Paris Jackson has won a legal battle tied to the management of the Michael Jackson estate. The ruling came after concerns were raised over attorney bonus payments and delayed financial records connected to the estate. Several objections filed by Paris were upheld in court. Now, new financial deadlines and restrictions have been ordered. The estate was also directed to cover her legal fees linked to the case.
Paris Jackson’s rep releases a statement after her legal win
The dispute centered around payments made to attorneys working for the estate executors. During the proceedings, questions were raised about whether the bonus payouts had been properly approved and documented.
According to PEOPLE, the judge ruled that $625,000 in bonus payments issued in the second half of 2018 was disallowed. The referee stated there was not enough evidence showing the amounts were reasonable. It was also noted that the payments appeared to be based on what estate co-executor John Branca considered appropriate.
The money is now expected to be returned to the estate. Going forward, bonus payments to attorneys cannot be made unless written approval is received from all beneficiaries or permission is granted by the court.
A spokesperson for Paris Jackson released a statement after the decision. “Paris has always been focused on what’s best for her family, and this ruling is a massive win for them. After years of delay, the Jackson family will finally get the transparency and accountability measures Paris has fought for,” the statement stated, exclusively obtained by Reality Tea.
The statement also criticized Branca’s handling of the estate. “The Jackson Estate is supposed to be a prudent, fiscally responsible entity that supports the Jackson family – not a slush fund to help John Branca live out his Hollywood mogul fantasies,” it added.
The court additionally ruled that Paris should receive attorneys’ fees tied to the legal challenge. Filing dates were also set for overdue financial accountings and attorney fee approvals covering multiple years.
The Michael Jackson estate has remained one of the entertainment industry’s highest-earning celebrity estates since the singer died in 2009. Revenue has continued to come in through music rights, licensing deals, and stage productions.
