According to a representative who spoke with TMZ, the late King of Pop’s estate has filed legal documents regarding their dispute with 93-year-old Katherine over her attorney’s fees, which she wants the estate to cover.
The estate contends that since Michael’s death in 2009, Katherine has received substantial cash and benefits, totaling over $55 million over nearly 15 years. A significant portion of this sum, around $33 million, reportedly comes from a monthly allowance exceeding $160,000.
This development follows legal papers filed by Michael’s son, Blanket ‘Bigi’ Jackson, 22, seeking to prevent his grandmother from utilizing estate funds amid an ongoing legal battle with the estate executors.
In the latest legal filings, the estate of the late King of Pop claims to have spent over $15 million on Katherine’s luxury home, transportation, private gardener, chef, and security. They argue that Katherine can cover her own attorney’s fees in their dispute.
The disagreement between Katherine and Michael’s estate revolves around a multimillion-dollar deal for the sale of a portion of his music rights, which Katherine opposes. She now seeks the estate to cover her legal expenses.
Michael’s son, Blanket ‘Bigi’ Jackson, 22, has also filed legal papers aiming to prevent his grandmother from accessing estate funds, adding another layer to the ongoing legal battle, nearly 15 years after Michael’s death.
Despite recent family unity, Katherine and Blanket were in sync opposing the potential sale of Michael’s catalog. However, Blanket did not join Katherine in appealing the court’s ruling allowing the executors to explore further sales options.
Blanket’s legal team expressed concern over escalating legal costs, urging the court to consider reimbursing Katherine for her previous legal fees. They emphasized Blanket’s desire for privacy and discretion in these matters.
In another development, the estate executors, John Branca and John McClain, filed paperwork to halt Katherine’s pursuit of $561,548 from them related to a dispute over Michael’s catalog.
Katherine opposed the sale of her son’s work, citing his wishes and the estate’s financial stability. Branca and McClain argued that the sale was necessary to address the estate’s substantial debt and enhance its financial health.
Despite Katherine’s objections, the court granted permission for the sale, leading to her appeal, which the executors contested. The court has yet to rule on the matter.
Recently, the estate announced a partial sale of Jackson’s catalog to Sony for $600 million, further fueling the legal and familial complexities surrounding Michael’s legacy. Michael’s eldest son, Prince, has maintained a private stance on the issue, emphasizing his desire to keep his position confidential to avoid potential disruptions to future transactions.
