Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.
Michael Jackson’s ‘secret’ second family have made ‘disturbing’ sexual abuse claims about the late ‘King of Pop’.
Four members of the Cascio family — Eddie, Dominic, Aldo and Marie-Nicole — have alleged that the singer groomed and sexually abused them over a period they say spanned 25 years.
The siblings made the allegations during an appearance on 60 Minutes Australia on Sunday night, and they are now suing Jackson’s estate.
They said their relationship with Jackson was so close that he referred to them as his ‘second family’.
According to the family, the connection began in the mid-1980s after Jackson befriended their father, hotel manager Dominic Cascio Snr. They claimed he lavished them with attention and expensive gifts, including travel by private jet.
While the family has previously spoken publicly in Jackson’s defence, the siblings said they are now coming forward with what they describe as their own experiences.
They also alleged the star created a trusted inner circle they referred to as ‘The Applehead Club’. Edward claimed the abuse began during the Dangerous tour in 1993, when he was 11.
Dominic described what he said made their family susceptible to manipulation at the time.
“When you have the biggest superstar in the world in the 80s that wants to be your friend, you’re vulnerable and easily manipulated,” Dominic said on 60 Minutes Australia.
Eddie said the attention the family received made them feel singled out and valued.
“My parents were young. For them to have such a big celebrity want to be friends with them, they definitely felt special, and so did we,” Eddie added.
When describing the alleged abuse, Eddie said the behaviour escalated while they were travelling, and he detailed the circumstances around what he claims was the first incident.
“We were on tour, and that’s when Michael started to get closer and started rubbing me on my legs. I was sitting on his lap, and that’s when the first kiss happened, where he kissed me on the lips.” He then claimed that after that, the molestation happened ‘almost every night’.
Edward further alleged that by age 16, Jackson was ‘penetrating’ him.
“My manhood was taken away, as well as my childhood,” he said.
Marie-Nicole also made allegations about Jackson’s behaviour, claiming he masturbated while she was undressing and told her it was ‘normal’.
Dominic also alleged he was made to take part in what he described as “disturbing games,” including one he claimed was called the ‘booty rumble,’ which he said involved Jackson placing him on top of him with their genitals touching before shaking.
Aldo, the youngest sibling, alleged he was molested while lying in bed playing video games and said he did not understand what was happening at the time.
“I had no idea what sex was. I had no idea that this was inappropriate,” Aldo said during 60 Minutes Australia.
The siblings alleged the incidents occurred in multiple locations, including at Neverland Ranch, in hotels around the world, and at their family home without their parents realising.
Marty Singer, a lawyer representing Jackson’s estate, strongly rejected the allegations.
“This lawsuit is a desperate money grab by additional members of the Cascio family who have hopped on the bandwagon with their brother Frank who is already being sued in arbitration for civil extortion…”
“…Notably these shakedown attempts come more than 15 years after Michael’s death, thus carrying no risk of being sued for defamation. Sadly, in death, just as life Michael’s talents and success continue to make him a target.”
Singer also cited what he described as the family’s ‘consistent and repeated’ defence of Jackson over the years, including a 2010 interview with Oprah where the siblings said there was ‘never any improprieties’ and called it ‘ridiculous’ that Jackson faced trial over allegations.
Jackson, who died in 2009, denied all accusations of sexual abuse during his lifetime.
A request for comment was sent to Michael Jackson’s estate.
If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this article, you can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800.656.HOPE (4673), available 24/7.
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