Paris Jackson makes startling claim against father Michael’s estate, dividing her family

[Special thanks to Joel C. Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.]

Paris Jackson, the 27-year-old daughter of Michael Jackson, has filed a legal complaint against the executors of her late father’s estate, accusing John Branca and John McClain of mismanaging funds and granting excessive payments to outside lawyers.

Family insiders, however, have criticized Paris’s move, calling it “biting the hand that feeds.” After Michael Jackson’s death in 2009, the estate, once $500 million in debt, was turned around by Branca and McClain through lucrative deals such as MJ: The Musical and the $500 million sale of Jackson’s music catalog to Sony. The estate is now worth over $3 billion, and Paris herself has reportedly received more than $65 million.

Court filings from the estate’s attorneys emphasize that Paris has greatly benefited from the executors’ management. Sources close to the family describe her actions as stemming more from “control” than financial need, noting her lavish spending on multiple multimillion-dollar homes.

Paris’s brothers, Prince and Bigi, have stayed quiet about the estate, while her grandmother, Katherine Jackson, remains the only other family member receiving funds.

Paris, who has openly discussed her past struggles with mental health and addiction, marked five years of sobriety in 2025 and continues to pursue a music career. Despite her legal challenge, the estate continues to thrive with international runs of MJ: The Musical, ongoing Sony revenue, and an upcoming biopic starring Jaafar Jackson.

As one family insider put it, “Michael trusted Branca and McClain. They rebuilt his legacy and his children’s future.”

For more information see Stacy Brown “Paris Jackson makes startling claim against father Michael’s estate, dividing her family,” New York Post, October 25, 2025.