Paris Jackson is challenging the administrators of her father Michael Jackson’s estate. She filed new court documents on Tuesday, November 18. Jackson alleges that the two men managing the estate have received more than $148 million for their work.
This amount, she claims, “far exceeds” what she and her siblings have received. Jackson also criticized the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, which the estate has approved.
According to court filings, estate co-executor John Branca is also an executive producer on the film, titled Michael. Branca allegedly cast actor Miles Teller to play himself in the movie.
Paris Jackson’s attorney stated in court documents that Branca "believes his story is central to Michael Jackson’s." However, the attorney questioned how this "peculiar and presumably costly casting decision will result in commensurate box office revenue."
The attorney also suggested Branca’s lack of experience in dramatic feature film production might be causing problems. There are reports the estate funded tens of millions of dollars in reshoots. This was reportedly due to a settlement agreement preventing the use of filmed footage.
The reshoots allegedly concerned the film’s third act, involving Michael Jackson’s accuser, Jordan Chandler. An old settlement agreement reportedly prohibited Michael or his team from discussing Chandler.
Jackson’s attorney expressed concern over "the prospect of a failed 3.5-hour, long-awaited biopic production." The estate has reportedly invested at least part of the $150 million budget into the film. Jackson stated she has received no answers about these issues.
Jackson objects to a recent accounting report and a request for legal fees from an external firm. These were submitted by Branca and co-executor John McClain. Jackson has confronted the executors about 2018 bills for months. She is now questioning payments made in 2021.
Jackson’s attorney told the court that delays in filing reports harm beneficiaries’ ability to understand the estate’s administration. They also make it difficult for the court to examine its activities.
The attorney noted that executors have not explained why it took them nearly five years to disclose this information. This delay is problematic given the "extraordinary discretion" granted to them.
Jackson claims the 2021 accounting report shows "huge sums of money remained, and likely still remain to date, uninvested by the estate." She argues the executors "seem to have invested in highly speculative and risky entertainment projects." They allegedly took prominent roles despite lacking competence or experience.
Jackson pointed to two bank accounts holding over $464 million with minimal activity. She stated executors "seem to have completely failed to competently invest cash." Instead, they allegedly allocated capital where they could be personally compensated, at great risk to the estate.
The report also showed that executors continued "paying extra-contractual gifts to law firms long after 2018." This included potentially up to $750,000 in 2021 alone.
Jackson told the court she is "concerned" by the executors’ "persistent lack of transparency." She also noted their lack of diligence in timely reporting activities to beneficiaries and the court.
Her attorney added that the estate’s business affairs management "appears to have transformed into a private entertainment investment fund." It is allegedly managed "more for the benefit of the executors and their lawyers than for that of the beneficiaries." The executors have pursued a "relentless litigation strategy" against Jackson rather than responding to her information requests.
In 2021, executors received almost $8 million in compensation from the estate. This excludes any additional direct or indirect compensation.
Jackson’s attorney stated this is "more than double the amount distributed to any family allowance beneficiary." The executors have received a total of $148,252,657 from the estate through 2021. This "far exceeds any amount distributed to Paris or her siblings."
A source close to the estate called this "another misguided attempt by Paris Jackson’s lawyers to protect themselves." The source noted that Jackson’s lawyers lost their last case against the estate and were ordered to pay its legal fees. The source asserted that "all beneficiaries are well served by the estate."
Jackson’s petition against 2018 legal payments was rejected. Her legal team, however, claims the battle is not over.
Branca and McClain deny Jackson’s claims of improper payments. They argue the law firm fees are standard in the entertainment industry.
An estate lawyer wrote in court documents that few have benefited more from the executors’ judgment than Jackson. She has received approximately $65 million from the estate.
Estate attorney Jonathan Steinsapir previously stated the estate’s "historic turnaround and success… speak for themselves." He added that the executors’ judgment generated billions of dollars for Michael’s children. This judgment also determined fair compensation for the legal team.
Steinsapir further stated that "claims made by this new group of [Paris’s] lawyers… are unfounded and defamatory." He noted they lack significant experience representing clients in the entertainment industry.