The estate of the late pop legend Michael Jackson has launched a dramatic legal offensive against Frank Cascio, a longtime friend and associate of the singer, accusing him of attempting a staggering $213 million extortion scheme. Once considered part of Jackson’s trusted inner circle, Cascio now finds himself entangled in a high-stakes legal battle that threatens to unravel his reputation and legacy.

In a petition filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court, both the Michael Jackson Estate and The Michael Jackson Company, LLC allege that Cascio violated a binding confidentiality agreement by demanding a massive payout to keep alleged defamatory and false information about Jackson from becoming public. These accusations mark a striking reversal from Cascio’s previous public support of Jackson’s innocence, which he upheld for decades.

From Trusted Confidant to Legal Adversary

According to court filings, Cascio and his legal team, led by high-profile attorney Mark Geragos who once represented Jackson during earlier legal troubles demanded the multimillion-dollar sum in exchange for withholding the release of damaging materials. The estate views this move as a breach of a 2020 Confidential Acquisition and Consulting Agreement that included strict non-disparagement clauses and mandatory arbitration.

“This is a textbook example of civil extortion and breach of contract,” said attorney Martin D. Singer, who represents Jackson’s estate. “The legacy of Michael Jackson will not be compromised by threats or opportunistic fabrications.”

Arbitration proceedings began in September 2024 and are still underway. The estate is seeking a court order to compel arbitration and block any public release of the disputed claims.

Complicating matters further, Cascio is also under scrutiny for alleged unpaid gambling debts and disturbing encounters involving social media influencers. Two women, Grace Glenn and Julia Geraci, claim Cascio approached them via Seeking Arrangement, paying for lavish dates, only for the experience to spiral into suspicious and unsettling territory.

This developing case underscores the ongoing challenges the Michael Jackson Estate faces in preserving the artist’s legacy while fending off those who may seek to profit from it.