Michael Jackson’s Daughter Paris Demands $600M From Estate for Family Trust
Paris Seeks Trust Funding
In an Oct. 29 court filing, Paris Jackson asked a Los Angeles judge to order a partial transfer of estate assets to the Michael Jackson Family Trust. The trust was established to provide financial support for Michael Jackson’s three children.
Paris says she and her brothers, Prince Jackson and Bigi Jackson, have not received the proper funds. The filing alleges that the estate has generated billions of dollars since their father died in 2009, but that the trust remains unfunded. It seeks $600 million for the trust.
Dispute Over Trust Terms
According to the filing, the children were to begin receiving income from their individual shares at 21, with further portions at 30 and additional distributions at 35 and 40. The document says Paris, 28, Prince, 29, and Bigi, 24, depend on estate executor John Branca for money.
The filing alleges the siblings receive smaller amounts set by Branca and claims his control discourages them from scrutinizing his conduct. The estate disputes Paris’s account of payments and says more than $200 million has already been distributed for the children’s benefit.
Estate Cites IRS Case
The Michael Jackson Estate told People that it cannot fully fund the trusts until other legal matters are resolved, including ongoing litigation with the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS sought $700 million in taxes and penalties, the estate said.
The estate said it obtained a ruling that significantly reduced the amount, but the matter remains unresolved and could change. It called Paris’s claim that payments were withheld or reduced “a complete fabrication,” according to its statement. The estate also said Michael’s will provides that none of his children receives a distribution until their 30s.
Paris’s Spokesperson Responds
A spokesperson for Paris rejected the estate’s response, accusing it of deflecting responsibility. The spokesperson said Paris had asked for partial funding and that Branca had the ability and obligation to make it happen earlier.
The spokesperson added that Paris acted after years of delay. The estate said it looked forward to resolving outstanding issues so the trusts could be fully funded as Michael wanted.
Key points
- Paris is asking a Los Angeles judge to direct $600 million to the family trust.
- Her filing says the trust remains unfunded despite billions in estate earnings.
- The estate cites ongoing IRS litigation and says more than $200 million has been distributed for the children.
- Paris’s spokesperson says she sought partial funding after years of delay.