Paris Jackson's Lawyers Seek $1.16 Million From Michael Jackson Estate as Branca Objects

Paris Jackson's lawyers have asked for about $1.16 million in reimbursement from the Michael Jackson estate, following an April ruling that sent $625,000 in bonuses paid to outside attorneys back to the estate. Executor John Branca has objected to the request.

Retired Judge Mitchell Beckloff ordered the bonuses returned in April. The same decision credited the executors with turning around an estate that was close to bankruptcy in 2009.

Branca argues the fee bill covers work unrelated to the bonus dispute, including some bills tied to separate proceedings. He also says Paris Jackson's team is claiming credit for money that was already returned voluntarily.

Wider challenge to executor pay

The fee request is one part of Paris Jackson's broader challenge to how executors Branca and John McClain run the estate. She is disputing compensation for executors and their counsel that totals more than $109 million across 2023 and 2024.

On October 29, she also filed a petition asking a judge to move $600 million into the Michael Jackson Family Trust.

The filing cites about $850 million in estate cash at the end of 2024. Under the trust, the children receive principal distributions at 30, with more at 35 and 40.

The estate points to IRS litigation as an obstacle to funding the trusts. In that case the government sought $700 million in taxes and penalties.

Estate lawyer responds

Estate attorney Marty Singer has defended Branca publicly and criticized the filings. "It is outrageous that Paris Jackson's attorneys have been filing these Petitions going after the Michael Jackson Estate," Singer said.

Singer said Branca took over a business roughly $500 million in debt and built it into one that has generated billions. By his account, beneficiaries have received $200 million so far, and he argued that Paris Jackson's lawyers should be thanking Branca.