Paris Jackson is pushing back against a $109.2 million compensation request tied to the management of her late father Michael Jackson’s estate, making it clear that protecting his legacy means paying attention to the business behind it. More than 17 years after the King of Pop’s death, the continued fight over his fortune is bringing renewed scrutiny to those entrusted with managing his cultural and financial empire.
According to Rolling Stone, Jackson is asking a Los Angeles judge to reject or reduce a compensation request covering work performed in 2023 and 2024 by estate executor John Branca, his lawyers and the late co-executor John McClain. She claimed that Branca failed to provide complete financial accountings by a deadline he had set himself, despite seeking substantial compensation.
“It is unclear how executor could calculate and distribute such an amount with any confidence and yet be unable to file complete and accurate accountings years later,” the new motion read. “Paris respectfully submits that the gap between executor’s level of compensation and his persistent incompetence is intolerable.”
Jackson is seeking to lower the management fee rate from 15% to 10% of the estate’s gross entertainment-related income, as reported by Deadline. She also wants the reduction to apply retroactively and remain in place until the required financial records are completed.
RELATED: Paris Jackson Decides the World Has Had Enough of Her Father’s Private Life
The estate, however, has strongly rejected her allegations, describing the latest motion as without merit, TMZ reported. Its representatives argue that the executors waived traditional executor compensation and instead receive a separate, court-ordered management fee for operating Michael’s business.
The dispute follows an earlier legal victory for Jackson. A judge previously ordered the return of $625,000 in bonuses paid to outside law firms after finding the payments had not been adequately justified, according to Rolling Stone. That ruling has added further weight to her calls for greater oversight of the estate’s finances.
Since the King of Pop died in 2009, his estate has transformed from an operation burdened by substantial debt into a multibillion-dollar entertainment business, which we’ve been reporting on. Its success reflects the singer’s enduring cultural impact, with his music, dance and visual artistry continuing to influence performers and captivate audiences worldwide.
For Jackson, the latest challenge underscores her push for greater transparency about the management of her father’s fortune and places renewed scrutiny on those entrusted with protecting his legacy. As the legal battle continues, its outcome could have significant implications for the estate’s financial oversight and the stewardship of one of entertainment’s most valuable catalogues. The next hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 4.
