Michael Jackson Estate Claims Katherine Jackson Received over $55 Million Since Singer's Death
ICARO Media Group
The disclosure comes amid a heated dispute between the estate's executors, John Branca and John McClain, and the elder Jackson over the estate's recent business dealings.
The filing, obtained by Billboard, was intended to argue against the estate having to cover Katherine's legal expenses associated with her attempts to block a business transaction believed to be the estate's estimated $600 million catalog deal with Sony. Branca and McClain asserted that they had consistently provided for Katherine's care and well-being, with virtually no request for her maintenance being denied.
According to the estate's lawyers, Katherine Jackson received more than $33 million in cash, including a $160,000 monthly allowance, as well as a luxurious $15 million home. Moreover, the executors stated that they had granted Katherine an emergency payment of $3.7 million in December to settle her outstanding income tax obligations.
Emphasizing their support for Katherine, the lawyers for Branca and McClain stated, "It is difficult to imagine that the trustees could provide any more liberally for Mrs. Jackson." They presented these figures to counter claims made by Katherine's counsel regarding her allegedly inadequate care and support from the estate.
This recent filing is the latest development in an ongoing feud between Katherine Jackson and the estate executors regarding her opposition to an undisclosed business transaction. In April 2023, a judge rejected her objections to a deal that would allow the estate to sell part of Michael Jackson's catalog to Sony for an estimated $600 million. Katherine subsequently filed an appeal, which is currently pending.
In December, Katherine requested that the estate shoulder her legal expenses related to her objections and ongoing appeal. Branca and McClain opposed the request, referring to her objections as "failed" and her appeal as "meritless." They argued that the estate should not be responsible for covering legal fees resulting from objections that caused "substantial damage."
In the latest filing, the estate's lawyers went further, asserting that the estate should not be obligated to pay for Katherine's attorneys' fees, given the overruled objection and the ongoing, seemingly frivolous appeal.
As of now, there has been no comment from Katherine Jackson's attorney regarding these recent developments.
It remains to be seen how this legal battle will unfold, while the estate's executors continue to assert their commitment to providing for Katherine's well-being while managing Michael Jackson's complex financial legacy.