Michael Jackson's family paid $2.5 million to the family that accused him of sexual abuse

Michael Jackson's relatives secretly paid $2.5 million to members of the Casio family who had previously accused the artist of sexual abuse committed against them in childhood.

As reported by BAKU.WS, the Financial Times writes about this with reference to checks and private correspondence.

According to the newspaper, the payment "finalized" a settlement agreement of £13 million reached with the accusers in 2020. However, the Casio family intends to challenge the terms of the deal, claiming they were pressured into accepting unfavorable conditions. They are demanding damages of £160 million and also want to "tell their story publicly." In turn, the iconic singer's heirs call these statements false and accuse the Casios of attempted extortion.

The Financial Times notes that on November 6, the parties will meet in the Los Angeles Supreme Court. The hearing will determine whether the proceedings will be held behind closed doors or in public hearings.

Earlier, five brothers and sisters from the Casio family claimed that Jackson, who was close friends with their father Dominic, allegedly abused them both at the family home in New Jersey and at his Neverland Ranch in California. Meanwhile, the eldest of the brothers, Frank Casio, worked as Michael's personal assistant for a long time, publicly defended him in similar scandals, and even wrote a book titled "My Friend Michael: An Ordinary Friendship with an Extraordinary Man."

Recall that Michael Jackson was first accused of pedophilia back in 1993. He was charged with molesting Jordan Chandler, who was 13 at the time. However, the case was closed after Jordan's father reached a settlement with Michael for $23 million. In 2003, several more people made accusations against Jackson, including his subordinates and housekeepers. They later withdrew their accusations.

Michael Jackson died at the age of 50 from an overdose of a powerful anesthetic. The "King of Pop Music's" treating physician was found guilty in his death.