Paris Jackson claims her father’s billion-dollar estate owes her and her brothers $860 million

More than 17 years after Michael Jackson’s death, his daughter Paris Jackson is asking for the court’s help in gaining access to $860 million from his estate.

Jackson, 28, has accused the King of Pop’s longtime estate executor, John Branca, of withholding money from the Jackson family trust intended for her and her brothers, Prince, 29, and Bigi, 24.

Paris has accused Branca of withholding her and her brothers’ inheritance, claiming he maintained an “iron grip” over the siblings by controlling when they received money from the estate.

Jackson’s will directed that his children should start receiving income from their inheritance after turning 21. Paris claimed they had only received smaller amounts distributed at Branca’s discretion.

While the litigation is ongoing, a Los Angeles judge ruled on November 4 that Branca could seal portions of filings that contain information about his executor’s attorney fees, legal costs and estate accounting, Page Six reported.

Branca, a lawyer and chairman of the Michael Jackson Company, was originally hired by Jackson in 1985.

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He resigned in 2006 but rejoined the business in 2009, just eight days before Jackson’s death.

Paris’ filing revealed she had previous issues with Branca, objecting last year to what she described as “non-contractual gifts” to colleagues.

The filing said these concerns were met with “scorched earth litigation,” public attacks and a reduction in the millions provided to the three siblings.

The Michael Jackson Estate responded in a statement to Page Six.

“Ms. Jackson’s counsel is well aware that the Estate is prevented from fully funding the charitable foundation and the individual trusts for the beneficiaries until several legal hurdles have been removed, including in particular the ongoing IRS litigation, where they sought $US700 million ($1 billion AU) in taxes and penalties from the Estate,” it said.

“While we were able to secure a ruling to significantly reduce that amount, the matter has not been settled and could still change. Further, the claim that the executor has withheld or ‘cut’ payments is a complete fabrication. More than $US200 million ($288 million) has already been distributed to or for the benefit of Paris and the other beneficiaries.

“The Estate looks forward to the time when all issues are resolved so that the charitable foundation and trusts can be fully funded as Michael wanted.”

Paris argued the estate has more than enough money to fund the trust while still covering its other costs.

Jackson’s estate has generated billions in earnings since his death in 2009, and is one of the highest-earning in the industry.

It’s estimated worth is between $2.9 billion and $4.3 billion.

As of December 2024, the estate reportedly held approximately $1.2 billion in cash and cash equivalents.

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