Four siblings who were part of Michael Jackson's 'secret family' for 25 years before his death have described the pop star as 'evil' and a 'mastermind' paedophile who allegedly brainwashed them into concealing his abusive behaviour. The Cascio siblings—Eddie, Dominic, Aldo, and Marie-Nicole—shared their allegations on 60 Minutes Australia, claiming Jackson molested all four of them during their childhood.
The Allegations
Edward Cascio, now 43, stated that Jackson initially won over the family with extravagant gifts, including shopping trips, private jet flights, and visits to amusement parks, as well as taking them on his global tours. The siblings alleged that Jackson would make late-night visits to their suburban New York home, often bringing his chimpanzee Bubbles to charm them. They admitted to being 'starstruck' and feeling 'special' due to their association with the superstar and his famous friends.
However, the siblings claimed that Jackson's warmth masked a dark side. They alleged that the abuse occurred at Neverland Ranch, in hotels during world tours, and even in their own home while their parents were downstairs, unaware. Dominic Cascio said, 'When you have the biggest superstar in the world in the 80s that wants to be your friend, you're vulnerable and easily manipulated.'
The 'Applehead Club'
Jackson reportedly referred to the Cascios as his 'second family' and acted as a 'fun uncle' to the children. But behind closed doors, the siblings alleged that Jackson had created a twisted inner circle called 'The Applehead Club.' Edward claimed the abuse began when he was 11, during Jackson's Dangerous tour in 1993. 'That's when my world started to change,' he said, describing how Jackson would rub his legs, kiss him on the lips, and later engage in sexual acts. Edward alleged the molestation occurred 'almost every night' and continued for 16 years, well into adulthood, with Jackson approaching him for sexual favours just months before his death in 2009.
Dominic alleged that Jackson involved him in disturbing 'games,' such as one called the 'booty rumble,' where Jackson would lay him on top of him and shake. Dominic also claimed Jackson drank his urine, telling him, 'This is how much I love you.' Marie-Nicole alleged that when she was 12, Jackson convinced her to undress and masturbated while looking at her. Aldo, the youngest, claimed Jackson performed oral sex on him while they were in bed playing video games.
Control and Manipulation
The siblings alleged that Jackson maintained control through fear, alcohol, and prescription drugs. Dominic and Marie-Nicole claimed Jackson gave them 'Jesus Juice'—wine mixed with Vicodin and Xanax in soft drink cans. Marie-Nicole said she was given Xanax and Vicodin at age 11. The siblings also claimed Jackson ran role-playing exercises to prepare them for interrogation by police or their parents, instilling fear that his imprisonment would ruin their family.
Legal Response
Marty Singer, a lawyer for Jackson's estate, denied the allegations in a statement to 60 Minutes, accusing the Cascio family of a 'desperate money grab.' Singer noted that the Cascios had previously defended Jackson for decades, insisting he had never harmed them. The siblings have now filed a lawsuit against Jackson's estate, which Singer described as a 'shakedown attempt' coming more than 15 years after Jackson's death, thus avoiding defamation lawsuits.
Breaking the Silence
The Cascio family maintained their support for Jackson for years, even during his 2003 arrest. However, their idolisation began to fracture in 2019 after watching the documentary Leaving Neverland, which featured similar allegations from Wade Robson and James Safechuck. The siblings now hope to 'give courage to other victims' to come forward. Eddie alleged, 'At the end of the day, he was the monster, not us.'
Jackson was first accused of sexual abuse in the early 1990s and settled a civil lawsuit, though he consistently denied the claims. He was later arrested in the early 2000s but acquitted in a criminal trial.
