Michael Jackson's daughter Paris Jackson has suffered a significant legal setback in her ongoing battle with the executors of her late father's estate, according to court documents obtained by the Daily Mail.
Court Ruling Goes Against Jackson Heir
In a ruling issued on Thursday, retired Los Angeles judge Mitchell L. Beckloff sided with estate executors John Branca and John McClain, striking down multiple claims in Paris Jackson's petition under California's anti-SLAPP statute. The 27-year-old was spotted looking sombre in Los Angeles following the disappointing legal outcome.
The legal action, which Paris filed against the executors of the Michael Jackson estate, saw substantial portions of her complaint dismissed because they targeted protected legal filings. The anti-SLAPP law is designed to prevent lawsuits intended to censor or intimidate critics through legal action.
Estate Payment Controversy Continues
Despite the setback, some elements of Paris Jackson's petition remain intact. The judge preserved her complaints about the executors' oversight of attorney payments and her concerns about transparency for herself and her brothers, Prince, 28, and Bigi, 23.
In her original filing from July 31, Paris had highlighted what she described as questionable financial practices, including $625,000 in 'gifts' and 'gratuities' dispersed to three law firms for 'uncaptured time.' She also pointed to 'premium payments' made to two firms that she argued violated court orders.
Her petition claimed the executors had operated with insufficient oversight and paid 'non-contractual $125,000 and $250,000 gifts' to estate attorneys without proper documentation from 2019-2023.
Legal and Personal Challenges
The legal defeat comes with financial consequences for Paris Jackson, who has been ordered to pay the estate's attorneys' fees related to the anti-SLAPP defence. However, the fees are limited to work specifically performed on that aspect of the case.
A spokesperson for Paris Jackson told the Daily Mail: 'This order is limited to minor procedural issues and does not change the facts: the pattern of behaviour displayed by the executors and their attorneys raises significant red flags, and Paris will continue working to ensure her family is treated fairly. We will be submitting an updated filing shortly.'
The legal developments coincide with Paris recently revealing personal health struggles, including permanent nasal damage from past drug use. In an online video, she showed followers a perforated septum that causes a whistling sound when she breathes, which she attributed to cocaine use during her younger years.
Paris Jackson's relationship with projects connected to her father's legacy remains complicated. She recently distanced herself from the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, contradicting claims by actor Colman Domingo that she supported the film. The movie is being produced by the same estate executors she is challenging in court.
