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Widow Sues Malcolm-Jamal's Mother Over Debts
22 Jul
Summary
- Tenisha Warner is suing Malcolm-Jamal Warner's mother.
- The lawsuit claims over $1.2 million in unpaid debts.
- The debts include life-insurance obligations and other unpaid amounts.

One year after the passing of actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, his widow, Tenisha Warner, has initiated a lawsuit against his mother, Pamela Warner. Tenisha alleges that her mother-in-law owes her more than $1.2 million. This substantial sum reportedly includes unpaid debts stemming from Malcolm-Jamal's life-insurance obligations and other outstanding amounts.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner tragically died on July 20, 2025, due to drowning during a family vacation in Costa Rica. He was 54. He had been married to Tenisha since 2017, though he maintained her identity privately until his death. Following his passing, Tenisha revealed herself and established The Warner Family Foundation to honor his memory, focusing on scholarships for young artists.
The couple met through a mutual friend and initially had different life goals, with Malcolm not initially planning to have children. However, their relationship evolved, and they married in 2017. They shared one daughter, who was 8 years old at the time of Malcolm-Jamal's death. He often spoke of his deep love for Tenisha, calling her his "soulmate."