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Michael Jackson Estate Files Court Petition Alleging $213 Million Extortion Plot by Frank Cascio

July 11, 2025

of the Article The Michael Jackson Estate has filed a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court accusing Frank Cascio of orchestrating a $213 million extortion plot by threatening to reverse decades of public support for Jackson into damaging allegations. According to court documents, Cascio, who previously defended Jackson and published a supportive memoir titled "My Friend Michael," allegedly demanded millions from the estate despite having already received payments through a confidential 2020 settlement. The estate claims that after initially collecting settlement funds, Cascio returned with new demands in 2024, threatening to leak allegations to the buyer of Jackson's $600 million music catalog if not paid.

Who is affected

  • The Estate of Michael Jackson and its co-executors John Branca and John McClain
  • Frank Cascio (previously known as Frank Tyson) and his unnamed associates
  • Michael Jackson's children (mentioned as being protected by the estate's actions)
  • The buyer of Jackson's $600 million music catalog (potentially affected by threatened leaks)
  • Projects related to Michael Jackson's legacy, including Cirque du Soleil's "Michael Jackson ONE" and the upcoming biopic "MICHAEL"

What action is being taken

  • The Estate of Michael Jackson is filing a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court against Frank Cascio
  • The estate is initiating a confidential arbitration proceeding accusing Cascio of civil extortion and anticipatory breach of contract
  • The estate is requesting that the court order Cascio into arbitration and award legal fees
  • Cascio, now represented by Mark Geragos, is threatening to file public litigation with claims of defamation, emotional distress, and an alleged "cover-up"
  • The estate is continuing to manage Jackson's legacy through various projects while defending against what they describe as opportunistic attacks

Why it matters

  • The case involves alleged extortion attempts against one of the most successful celebrity estates in history, which has generated over $3 billion since Jackson's death in 2009
  • The dispute threatens to impact the public perception of Michael Jackson, potentially affecting ongoing projects related to his legacy
  • The situation highlights the legal complexities of managing a high-profile estate with significant financial interests
  • The case reveals potential contradictions between decades of public statements defending Jackson and current allegations
  • The estate argues there are racial undertones to how Jackson has been perceived and treated by media and opportunists

What's next

  • If the petition is granted, any subsequent proceedings would take place in private arbitration
  • The estate has vowed to continue defending Jackson's legacy against what they describe as attempts to "tarnish his memory for financial gain"
  • No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the court's potential ruling on the petition for arbitration

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint