Paris Jackson’s legal dispute against the executors of her late father, Michael Jackson, has intensified following a recent court ruling. On November 10, 2023, Los Angeles Referee Mitchell L. Beckloff dismissed significant portions of her petition, marking a procedural victory for the estate’s executors, John Branca and John McClain.
The court determined that several of Paris’s claims conflicted with the estate’s own court filings, which are protected under California’s anti-SLAPP statute. This law is designed to prevent litigation aimed at silencing legitimate legal actions. Consequently, many of her major allegations, including concerns about filing practices and irregular payouts, have been removed from her petition. The ruling also grants the executors the right to seek attorney fees, potentially placing the financial burden of the estate’s legal costs on Paris.
Paris Jackson’s petition raised serious issues regarding the management of her father’s estate. She accused the executors of mismanaging funds by approving substantial payments to their lawyers without appropriate oversight or court approval. Specifically, she highlighted non-contractual gifts of £95,053 ($125,000) and £190,106 ($250,000) to certain law firms.
Another significant concern for Paris was the delayed filing of payment petitions. She urged the court to review a 2010 rule that permits the estate’s executors to pay their attorneys without prior court approval. Her petition called for the executors to formally report and seek authorization for attorney fees and expenses from the years 2019 through 2023. Paris argued that these delays hinder the family’s ability to monitor expenditures, particularly affecting her and her brothers, Prince and Bigi.
Despite the court’s ruling, Paris remains resolute in her pursuit of accountability. A spokesperson for her team stated that the decision only addressed “minor procedural issues” and did not alter the core facts regarding the executors’ conduct.
“This order is limited to minor procedural issues and does not change the facts: the pattern of behavior displayed by the executors and their attorneys raises significant red flags,” the spokesperson told PEOPLE. “Paris will continue working to ensure her family is treated fairly.”
Paris’s legal team plans to refile a revised petition soon, aiming for a stronger, more focused approach to address unresolved concerns. She has emphasized that this legal battle transcends financial interests. For her, it is about securing fairness, accountability, and the rights of her family as beneficiaries of her father’s estate.
Additionally, Paris is committed to ensuring that the estate is managed responsibly and that her father’s legacy is honored with integrity, aligning with her belief in how he would have wanted his affairs to be handled.
