Judge Dismisses Cascio Siblings' Lawsuit Against Jackson Estate

A federal judge has dismissed a child sex trafficking lawsuit filed against Michael Jackson's estate by four siblings who alleged the late singer abused them for over a decade, ruling the case must proceed through private arbitration. The decision, issued on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, stems from a 2019 settlement agreement between the parties that mandates confidential arbitration for all disputes.

The lawsuit was filed in February 2026 by Edward, Dominic, MarieNicole, and Aldo Cascio. The siblings, who grew up with Jackson and once considered him part of their family, alleged he raped and molested them during their childhood. Their claims emerged publicly in 2019 following the release of the HBO documentary "Leaving Neverland," which featured similar allegations from James Safechuck and Wade Robson. The Cascios stated the documentary led them to recant their previous defense of the singer.

In response to the 2019 allegations, Jackson's estate paid the Cascio family a $3.5 million settlement, though it did not admit to any wrongdoing. The agreement included a clause requiring all future disputes to be resolved through arbitration. The siblings' recent lawsuit sought to void...