Michael Jackson's son Bigi, formerly known as Blanket, has filed a legal motion to block his grandmother Katherine from using estate funds for a legal dispute, reportedly over a recent catalogue deal with Sony worth an estimated $600 million (£476.8 million). The filing revealed that Katherine has received over $55 million (£43.7 million) since Jackson's death, including a monthly allowance of $166,000 (£132,000) and $15 million (£11.9 million) for home improvements.
The motion highlights growing tensions within the Jackson family, as the estate's executors, John Branca and John McClain, have managed Jackson's affairs since his death in 2009. The estate still holds significant assets, including rights to 'MJ the Musical' and involvement in the upcoming biopic 'Michael', but has sold off stakes in music catalogues and Neverland Ranch.
Jackson's daughter Paris, 27, has publicly criticised the executors, accusing them of 'irregular payments' and 'skimming money' from the estate. The three children—Prince, Paris, and Bigi—are the named beneficiaries, but the rift between Paris and the executors has grown in recent years.
The legal battle adds to the complex legacy of the King of Pop, who died with over $500 million in debt. His personal physician, Conrad Murray, later revealed Jackson's financial struggles and the pressure he felt before his death. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011.
