At a Glance
- Estate executors want $115,000 in fees after winning an anti-SLAPP motion against Paris Jackson
- Paris claims the executors took $10 million in 2021, more than double any family payout
- Executors counter that Paris has received $65 million in benefits since 2009
- Why it matters: The fight shapes how the late pop icon’s fortune will be managed for his three children
The legal war over Michael Jackson’s estate escalated again when attorneys for the singer’s executors asked a Los Angeles judge to order Paris Jackson to pay $115,000 in costs and legal fees.
Estate Seeks Reimbursement
Court papers filed Friday, Jan. 9, break down the request:
- $93,924.63 in attorney fees
- $1,238.39 in direct costs tied to the anti-SLAPP motion filed last year
- Additional expenses related to recovering the money
The motion was granted in November, wiping out claims Paris raised in a July petition. Because the executors prevailed, California law lets them recoup fees.
Paris Slams ‘Money Grab’
A spokesperson for Paris framed the filing as another attempt by the estate to drain family funds.
“Paris Jackson has worked to address what appear to be troubling discrepancies and financial irregularities in the administration of her father’s estate,” the spokesperson told News Of Losangeles. “It’s no surprise the executors and their lawyers are using every tool at their disposal to take even more money from the Jackson family and use it to line their own pockets. Paris remains undeterred and will continue fighting for transparency, accountability and fairness for her family.”
$10 Million vs. $65 Million
The dispute centers on how much money has flowed to each side.
| Claim | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Executors’ 2021 compensation | $10 million | Paris Jackson court filing |
| Family allowance distributed in 2021 | <$5 million | Same filing |
| Total benefits Paris has received | $65 million | Executors’ October motion |
Paris, 27, is one of three beneficiaries alongside brothers Prince, 28, and Bigi, 23.
From $500M Debt to ‘Powerhouse’
When Jackson died in 2009, he was more than $500 million in debt. Court papers from the executors say they transformed the estate into a thriving business. The executors, John Branca and John McClain, argue their management rescued the legacy and generated new income streams.
Timeline of Key Filings
| Date | Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | Paris files petition | Allegations against executors |
| Oct. 2025 | Executors respond | Claim Paris got $65 million |
| Nov. 2025 | Anti-SLAPP motion granted | Paris’s claims struck down |
| Jan. 9, 2026 | Fee request filed | $115,000 sought |
What Happens Next
The judge will review the fee request and decide whether to issue a final order. Until then, both sides remain locked in dueling accusations about the estate’s finances. Paris vows to keep pushing for transparency, while executors say they are entitled to reimbursement after prevailing in court.
Key Takeaways
- Executors want $115,000 after winning an anti-SLAPP ruling
- Paris claims $10 million executor payout in 2021 dwarfed family distributions
- Executors counter that Paris has received $65 million in total benefits
- The battle over the late pop star’s fortune shows no sign of ending
