Paris Jackson, the 28-year-old daughter of late music icon Michael Jackson, has asked a US court to order the distribution of $600 million from her father’s estate, accusing its longtime executor of withholding the inheritance intended for her and her two brothers.
In a petition filed on October 29 at the Los Angeles Superior Court, Paris accused estate executor John Branca of maintaining control over the siblings by determining when and how much money they receive from their father’s estate.
She argued that despite the estate generating billions of dollars over the years and holding hundreds of millions in cash, the Michael Jackson Family Trust, which was intended to benefit her and her brothers, Prince, 29, and Bigi, 24, remains unfunded.
According to the filing, Michael’s will stipulated that his children should begin receiving income from their respective portions of the trust when they turned 21. However, Paris alleged that they have instead received smaller payments determined by Branca.
She further claimed that when she began questioning the management of the estate last year, including payments she described as non-contractual gifts to colleagues, her concerns were met with legal action, public attacks and a reduction in the money provided to the siblings.
The petition also stated that Michael intended for each child to receive one-third of the principal in their respective trusts at 30, half of the remaining balance at 35 and the full balance at 40.
Paris argued that the estate had sufficient funds to make the proposed distribution while meeting its outstanding financial obligations. She cited several major transactions, including the sale of the estate’s interest in EMI Music Publishing, Neverland Ranch and a deal with Sony involving Michael’s music catalogue and other intellectual property.
According to the filing, the estate had generated more than $2.5 billion in gross earnings through December 2024 and held approximately $850 million in cash and cash equivalents at the time.
However, a spokesperson for Michael Jackson’s estate disputed her claims, saying the trust and charitable foundation could not be fully funded until outstanding legal matters, particularly an ongoing dispute with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), were resolved.
The spokesperson also described the allegation that Branca had withheld or reduced payments as false, stating that more than $200 million had already been distributed to or spent for the benefit of Paris and the other beneficiaries.
Paris is asking the court to order the transfer of $600 million to the family trust or determine an appropriate amount for distribution. She is also seeking reimbursement for her legal fees.
The matter is scheduled for a hearing in December.