Michael Jackson died in 2009 after suffering cardiac arrest due to acute propofol and benzodiazepine poisoning. After his death, the distribution of his estate was the main topic of discussion, and many wondered how it would be divided among his family.Although the singer was one of the biggest pop icons of the time, and had an extensive catalog of music that many wanted to buy, it was revealed that he owed millions to many creditors and was in serious debt. After that, lawyer John Branca and executor John McClain stopped managing the singer’s estate. Since then, there has been widespread confusion as Jackson’s family members fight for their rights. Here’s everything that went down with the King of Pop’s legacy.
Assets of Michael Jackson’s estate, which have been sold
Over the past year, the two managers have been equipped to manage the singer’s estate and all the assets under his branch. Well, most of the singer’s music catalog is still under their ownership. About 50% of that was sold to one of the biggest music labels in the world. Not only that, but in the 1980s Jackson also bought the publishing rights to the Beatles’ music, and sold them to the same label. Also, in 2022, Neverland Ranch was sold to billionaire Ronald Burkle, who was a close friend of the ‘Thriller’ singer.
Beneficiaries of Michael Jackson’s estate and legal disputes Paris jackson
When the estate was given to John Branca and John McClain, Jackson’s three children, Bigi, Prince and his only daughter, Paris, were named as beneficiaries of the estate. This is where the main legal issue begins. Paris Jackson has alleged on several occasions that the executors of the will have “skimmed” money according to her statement, and there have been many irregular payments promised to her as a beneficiary.There are many other aspects to the legal battle, including a legal challenge to prevent Bigi Jackson from using her grandmother’s estate funds to sell Jackson’s catalog to the famous label. The subject filed an official motion in March 2024, alleging that Katherine received promised funds, including $55 million since the singer’s death, and $33 million in monthly benefits.
Paris Jackson’s concerns about her father’s estate dealings
In July 2025, Paris Jackson officially raised concerns about how executives were handling her father’s estate and catalog. The concerns come nearly a year after Branca and McClain filed a petition seeking legal authorization to pay several law firms. At the time, they mentioned that they had a lot of problems since they started managing the estate because of Jackson’s debt and interest.In Paris’s filing, he alleged that payments were not being made on time and that financial assistance was also being requested for unregistered attorney time. A statement from his 2025 filing said: “These irregular payments raise serious and significant questions about the executor’s ability to effectively supervise counsel … and their refusal to lavish six-figure gifts on themselves and their colleagues.“A few months later, in August, he filed another request for the judge to intervene in the case. According to his statement at the time, Paris complained that at the time a group of lawyers was taking money from the estate. The legal representation of the estate issued a statement in response, stating that his claims were unfounded and that they are confident that the judge will reject the request.
The judge has ruled against Paris Jackson’s claims
In November of last year, Los Angeles judge Mitchell L. Beckloff ruled on an official dismissal of the case and ruled against all of Paris’s claims in her previous petitions. After that official decision, Paris and his legal representatives at the time made a statement, saying that they will not give up the fight against his father’s estate and the actions of the executors for the last 16 years.In a report by PEOPLE, Paris alleged the same month that Branca’s law firm received a $10 million payment. This was twice the amount that any of the beneficiaries of the estate allegedly received from the estate that year. He also expressed concern about Miles Teller playing Branca in the movie ‘Michael’.A statement on the matter said: “Branca appears to have used his position as executive producer, never associated with a dramatic feature film, to cast the production’s only A-list actor, Miles Teller, who played himself in the upcoming Michael production.”
Paris Jackson has officially won the legal battle
On May 13, it was announced that a judge had upheld Paris Jackson’s appeal. According to the resolution, the two executors were also asked to pay $625,000 to the estate they gave to the law firms in 2018. PEOPLE reported that the official filing “objects to $625,000 in payments made by Ms. Jackson in the second six months of 2018. The payments will be returned to the estate.”
