Seventeen years after the passing of pop icon Michael Jackson, his daughter Paris Jackson has initiated legal action against his estate. She filed a petition in a Los Angeles court on October 29, seeking an order to release approximately $600 million into a family trust designated for herself and her two brothers, Prince and Bigi.
Allegations Against the Estate Executor
Paris Jackson, 28, has accused John Branca, the sole executor of the Michael Jackson estate, of deliberately delaying the transfer of funds. According to the petition, these funds should have been made available to the children under the explicit terms of their father's trust. The petition claims the estate has generated billions of dollars since Jackson's death on June 25, 2009, yet the trust for his children remains unfunded.
Under the terms of Michael Jackson's trust, his children were meant to begin receiving income from their shares at age 21. Further distributions were stipulated, with one-third of the principal due at age 30, half of the remaining amount at 35, and the balance at 40. Prince is set to turn 30 within four months, while Paris will be 29 in April, and Bigi will turn 25 in February.
Paris Jackson's legal representatives allege that Branca has maintained an "iron grip" over the estate's finances, dictating the amounts the siblings receive. They further claim that payments were significantly reduced by millions after Paris previously filed legal challenges concerning the estate's management and Branca's compensation.
Estate's Defense and Ongoing Disputes
The estate, however, has rejected Paris Jackson's claims. A spokesperson stated that the trusts cannot be fully funded until several complex legal issues are resolved, notably ongoing IRS litigation concerning $700 million in taxes and penalties. The estate also asserted that over $200 million has already been distributed for the benefit of Paris and the other beneficiaries, refuting allegations of withheld or "cut" payments as a "complete fabrication."
"Michael Jackson’s will is clear. None of his children receive a distribution until they are in their 30s," the estate spokesperson commented.
This statement was met with a retort from Paris's spokesperson, who accused the estate of "once again deflecting from its own incompetence."
Financial records cited in the petition indicate the estate's substantial assets. As of December 2024, it reportedly held around $850 million in cash and cash equivalents, with executors valuing the total estate at between $2 billion and $3 billion. Notable transactions include the 2018 sale of a 10% interest in EMI Music Publishing to Sony for $287.5 million and the 2020 sale of Neverland Ranch for $22 million.
The court is scheduled to hear the matter on December 4. This legal battle highlights the continuing complexities surrounding Michael Jackson's legacy and the financial future of his children.