Paris Jackson has secured a legal victory after a Los Angeles judge ruled that $625,000 in bonuses paid by the executors of Michael Jackson's estate must be returned. The 28-year-old daughter of the late pop star challenged the payments made to third-party law firms in 2018 by executors John Branca and John McClain.
The ruling demands greater transparency over how the estate's funds are managed. Paris, along with her brothers Prince and Bigi, is a beneficiary of the estate established after Michael Jackson's death in 2009. A spokesperson for Paris described the decision as a "massive win" for the family, adding that she has long fought for accountability.
The spokesperson criticised Branca and McClain, accusing them of using the estate as a "slush fund" and referencing Branca's alleged "Hollywood mogul fantasies," potentially linked to the recent Michael Jackson biopic, which Paris publicly opposed. The executors must now file accountings for legal fees from 2019 to 2024 by September 15.
In response, Branca and McClain noted that the judge acknowledged their "exceptional service to the estate." They stated that none of the disputed bonuses were paid to them personally and maintained that the payments were subject to court approval. While disagreeing with the ruling, they said they respect it and will comply.
