Legal Battle Over $464 Million Estate
On November 18, Paris Jackson filed a petition with the Los Angeles court (USA), accusing the executors of Michael Jackson’s estate of abusing their positions for personal gain. She claims they received “double the amount” that should have been allocated to her and her two brothers in 2021 and delayed for four years a distribution of assets that she only received in September.
Paris expressed concern that over $464 million in cash from the estate was not being invested effectively. According to her, an interest rate of less than 0.1% is “unacceptable,” and if properly invested, this amount could generate $41 million in profit.
In the filing, Paris accused the two estate executors—John Branca and John McClain—of pocketing over $10 million in 2021 alone, double the amount allocated to any beneficiary. The total amount they received by the end of 2021, according to Paris, was $148.2 million, which she deems “far beyond reasonable.”
The singer also criticized their spending on “risky” entertainment projects, including the upcoming biopic Michael. She stated that the estate executors have not released financial reports for 2022-2025, leading her to suspect they are deliberately prolonging their management of the estate.
Despite this, according to US media, Paris received $65 million in distributions from the estate in September amid the legal dispute.
The estate managers denied all allegations, calling Paris’s claims, including that they “tipped” $625,000 to three law firms, “false.” The hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2026.
However, a long-time associate of the Jackson family defended the estate management: “Michael died owing over half a billion dollars. The management not only paid off all debts but rebuilt the fortune. Paris attacking them now is truly shocking.”
Another source added, “She’s stubborn and getting extremely bad advice. Everyone wants her to be in the light. What they fear most is Paris being pulled back into the darkness, where she almost died before.”
Michael Jackson—the legendary artist of the music world—passed away in 2009 while preparing for a global tour. At the time of his death, he owed over $500 million. According to court documents, the estate managers restored this fortune and turned it into “a powerful force in the entertainment industry.”
Paris Jackson’s Turbulent Life
Paris Jackson (born 1998) is the only daughter of Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe. She has an older brother, Prince, and a younger brother, Bigi Jackson. Growing up amidst both fame and pressure, Paris had a tumultuous childhood. Especially after her father’s death when she was 11, she suffered a psychological breakdown and required hospitalization.
As an adult, Paris gradually gained better control of her life and pursued music, following in her father’s footsteps. She signed with Republic Records in 2020, releasing the single Let Down and the album Wilted the same year, both of which received positive reviews. Besides songwriting, Paris plays electric guitar and frequently performs at various music festivals.
Earlier this year, Paris garnered attention by announcing she had successfully quit alcohol and heroin five years ago. She shared, “Thanks to being sober, I can smile, create music, and enjoy life.” The young singer also encouraged everyone to seek psychological support to overcome substance dependence.
Family Worries About Paris’s Mental State
Following the legal action against her father’s estate, Paris’s relatives expressed concern that she is acting emotionally. They believe that initiating litigation could affect her mental stability, something she has worked hard to maintain for the past five years.
A source told Page Six, “Paris has been through hell. When she gets emotional, that’s when the family fears the most.”
The family witnessed Paris fall into a severe mental crisis after her father’s sudden death, leading to substance abuse and rehabilitation. Her brother Prince repeatedly asked the family to intervene. Her mother, Debbie Rowe, often had to come in the night to help her daughter through panic attacks.
The source stated, “Growing up as the child of the most famous person on the planet led Paris to substances to cope with the pain. Now, receiving a large sum from the estate, this instability could manifest in other ways.”
Last September, the young artist appeared on the streets of Los Angeles looking tired. She also announced the cancellation of her engagement to her future husband in July. The couple had confirmed their engagement late last year.
