Michael Jackson's daughter Paris Jackson has alleged that lawyers are 'skimming money' from the late King of Pop's estate, escalating a long-running legal battle with executors John Branca and John McClain. Here is a timeline of the feud.
June 25, 2009 - Michael Jackson's Death
Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest at his Los Angeles home while preparing for a 50-show residency in London. His estate, burdened with over $500 million in debt, was placed under executors John Branca and John McClain.
January 11, 2024 - Biopic Deal Signed
The estate agreed to produce 'Michael', a biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson. The film was released on April 24, 2026.
March 22, 2024 - Bigi Blocks Grandmother's Legal Funding
Jackson's son Bigi filed to prevent grandmother Katherine from using estate funds for a legal dispute over a Sony catalog deal. The filing revealed Katherine had received over $55 million from the estate.
June 28, 2024 - Estate Reveals Financial Difficulties
Executors filed a petition detailing over $500 million in debt at Jackson's death, with some debt in default and accruing high interest.
August 22, 2024 - Estate Sells Sony Stake for $600 Million
A court approved the sale of a portion of Jackson's songs to Sony, over Katherine's objections. The court cited the executors' broad powers under Jackson's will.
July 11, 2025 - Paris Raises Concerns Over Irregular Payments
Paris Jackson filed an objection to legal fees, citing 'irregular payments' and 'premium payments for unrecorded attorney time.'
July 15, 2025 - Executors Cite Issues with Ex-Wife
Branca and McClain revealed they dealt with issues related to one of Jackson's ex-wives, though no specific name was given.
August 4, 2025 - Paris Accuses Lawyers of Skimming
Paris filed a motion accusing a 'closely-knit, highly-compensated' group of lawyers of exploiting lack of oversight to skim money from the estate. Executors denied the claims, calling them baseless.
October 15, 2025 - Executors Defend Record
Branca and McClain claimed Paris had received $65 million in benefits and that their judgment turned the estate into a $2 billion powerhouse.
November 13, 2025 - Paris Loses Procedural Ruling
A judge threw out Paris's claims based on anti-SLAPP laws, but her representatives vowed to continue.
November 18, 2025 - Paris Criticizes Branca's Biopic Role
Paris questioned Branca's casting of Miles Teller to play him in 'Michael', noting his law firm received over $10 million from the estate in 2021.
April 24, 2026 - 'Michael' Released
The biopic starring Jaafar Jackson and Miles Teller received a one-star review from The Independent, which criticized its focus on Branca.
May 13, 2026 - Paris Wins Legal Ruling
A Los Angeles judge ordered over $625,000 in bonuses paid to law firms to be returned to the estate, ruling in favor of Paris's demand for transparency.
