Michael Jackson passed away in 2009 due to cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication. Following his death, the distribution of his estate became a major topic of debate, with many wondering how it would be divided among his family. Although the singer was one of the biggest pop icons of his time and owned an extensive music catalog that many sought to acquire, it was revealed that he owed millions to creditors and was deeply in debt. Attorney John Branca and executive John McClain were subsequently appointed to manage the estate. Since then, the estate has been in considerable disarray, with Jackson's family members fighting for their rights. Here is an overview of the developments surrounding the King of Pop's estate.
Assets Sold from Michael Jackson's Estate
Over the past year, the two handlers have been managing the estate and its assets. Most of Jackson's music catalog remains under their control, although approximately 50% was sold to one of the world's largest music labels. Additionally, Jackson had purchased the publishing rights to the Beatles' music in the 1980s, which was also sold to the same label. In 2022, Neverland Ranch was sold to billionaire Ronald Burkle, a close friend of the 'Thriller' singer.
Estate Beneficiaries and Legal Dispute with Paris Jackson
When the estate was entrusted to John Branca and John McClain, Jackson's three children—Bigi, Prince, and his only daughter, Paris—were named as beneficiaries. This is where the main legal dispute began. Paris Jackson has repeatedly alleged that the executors have been 'skimming' money and that there have been irregular payments promised to her. The legal battle also involves Bigi Jackson blocking his grandmother, Katherine Jackson, from using estate funds for a legal dispute regarding the catalog sale. In March 2024, Bigi filed a motion alleging that Katherine had received her promised funds, including $55 million since Jackson's death and $33 million in monthly allowances.
Paris Jackson's Concerns Over Estate Actions
In July 2025, Paris officially raised concerns about how the executors were handling the estate and catalog. This came nearly a year after Branca and McClain filed a petition seeking legal authorization to pay several law firms, citing issues stemming from Jackson's debt and interest. In her filing, Paris alleged that payments were not being made on time and that financial assistance was requested for unrecorded attorney time. A statement from her 2025 filing read: “These irregular payments raise serious and substantial questions about the executor’s ability to effectively supervise counsel… and refraining from wasteful, six-figure gift-giving to themselves and their colleagues.” In August 2025, she filed another petition for a judge to intervene, alleging that a group of lawyers had been skimming money. The estate's legal representatives responded, claiming her allegations were baseless and expressing confidence that the judge would reject the petition.
Judge Rules Against Paris Jackson's Claims
In November 2025, Los Angeles Judge Mitchell L. Beckloff ruled against all claims Paris had made in her previous petitions. Following this ruling, Paris and her legal team issued a statement stating they would not give up the fight for her father's estate and the executors' actions over the past 16 years. According to a report by PEOPLE, Paris alleged that Branca's law firm had received a payment of $10 million, double the amount any beneficiary received that year. She also raised concerns about actor Miles Teller playing Branca in the film 'Michael.' The statement read: “It appears that Mr Branca used his position as an Executive Producer, a role he has never before performed in connection with any dramatic feature film, to cast the sole A-list actor in the production, Miles Teller, to play himself in the upcoming feature production Michael.”
Paris Jackson Wins Legal Dispute
On May 13, 2026, it was reported that a judge ruled in favor of Paris Jackson's appeal. The ruling also required the two executors to pay back $625,000 in bonuses that were given to law firms in 2018. PEOPLE reported that the official petition stated: “Ms. Jackson's objection to the $625,000 of bonus payments made in the second six months of 2018 is sustained. The bonus payments are not approved; they are disallowed. The payments shall be returned to the estate.”
