Exclusive: Paris Jackson Demands $600M From Michael’s Estate, Accuses Executor of Withholding Kids’ Inheritance

Paris Seeks Trust Distribution

In a petition filed Oct. 29 in Los Angeles Superior Court, Paris Jackson asks for a preliminary $600 million distribution to the Michael Jackson Family Trust. She argues the estate has no legitimate reason to leave the trust unfunded more than 17 years after her father’s death.

The trust is intended to benefit Paris and her brothers, Prince, 29, and Bigi, 24. The petition says the estate has generated billions of dollars and holds hundreds of millions in cash, yet the trust has not received its funding.

Claims Against The Executor

The petition accuses longtime executor John Branca of controlling when the siblings receive money. It describes his control as an “iron grip,” according to the filing. Branca is an attorney and chairman of The Michael Jackson Company; he was hired in 1985, left Jackson’s team in 2006 over financial matters, and returned in 2009, eight days before Jackson died.

Michael Jackson’s will said his children should begin receiving income from their trusts at 21. Paris says that did not happen and alleges Branca instead determines smaller payments. She also claims he used control of payments to deter the siblings from questioning his management of the estate.

Dispute Over Payments

The estate disputes the claims. A spokesperson said legal hurdles, particularly ongoing IRS litigation over $700 million in taxes and penalties, prevent full funding of the charitable foundation and individual trusts. The spokesperson said the allegation that Branca withheld or cut payments was “a complete fabrication” and said the estate wants the trusts funded once the issues are resolved.

Estate Assets And Inheritance Schedule

The petition cites a 2018 sale of the estate’s roughly 10% interest in EMI Music Publishing to Sony for $287.5 million, the 2020 sale of Neverland Ranch for $22 million, and a 2023 agreement for Sony to pay $750 million upfront for a 50% interest in remaining intellectual property assets. It says those transactions produced more than $1 billion in pre-tax, pre-expense liquidity.

The estate reported more than $2.5 billion in gross earnings through December 2024 and was estimated to be worth $2 billion to $3 billion. It reportedly held about $850 million in cash and cash equivalents at that time. Paris estimates roughly $600 million remains available after potential liabilities.