Paris Jackson has accused the executor of her father Michael Jackson’s estate of withholding as much as $600 million in inheritance from her and her siblings.
In court documents reviewed by Complex, Jackson submitted a petition to order the preliminary distribution of a portion of the assets of the Estate of Michael Jackson to the Michael Jackson family trust.
“More than seventeen years after his passing, Michael Jackson’s family trust remains unfunded,” the petition alleges. “Paris respectfully submits that the estate’s wealth is a testament to the singular talent and incredible work ethic of her father. That said, executors’ contributions to the estate’s liquidity, including the restructuring of debt, certain high-risk entertainment projects, and principally the selling off of assets, have produced considerable amounts of cash.”
Paris said that her father intended for her, 28, Prince, 29, and Bigi, 24, to receive income from the family trust when each of them turned 21, meaning the payouts had been long overdue. “They instead receive lesser amounts dictated by the remaining executor, who uses this power to deter them from checking his abuses,” the petition continues. The sole executor of the estate is attorney and manager John Branca, who has held the position since 2009.
“As of December 2024, the estate has purportedly generated gross earnings in excess of $2.5 billion,” reads the petition. “Executors have indicated that the overall estate value is between $2 billion and $3 billion… Paris is informed that, even when potential liabilities are taken into account, the estate holds approximately $600 million in distributable cash.”
Paris Jackson is seeking at least $600 million for the Michael Jackson family trust, which is listed as the sole beneficiary in the late singer-songwriter’s will. She is also seeking attorney fees in connection with the ongoing legal battle. “The continued retention of all assets is contrary to Michael’s intent and is not in the best interest of the beneficiaries, some of whom are set to obtain principal distributions upon their fast-approaching thirtieth birthdays,” the petition concludes.
