Paris Jackson seeks $600 million from late father’s estate

Paris Jackson has asked a Los Angeles court to order a $600 million payment from the estate of her late father, pop legend Michael Jackson, accusing its longtime executor of withholding funds intended for his children.

In a petition filed on October 29, Paris alleged that her father’s estate has generated billions of dollars since his death in 2009. However, she claimed that the money has not been properly transferred to the family trust established to support his three children, Prince, Paris and Bigi.

The dispute centres on the administration of the Michael Jackson Family Trust and the role of its executor, John Branca. Paris accused Branca of exercising excessive control over the estate and determining when and how the beneficiaries could access their inheritance.

Under the trust’s arrangements, the three siblings were expected to start receiving income from their respective shares at the age of 21. Michael had also reportedly intended for each child to receive one-third of their trust’s principal at 30, half of the remaining balance at 35 and the full amount by 40.

In her court filing, Paris alleged that her attempts to question the estate’s financial management were met with aggressive legal action and public criticism. She also raised objections to what she described as unauthorised gifts made by the executor to his associates.

According to the petition, the dispute has also resulted in a multimillion-dollar reduction in the financial support provided to the siblings. Paris argued that the estate has sufficient resources to fund the family trust while meeting its outstanding financial obligations.

The estate has strongly rejected the allegations. A spokesperson told Page Six that unresolved tax matters involving the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have prevented further distributions to the family trust.

The representative also dismissed claims that the executor had withheld or reduced payments, saying more than $200 million had already been distributed to or spent for the benefit of Paris and the other beneficiaries.

Paris’ legal team, meanwhile, pointed to several major business transactions to support its demand. These include the $287.5 million sale of the estate’s interest in EMI Music Publishing in 2018, the $22 million sale of Neverland Ranch in 2020 and a 2023 agreement with Sony involving Michael’s music and intellectual property.

The petition claims these transactions generated more than $1 billion in cash before taxes and expenses. The executors have previously estimated the estate’s value at between $2 billion and $3 billion.

Paris is asking the court to direct Branca to transfer $600 million to the family trust, or an alternative amount determined by the judge. She has also requested reimbursement of her legal expenses from the estate’s assets.

The case is scheduled for a hearing on December 4.

Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50. He named his family trust as the sole beneficiary of his estate, while Branca was appointed as one of the key figures responsible for its administration.