Paris Jackson has escalated her legal fight over her late father Michael Jackson’s estate, filing a formal objection in Los Angeles court on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The 27-year-old singer, model, and actress alleges that the estate’s co-executors, John Branca and John McClain, have mismanaged over $464 million in cash and enriched themselves at the expense of the beneficiaries.

Paris claims that the executors have “completely failed” to invest estate funds properly, leaving enormous sums of money idle with minimal gains and diverting more than $148 million in total compensation through 2021—more than double what was distributed to her and her siblings, Prince, 28, and Bigi, 23.

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Allegations Against the Executors

In her filing, Paris accused Branca and McClain of using the estate as a personal investment vehicle rather than safeguarding her father’s legacy. She expressed frustration that the estate had invested in “risky” entertainment ventures without the necessary expertise, including the upcoming biopic Michael, in which Branca served as an executive producer.

The filing states, “[The estate has] morphed into a private entertainment investment fund managed more for the benefit of Executors and their counsel than its beneficiaries,” highlighting her belief that the estate prioritizes executor profits over family interests.

Paris also claims the estate’s handling of cash reserves could have generated $41 million in profits had the funds been invested responsibly. The executors have reportedly not disclosed accounting for 2022 through 2025, which Paris alleges is an intentional delay to maintain control over high-risk projects indefinitely.

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Estate’s Response

Sources close to the estate described Paris’ filing as “another misguided attempt by Paris Jackson’s attorneys to provide themselves cover”, noting that her lawyers lost their last case and were ordered to pay the estate’s legal fees. The estate maintains that all beneficiaries are well provided for and disputes Paris’ claims regarding executor compensation and investments.

Executors have previously pushed back against allegations of excessive gifts to law firms, calling claims of $625,000 in gratuities “knowingly false.”

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Context and Family Impact

Michael Jackson’s estate was reportedly over $500 million in debt at the time of his death in 2009. The executors assert that they transformed the struggling estate into a “powerhouse and a force in the music business.” Despite the estate’s success, Paris continues to challenge their management practices, emphasizing the need for transparency and proper accounting to ensure her father’s legacy is preserved.

Paris is now requesting the court to disallow the current estate account and mandate that Branca and McClain file a fully transparent account detailing all actions and financial decisions. A hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2026.