Michael Jackson's Ex-Pals Allege He 'Drugged, Raped, and Sexually Assaulted' Them in New Lawsuit: Report

The legacy of the King of Pop faces a renewed and harrowing legal challenge as former associates come forward with graphic claims of historical abuse. Decades after the singer's death, the Michael Jackson estate faces a new lawsuit filed in Los Angeles on Friday, in which four former associates allege the late singer drugged, raped and sexually assaulted them during what the filing describes as more than a decade of abuse beginning when some plaintiffs were as young as seven or eight. Frank, Dominic, Marie-Nicole Porte and Aldo Cascio, members of the Cascio family, who were once considered part of Jackson's inner circle, are named as plaintiffs in the 23-page complaint.

The filing alleges that the use of intoxicants was a frequent precursor to the alleged abuse, designed to render victims unable to resist or fully recall events, and that Jackson also exposed them to pornography beforehand. The estate has not yet issued a formal response to this specific action.

'Michael Jackson Was a Serial Child Predator'

'Michael Jackson was a serial child predator who, over the course of more than a decade, drugged, raped, and sexually assaulted each of the plaintiffs, beginning when some were as young as seven or eight,' the filing states. The plaintiffs also claim Jackson 'groomed and brainwashed' them and argue the estate should be held liable for the long-term psychological trauma they have suffered.

Howard King, who represents the Cascio siblings, said in a statement: 'Not only do they seek fair compensation for more than a decade of abuse of an entire family, they hope their filing will embolden other victims and enablers to come forth and shake off the shackles of their silence.' The Cascios are seeking a trial to determine compensatory and punitive damages, with a follow-up hearing set for 5 March.

'Ignoring threats from the Michael Jackson Estate of financial ruin, and faced with the Estate's false public accusations of extortion and lying, the Cascios have elected to remain silent no longer,' Howard King, who represents the Cascio siblings, said in a statement to Rolling Stone. 'Not only do they seek fair compensation for more than a decade of abuse of an entire family, they hope their filing will embolden other victims and enablers to come forth and shake off the shackles of their silence.'

The Complex Relationship Between Michael Jackson and the Cascio Family

Central to the lawsuit is the Cascio family's long-standing relationship with Jackson. For years, they were considered his 'second family', with the singer frequently staying at their home. Frank and Eddie Cascio had previously defended his character, though the family has also found itself embroiled in controversies relating to posthumous album tracks.

However, the nature of these intimate family friendships has often been scrutinised by legal experts and biographers alike. Critics argue that these relationships provided a veneer of domestic normalcy that masked more sinister interactions.

The Cascio family has historically maintained that Jackson was a kind and generous mentor, though the atmosphere surrounding his estate continues to shift as new voices emerge. This latest lawsuit forces a re-examination of how the singer interacted with the families who welcomed him into their homes.

Jackson's nephew, Taj Jackson, had previously distanced himself from the Cascios, describing them as 'deceitful vultures' following allegations over fake recordings. 'Money and greed can do horrible things to weak people,' he said. 'They sold their soul and integrity a while ago.'

Jackson Family Defends Legacy Against History of Predatory Allegations

Michael Jackson was no stranger to the courtroom, having faced significant trials during his lifetime, most notably in 2005 when he was acquitted of all charges. Despite the acquittal, documentaries like 'Leaving Neverland' have presented witness testimony from individuals such as Wade Robson and James Safechuck. These men, who originally testified in Jackson's favour, later claimed they were victims of child sex abuse at the hands of the star.

Tom Joyner, an American radio personality, host, and philanthropist, disapproved of the documentary's incriminating narrative. 'If someone accuses you of something, they had better have some facts to back it up. They didn't have any facts,' he said on the 'Tom Joyner Morning Show'.

The Jackson family has remained steadfast in their defence, repeatedly dismissing all allegations as 'money-driven' attempts to defame a man who can no longer speak for himself. They argue that Michael was a 'target' for those seeking a payout from his vast fortune, which continues to grow through his musical legacy. The estate's lawyers often point to the fact that Jackson was never convicted of a crime, maintaining that these 'outrageous' claims lack any credible forensic evidence.