Paris Jackson Seeks $600 Million From Estate
The 28-year-old filed a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court demanding the funds for a trust that remains unfunded.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Celebrities
Paris Jackson filed a petition with the Los Angeles Superior Court on October 29 seeking USD 600 million from the Michael Jackson estate, directed at executor John Branca. The estate denies withholding or cutting payments, stating that more than USD 200 million has been distributed to or for the benefit of Paris and other beneficiaries.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on whether the Michael Jackson Family Trust, intended to benefit Paris, Prince and Bigi Jackson, can be funded while the estate faces IRS litigation. The estate says legal hurdles prevent full funding of the trusts, while the petition alleges distributions were reduced after Paris sought legal aid last year.
The estate reports more than USD 200 million distributed to or for the benefit of Paris and other beneficiaries, against a USD 600 million demand in the petition. The estate's revenue accumulated before taxes is cited at USD 1 billion, while the amount of the IRS ruling reduction remains unspecified.
The players
Paris Jackson
Paris Jackson is the 28-year-old daughter of Michael Jackson and one of the trust's intended beneficiaries who filed the petition.
John Branca
John Branca is the executor of the Michael Jackson estate, long associated with managing the late singer's business affairs, and the target of the petition.
The details
Paris Jackson alleges that the executor provided non-contractual gifts to colleagues and that distributions to her and her siblings were reduced by millions of dollars after she sought legal aid last year. According to the will, children receive one-third of the principal by age 30 and half of remaining shares at age 35.
Timeline
Michael Jackson died approximately 17 years before the filing.
Last year, Paris Jackson sought legal aid, after which distributions were allegedly reduced.
October 29, 2026: Paris Jackson filed the petition with the Los Angeles Superior Court.
December 2026: A meeting for the matter is scheduled.
Industry Dynamics
The dispute over the Michael Jackson estate reflects how long-running IRS litigation, which sought USD 700 million in taxes and penalties, can delay the funding of family trusts for years. The petition arrives nearly 17 years after the singer's death, illustrating how celebrity estates often remain entangled in tax and legal proceedings long after the subject's passing.
The outcome determines whether the Michael Jackson Family Trust receives funding for Paris, Prince and Bigi Jackson, which affects the timing of their inheritances. The petition's resolution will shape how the estate's remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries.
The takeaway
Estate disputes over trusts can stall beneficiaries' distributions for years when tax litigation is unresolved. Readers following celebrity inheritance cases should watch court filings and estate statements for updates on funding.
What happens next
A scheduled meeting for the matter is set for December 2026.
Further reading
For more on the latest celebrity legal battles, browse Celebrities coverage.
