The fight over Michael Jackson’s fortune just escalated in a major way. Paris Jackson, 28, filed an Oct. 29 petition demanding that executor John Branca transfer $600 million from the estate into the family trust, accusing him of withholding the siblings’inheritance and cutting their payments by millions when they push back. The estate denies everything, calling the claims a“complete fabrication”and noting that more than $200 million has already gone to Michael’s children and beneficiaries.
On Nov. 4, a Los Angeles judge granted Branca permission to keep certain attorney fee and estate accounting details confidential. It’s worth noting the rulings were unopposed, so this is a procedural win for Branca, not a decision on the money itself. The estate says unresolved legal matters, including an IRS dispute, are why the trust hasn’t been fully funded.
What keeps fans hooked is the trust structure: payouts and control are tied to ages 30, 35 and 40, and Prince is 29 and Paris is 28. Bigi is 24. With a Dec. 3 hearing on the calendar, this story is nowhere near done. Do you think the family settles this privately, or is a courtroom showdown inevitable?
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.