Paris Jackson
Paris Jackson smiling. @parisjackson/Instagram

Paris Jackson, daughter of the late Michael Jackson, is challenging her father's estate over what she claims were unapproved legal payments totalling $625,000 (about £500,000) in 2018. In a recent legal filing, she raised concerns about 'premium payments' made to three law firms without proper court approval.

The motion highlights personal concerns over transparency within the estate, now valued at more than $2 billion (approximately £1.6 billion). Jackson, along with her brothers Prince and Bigi, is a key beneficiary of the trust, which has evolved into one of the most lucrative in entertainment history.

From Debt to a Multi-Billion Pound Empire

When Michael Jackson died in 2009, the estate reportedly faced over $500 million (approx. £400 million) in debt. Since then, executors John Branca and John McClain have overseen a remarkable financial recovery, according to the Washington Informer. Revenue streams have included catalogue sales, merchandise licensing, stage productions such as MJ the Musical, and ongoing royalties from Jackson's music. Today, the estate is valued at over $3 billion (£2.4 billion), according to Jonathan Steinsapir, the estate's attorney, who spoke to People magazine.

Paris Jackson's personal net worth is estimated at around $150 million (around £120 million), according to Finance Monthly. In addition to regular trust disbursements, she earns income through her modelling, acting, and music careers.

Disputing 'Lavish' Legal Fees

At the centre of her legal motion is a challenge to what she describes as 'lavish gratuities' awarded to estate lawyers. These payments were made in connection with a lucrative sale of an EMI publishing stake, which reportedly turned a $50,000 (£40,000) investment into a $288 million (£230 million) return, according to Deadline.

Her legal team has expressed concerns over the lack of documentation detailing the legal work involved. They argue that the sums may breach prior court orders limiting discretionary expenses and warn that approving such fees without scrutiny could set a problematic precedent for fiduciary oversight. Paris Jackson is not disputing the lawyers' role in the transaction but questions the process by which these payments were approved.

Estate Responds

Legal representatives for the estate have dismissed the claims, maintaining the payments were both reasonable and deserved, as reported by People. They argue that premium compensation is common in large estates, particularly where legal teams deliver substantial financial outcomes.

They also note that similar compensation practices have been followed for years and that these payments do not represent a significant deviation from precedent.

What's at Stake for the Jackson Family

Michael Jackson's estate has been negotiating a potential sale of 50% of its interests, including music publishing, recorded-music revenues and other assets, in a deal valued between $800 million and $900 million (around £640 million to £720 million), according to Variety in 2023. For Jackson's heirs, including Paris, confidence in the estate's management is crucial not only for their financial future but also for preserving their father's legacy.

Her motion calls for greater transparency in how high-value decisions are made across the estate. Legal experts suggest the outcome could influence how other celebrity estates handle discretionary legal fees in future.

Fifteen years after Michael Jackson's death, questions of control, trust and financial accountability remain unresolved.

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