Michael Jackson faces new sexual abuse allegations as four siblings file lawsuit

The estate of deceased pop star Michael Jackson is now being accused of sexually abusing the singer. Four brothers have now filed a lawsuit against the estate of the singer for sexually abusing them, stating that “the many minders in Michael Jackson’s entourage willingly enabled it all.” Although the case was filed back in February, it made headlines this week after the alleged victims gave their story to the New York Times, just before the release of Michael, his biopic.

New allegations of sexual abuse against Michael Jackson

Four individuals, including three brothers and one sister, are residents of New Jersey, as stated in the court papers. They allege that the victims suffered sexual abuse at the hands of Michael Jackson during trips made with him for concerts in the 2000s, and even within the confines of their own residence, which Michael Jackson visited along with his children. As per the claim, the plaintiffs got involved with Michael Jackson through their father, who was working “at a luxury hotel where Jackson was a frequent visitor.” The plaintiffs’ parents were not aware of the sexual abuse being inflicted on them during those times.

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The complaint states, “Michael Jackson was a serial pedophile who drugged, raped, and sexually molested each of the Plaintiffs over a period of more than ten years, starting at the age of seven to eight. Michael Jackson abused his sexual acts against each of the sibling Plaintiffs for an extended time period and in various places in the world, including during visits by both Michael Jackson and his own children to the Plaintiffs’ residence as guests of the Plaintiffs’ family. Michael Jackson brainwashed each of the Plaintiffs separately from the others and from their parents throughout their entire childhood.”

The lawsuit is labeled as a 'desperate money grab' by Jackson's estate representatives

As reported by Variety, Michael Jackson’s estate lawyers labeled the lawsuit a ‘desperate money grab’. "The claims against Michael and the Estate are nothing more than a desperate money grab by additional members of the Cascio family. For decades, the Cascio Family has been steadfast in its defense of Michael, proclaiming that he did not engage in any form of inappropriate conduct.

Clearly, this lawsuit, filed in a court forum of the Cascio Family's choosing, is another step in their effort to extort hundreds of millions of dollars from the Estate of Michael Jackson and the various entities affiliated with him. These types of extortion efforts occur more than 15 years after Michael's death – meaning that there can be no threat of defamation – yet sadly, both in life and in death, Michael's accomplishments make him an attractive target," stated Martin Singer, who represented the estate.

Also Read | ‘Michael’ Day 1 box office: Jaafar Jackson film opens at Rs 5.50 crore

Biopic on Michael Jackson

The hype that surrounds the legal suit also comes amid the premiere of Michael, the biopic movie on the life of the deceased artist, starring none other than Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of Michael Jackson himself. This film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and was authorized for production by both the estate and the Jackson family members. Initially, the critics panned it, but the movie has gotten good responses from the audience.