Michael Jackson died in June 2009 while preparing for a 50-show residency in London, leaving behind a music empire but also debts exceeding $500 million. His estate was placed under the control of executors John Branca and John McClain, who have managed his business interests for the past 16 years.
The estate’s beneficiaries are Jackson’s three children: Prince, Bigi, and Paris. However, a public rift has emerged between Paris, now 27, and the executors. She has raised concerns about “irregular payments” and accused lawyers of “skimming money” from her father’s estate.
In March 2024, Bigi filed a legal motion to block his grandmother Katherine from using estate funds for a legal battle, reportedly over a $600 million catalogue deal with Sony. The filing revealed Katherine had received over $55 million since Jackson’s death, including a $33 million cash allowance and $15 million for her home.
In June 2024, the executors filed a petition seeking court approval for a $600 million Sony catalogue sale, which later closed. Paris has continued to voice her distrust of the executors, though no formal legal action from her has been reported.
