The legal drama surrounding the Michael Jackson estate continues in Los Angeles, with new filings revealing that the estate’s attorneys are seeking $115,000 in legal costs and fees connected to their recent courtroom victories. The ongoing dispute involves the late pop star’s daughter, Paris Jackson, and has reignited tensions over the management and transparency of Jackson’s multimillion-dollar estate.
Estate Executors File Itemized Costs and Fees
Attorneys representing estate executors John McClain and John Branca submitted a detailed accounting of the costs and fees incurred while responding to a motion filed by Paris Jackson, a beneficiary of the estate. According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, the filing totals $115,000, including $93,924.63 in attorney fees and $1,238.39 in related costs tied to an anti-SLAPP motion filed and granted last year.
The purpose of the motion is to “account for the fees and costs incurred by the Executors in connection with the anti-SLAPP motion so that the Court can determine the amount of the award,” the filing explains.
The anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) motion resulted in the court striking down allegations Paris had made in a petition filed in July 2025, granting the executors reimbursement for their legal expenses.
Paris Jackson Responds: Allegations of Executors Profiting
Paris Jackson, 27, has continued to challenge her father’s estate, claiming a lack of transparency and fairness in its administration. A spokesperson for the singer’s daughter framed the executors’ legal fees as an attempt to profit further from the estate:
“For months, Paris Jackson has worked to address what appear to be troubling discrepancies and financial irregularities in the administration of her father’s estate. It’s no surprise the executors and their lawyers are using every tool at their disposal to take even more money from the Jackson family and use it to line their own pockets. Paris remains undeterred and will continue fighting for transparency, accountability and fairness for her family.”
Paris is one of the estate’s primary beneficiaries, alongside her brothers Prince Jackson, 28, and Bigi Jackson, 23. In November 2025, she filed legal documents alleging that Branca and McClain had abused their roles to enrich themselves, citing $10 million in executor compensation in 2021 alone, allegedly exceeding the family allowance given to beneficiaries.
Executors Defend Their Management of the Estate
The executors have consistently maintained that their actions have been in the best interest of the estate and the family. In an October filing, Branca and McClain argued that Paris had already benefited significantly, estimating that she received approximately $65 million from the estate.
They also emphasized their efforts in stabilizing and growing Michael Jackson’s estate, which reportedly was over $500 million in debt at the time of his death in 2009. Through careful management, the executors claim to have transformed the estate into a profitable and influential force in the music industry, preserving and expanding Michael Jackson’s legacy for fans and family alike.
Ongoing Legal Battle Highlights Estate Disputes
This latest filing underscores the ongoing tension between the estate’s executors and the Jackson family heirs. The anti-SLAPP motion and related reimbursement request demonstrate how estate legal battles can involve not only disputes over assets but also courtroom strategy and attorney compensation.
Legal experts note that anti-SLAPP motions are designed to protect parties from frivolous lawsuits intended to silence or intimidate, allowing them to recover fees and costs if the court rules in their favor. In this case, the court’s prior ruling in favor of the executors strengthens their claim to recover the $115,000 in legal expenses.
What’s Next in the Michael Jackson Estate Case
As the legal process continues, Paris Jackson remains focused on seeking transparency and accountability from the estate’s management. Meanwhile, the estate’s legal team seeks to finalize the reimbursement for their successful anti-SLAPP motion.
Fans and observers will likely be watching closely as the Jackson family saga continues to unfold in Los Angeles courts, highlighting both the complexities of estate management and the ongoing challenges faced by high-profile celebrity estates.
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