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Michael Jackson estate legal dispute with Paris Jackson

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2026-09-21 17:02 UTC → 2026-10-08 00:53 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain, are contesting a request by Paris Jackson for approximately $1.16 million in legal fees and costs. This dispute follows a court ruling where Paris Jackson successfully challenged $625,000 in bonus payments made to outside law firms in 2018, which the court deemed insufficiently justified. The estate argues the $1.16 million claim is excessive and includes work not directly related to the disallowed bonuses. Executors contend that reimbursement should be limited to the actual financial benefit obtained for the estate and that Paris Jackson has not clearly demonstrated the total savings achieved through the litigation. In a related development, the estate is seeking court permission to pay more than $9 million in legal fees to various professionals for services rendered over the last six years, including tax planning, trademark management, and business deals. Since Michael Jackson’s death in 2009, the estate has transitioned from facing over $500 million in debt to managing business interests valued at approximately $2 billion. A 2024 financial report released by estate administrator John Branca provides further detail on expenditures benefiting the singer’s heirs. The report indicates that Paris Jackson received approximately $6.3 million, covering travel, home repairs, and conservation. Prince Jackson was allocated roughly $6.4 million, much of which was for taxes, while Bigi Jackson received approximately $3.1 million for various expenses, including 2023 taxes. The documents show that 17 years after Jackson’s death, the estate continues to manage and distribute substantial sums to support the family’s lifestyle and legal obligations.

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