Paris Jackson, the daughter of Michael Jackson, is set to appear in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday as she challenges the executors of her father's estate. The hearing, presided over by retired Judge Mitchell Beckloff, who has overseen the case since Michael Jackson's death in 2009, is expected to last all day, though no ruling is anticipated.
In a pre-hearing filing, Paris Jackson's legal team accused co-executor John Branca of failing to meet his fiduciary duties. The filing referenced the film A Few Good Men, comparing Branca to the character Colonel Jessup, and alleged that he had lost sight of his obligations. The dispute centres on over $600,000 in bonuses, premium payments, and gifts such as cars and watches, which Paris Jackson claims were improperly distributed.
The estate's executors, Branca and John McClain, have countered with their own filing, arguing that Paris Jackson is pursuing similar relief through a different legal avenue after losing an anti-SLAPP motion. They maintain that they have the right to defend themselves and require proper procedures to be followed.
Nearly 17 years after Michael Jackson's death, his estate remains in probate, with significant assets now available following the success of the biopic Michael. Paris Jackson, now 27, along with her brothers Prince and Bigi, are adults and could potentially take control of the estate, which was over $500 million in debt at the time of Michael Jackson's death but is now worth hundreds of millions.
