Home / Crime and Justice / Judge Rules Jackson Abuse Case Out of Court
Judge Rules Jackson Abuse Case Out of Court
13 Aug
Summary
- Federal judge ordered the Cascio family's lawsuit into private arbitration.
- The ruling means allegations of abuse will not be heard in public court.
- A 2019 settlement agreement mandated arbitration for disputes.
A lawsuit filed by the Cascio family against Michael Jackson's estate, alleging sexual abuse, will not proceed in a public court. On Wednesday, Aug. 12, California federal judge Hernán D. Vera mandated that the case be resolved through private arbitration.
This decision stems from a 2019 settlement agreement, where both parties had consented to arbitrate any disputes. Judge Vera noted that despite the severity of the allegations, the court is bound to uphold the arbitration clause. The Cascio siblings had accused Jackson of being a "serial child predator," seeking damages and to void the arbitration agreement they claimed was unconscionable and signed under duress.
Attorneys for the Cascio family expressed disappointment, highlighting their hope for a public trial over alleged "decades-long molestations." They will now pursue their case in a private arbitration setting. Michael Jackson's estate had contested the claims, referencing the existing agreement and accusing the family of attempting a "shakedown" for additional millions.
