Paris Jackson has achieved a significant legal victory in her ongoing dispute with the executors of her father Michael Jackson's estate. A retired probate judge ruled that over $625,000 in bonus payments made to estate lawyers in 2018 must be returned. The decision marks a turning point in the 28-year-old's efforts to gain greater control over the late singer's legacy.
Judge Mitchell Beckloff, acting as referee, issued the order on April 29, stating that the bonus payments were not approved and must be disallowed. He also imposed new restrictions on the estate, barring future bonus payments to attorneys without written consent from all beneficiaries or a court order. Additionally, the estate may now only pay 70% of reasonable legal fees upfront, with the remaining 30% held pending court approval.
While the estate acknowledged the ruling and said it would comply, a spokesperson for Paris Jackson called it a 'massive win' for the Jackson family. The spokesperson criticised estate co-executor John Branca, accusing him of using the estate as a 'slush fund' and called for greater transparency and accountability. The dispute has included disagreements over the cost and content of the recent Michael Jackson biopic, which Paris has opposed.
Despite the ruling, the estate's executors were praised for providing 'exceptional services' over the years. The estate is now required to file attorneys' fee petitions for 2019-2024 by September 15, 2026, and is conducting a self-audit of past expenditures. Paris Jackson has demanded immediate access to these records, while the estate has cited ongoing delays in completing the 2025 report.
