Paris Jackson’s Petition Partially Struck by Judge

Paris Jackson’s attempt to challenge the management of her late father Michael Jackson’s estate has hit a legal obstacle. On November 10, 2025, Los Angeles Referee Mitchell L. Beckloff granted the estate’s special motion to strike portions of Paris’ petition. The ruling favors estate executors John Branca and John McClain, who oversee the $2 billion estate.

The decision primarily impacts claims that targeted the estate’s own court filings, which are protected under California’s anti-SLAPP statute. This law shields certain legal filings from retaliation, meaning portions of Paris’ petition were dismissed. The ruling also leaves Paris responsible for some of the estate’s attorneys’ fees.

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The Core of Paris Jackson’s Legal Challenge

At the heart of the dispute is accountability and transparency. In July 2025, Paris filed a petition questioning the estate’s legal practices, particularly “premium payouts” for unrecorded attorney time. Her goal was to compel the executors to submit formal petitions for attorney compensation and cost reimbursement for 2019 through 2023 within 90 days.

Paris argued that the estate’s delayed filings hindered beneficiaries’ oversight and left her and her brothers — Bigi and Prince Jackson — in the dark regarding their father’s fortune. She also raised concerns over alleged non-contractual gifts totaling $125,000 and $250,000 to attorneys.

“The five-year and growing lag inherently prejudices the ability of the court and the beneficiaries to provide effective oversight,” her petition stated.

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Estate’s Response and Anti-SLAPP Ruling

The estate’s lawyers argued that Paris’ objections were based entirely on filings already submitted to the probate court. By invoking California’s anti-SLAPP statute, they successfully had large portions of her petition dismissed.

The referee ruled that parts of her filing — including criticisms of the timing and content of court submissions — were protected legal activity. While some allegations were struck from the record, the court allowed other claims to proceed, such as those regarding the speed of filings, oversight of attorney billing, and transparency for beneficiaries.

Additionally, the estate is entitled to recover certain attorneys’ fees, according to the ruling.

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Executors Highlight Estate Success and Paris’ Benefits

For executors John Branca and John McClain, the ruling reaffirms their authority over the estate. They emphasized that since Michael Jackson’s death in 2009, they transformed the estate from being heavily indebted into a profitable enterprise managing his music, branding, and intellectual property.

In court filings, the executors noted that Paris Jackson has received roughly $65 million in benefits since her father’s passing. They argued that few beneficiaries have profited more from their decisions than Paris herself.

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Paris Jackson Vows to Continue the Fight

Despite the partial setback, Paris remains determined to pursue greater oversight and accountability. A spokesperson told PEOPLE:

“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, and Paris will continue working to ensure her family is treated fairly. We will be submitting an updated filing shortly.”

Her legal fight is not just about money; it’s about trust, transparency, and having a voice in how her father’s legacy is managed.

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The Ongoing Legacy of Michael Jackson’s Estate

The dispute comes amid other estate-related developments, including ongoing lawsuits such as Wade Robson and James Safechuck’s $400 million case, licensing agreements, and the upcoming biopic Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua. The estate’s management decisions continue to influence Michael Jackson’s intellectual property, from music reissues to branding and image rights — all areas central to Paris’ concerns.

Sixteen years after Michael Jackson’s death, his estate remains a source of wealth and controversy, and Paris Jackson’s efforts to ensure fairness and transparency highlight the complex balance between inheritance, independence, and family trust.