The property of Michael Jackson is suing the pop star’s former supervisor, Frank Cascio, accusing him of a $213 million civil extortion scheme in violation of a previous confidentiality settlement
The Michael Jackson Property has lodged a authorized plea to implement arbitration towards Frank Cascio, a long-standing household buddy and former supervisor, accusing him of masterminding a £213 million blackmail plot in breach of a earlier confidentiality settlement.
Authorized papers submitted on July 8 in Los Angeles County Superior Courtroom by attorneys for the Michael Jackson Firm, LLC, and property co-executors John Branca and John McClain allege that Cascio, as soon as deemed a part of Jackson’s “second household,” is threatening to air false allegations until he receives tons of of hundreds of thousands of kilos.
The petition alleges that Cascio and his associates have persistently threatened to launch a public lawsuit accusing Jackson and his property of misconduct, regardless of having signed a 2020 settlement settlement that integrated strict confidentiality, non-disparagement, and obligatory arbitration clauses.
The property contends that this settlement was designed to “shield Michael Jackson’s youngsters and legacy” and included 5 years of funds to Cascio and his household in return for private objects equivalent to residence movies and memorabilia from their decades-long friendship with Jackson.
The estates attorneys wrote: “For over 30 years, Respondents have held themselves out as Michael Jackson’s ‘second household,’ and so they have been amongst Michael Jackson’s most passionate defenders. Few folks exterior of Michael Jackson’s family had been as vocal as Respondents in defending him towards false baby molestation allegations within the media.”
“Following his loss of life, Michael Jackson’s unmatched musical and monetary success continues to make his legacy a goal for crafty opportunists. This Petition arises from a £213 Million civil extortion scheme orchestrated by such opportunists.”
The submitting reveals that Cascio was a staunch defender throughout Jackson’s 2005 felony trial, offering media interviews denying any abuse, and even wrote a guide depicting Jackson as a compassionate, harmless determine, reviews the Mirror US.
After the 2019 launch of HBO’s Leaving Neverland documentary, which reignited public scrutiny of Jackson’s legacy, Cascio allegedly approached the property demanding new funds and threatened to make “outlandish accusations” if his calls for weren’t met.
The property revealed that it lodged a proper 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 preliminary $213 million declare, in what the property labels a “clear shakedown.
“This can be a simple case of civil extortion and breach of contract,” solicitor Martin D. Singer knowledgeable the Mirror US on Wednesday morning.
“We won’t permit the legacy of Michael Jackson to be exploited by way of threats and falsehoods.”
The property is urging the court docket to implement the arbitration settlement and stop Cascio from initiating lawsuits in public court docket, which they argue would infringe upon the binding phrases of the 2020 settlement.
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