Paris Jackson Demands Estate Repay $3M

Paris Jackson, 28, has initiated legal action demanding that the managers of her late father Michael Jackson's estate repay close to $3 million to her family. In a recent court filing, she specifically called for estate executor John Branca to reimburse $1.1 million for legal fees incurred due to his alleged "over-litigation" of their disputes. Furthermore, Paris Jackson accused Branca of using estate funds for unauthorized gifts totaling $2.85 million, seeking the recovery of all these funds to support her family.

A source close to Paris' legal team stated that the Estate has consistently obstructed her pursuit of fair treatment for her family, suggesting John Branca's mismanagement of the Jackson estate is evident. The extent of his alleged wasteful spending and financial mismanagement, including aggressive litigation against beneficiaries, has been described as "mind-boggling." The estate's attorneys, however, have countered in court documents that they have a duty to preserve confidentiality regarding their attorney-client relationships and negotiating strategies.

The estate's legal representatives dismissed Paris Jackson's criticisms as "irrelevant attacks" and "baseless suggestions," particularly concerning the estate's closure. They noted that unresolved litigation, including potential appeals to the Ninth Circuit regarding tax court judgments, contributes to the prolonged closure process. Regarding claims of $120 million in executor fees from 2009 to 2022, the estate maintains that payouts to beneficiaries have adhered to Michael Jackson's will.

In 2025, Paris Jackson had previously accused a legal team of exploiting her father's estate, alleging they were "skimming money." This accusation was denied by a trust representative at the time. The Jackson siblings, including Paris, Prince (29), and Bigi (24), reportedly expressed concerns over excessive attorney payments made after their father's death in 2009. Although executors initially agreed to reduce fees, an additional $115,000 bill was later submitted. The siblings also claimed that executors made $625,000 in "non-contractual gifts" to law firms without proper safeguards.

Paris Jackson's current motion argues that she should be compensated because the estate's previously undisclosed payments became public knowledge. She contends that Mr. Branca "over-litigated" the matter with the estate's substantial resources, even retaining and paying conflicted parties to defend their claims. Her filing emphasizes that Branca's aggressive defense, which increased expenses and complexity without benefiting the estate or its beneficiaries, should not incur costs for her. The estate's attorneys have urged the court to disregard her "inflammatory rhetoric" and dismiss her arguments.

A crucial hearing to determine attorney's fees is scheduled for Thursday, September 3. This date is critical for resolving the financial disputes surrounding the estate.