Public defences and secret allegations

• 2010: Public show of loyalty

Following Michael’s death, the family appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s talk show. They vocally defended the singer against mounting abuse allegations, attesting to his innocence and their positive experiences with him.

• The 2019 turning point: Leaving Neverland

The family watches the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland. They later stated that the film acted as a catalyst for their "deprogramming," helping them re-evaluate their childhood experiences and begin processing the alleged trauma.

• The Secret $16 million settlement

The family privately approached the Jackson estate with abuse allegations, as reported by The New York Times. A confidential agreement was struck, with the estate reportedly agreeing to pay the family approximately $16 million over a five-year period.

The breakdown and legal escalation

• 2025: Negotiations Collapse

The structured payments from the 2019 agreement came to an end. A new round of negotiations between the Cascios and the estate fails to reach a resolution, setting the stage for a public legal confrontation.

• April 2026: A Bombshell Lawsuit

Timed with the theatrical release of the film exploring the singer's life, the family filed a formal lawsuit.

• The Allegations: The suit labels Michael as a "serial child predator" who used "Jesus Juice" (wine) and "Disney Juice" (liquor) to groom and assault the children.
• The Cover-up: The filing claims Michael’s staff, doctors, and lawyers "aided and abetted" the abuse by concealing it for decades.

Present day: The estate hits back

Estate lawyer Marty Singer dismissed the filing as a "transparent forum-shopping tactic" and a "money grab." Simultaneously, director Dan Reed stirred controversy in The Hollywood Reporter, criticising the public's ability to ignore these allegations in favour of "jukebox movies."

Michael, the late pop singer's biopic was released on April 24. Michael's nephew Jaafar Jackson plays the titular role in the musical drama.

The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and co-produced by Graham King, John Branca and John McClain.

- Ends