Paris Jackson Files Legal Challenge Against Father’s Estate, Sparking Family division
Los Angeles, CA – Paris Jackson has filed a legal challenge against the estate of her late father, Michael Jackson, alleging financial misconduct by the estate’s executors, John Branca and John McClain. The move has ignited a rift within the Jackson family, with some members expressing support for Paris while others defend the estate’s management.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims Branca and McClain improperly enriched themselves while managing the estate, which continues to generate significant revenue from Jackson’s music catalog and other assets. Specific details of the alleged misconduct remain under seal.
A source close to Paris Jackson stated, “She’s been through a lot and a legal battle doesn’t seem to help anyone-not her, not the family, not Michael’s legacy.”
The estate, which has remained publicly silent beyond court filings, is currently overseeing several ongoing projects, including international runs of the Broadway musical “MJ: The Musical,” a lucrative deal with Sony Music, and a new biopic, “Michael,” starring Jaafar Jackson, set for release next summer.
The executors have reportedly expressed confidence in their handling of the estate.A source familiar with their legal strategy said, “They’ve done everything by the book. They’ve taken care of Michael’s children far beyond what anyone expected.”
Though, the challenge has stirred up long-standing tensions within the Jackson family. One family insider claimed, “Michael trusted Branca and McClain. They were the ones who cleaned up the mess.” Another source suggested Paris’s actions were “ungrateful and privileged,” and that she was receiving “awful advice” from within the family.
The dispute also touches on sensitive issues surrounding Michael Jackson’s children and their racial identity. A person close to the family commented, “Michael chose to have kids that are not Black, so any talk about Black and white is wrong because this was Michael’s choice.”
Paris Jackson has publicly discussed her struggles with mental health and addiction, revealing in a 2025 Rolling stone interview that she attempted suicide at age 15, attributing it to ”self-hatred, low self-esteem, thinking that I couldn’t do anything right, not thinking I was worthy of living anymore.” She celebrated five years of sobriety in January 2025 and has focused on music and self-expression.
Whether Paris Jackson’s legal challenge will proceed remains to be seen.The outcome could have critically important implications for the future management of Michael jackson’s estate and further strain relationships within the Jackson family.
