Michael Jackson's nephews have sued the publication Radar Online for libel, THR reports. The $100 million lawsuit is over a series of stories purporting to uncover Jackson’s collection of “images of pornography, animal torture, S&M and gore” from a 2003 raid on Neverland Ranch. One story stated that Jackson kept images of his nephews Taj, TJ, and Taryll Jackson—members of the group 3T—“in their underwear to excite young boys.”
The complaint, filed by lawyer Bert Fields, says Radar reported that Jackson sexually abused young boys, that his nephews knew about his crimes, and that Jackson bought them new cars in an attempt to silence them. “In doing so, Radar falsely accused plaintiffs of committing a felony by participating in the concealment of criminal activity on the part of Michael Jackson and of being bribed to do so,” reads the complaint. Fields also notes that reports stating “Michael Jackson molested his own nephews...and silenced them with threats and gifts” spread as a result of Radar’s stories.
Taj, TJ, and Taryll call the statements “entirely false and defamatory.” The complaint states that the Jacksons demanded a correction from Radar, but the publication refused.