Paris Jackson, daughter of the late pop star Michael Jackson, has asked a Los Angeles court to order the transfer of $600 million from her father’s estate into a family trust intended to benefit her and her two brothers.
The petition, filed on October 29, argues that the Michael Jackson Family Trust remains unfunded more than 17 years after the singer’s death in 2009, despite the estate generating billions of dollars through music rights, entertainment ventures and other business deals.
Paris wants the money transferred to the trust for herself and her brothers, Prince Jackson and Bigi Jackson, saying the estate has sufficient resources to make a partial distribution while meeting its outstanding financial obligations.
According to Forbes, Michael Jackson’s estate is now estimated to be worth more than $2 billion, with financial records cited in the dispute indicating approximately $850 million in cash reserves.
However, the estate’s remaining executor, John Branca, has defended the handling of the assets, arguing that unresolved legal matters, particularly an ongoing dispute with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), have prevented the full funding of the beneficiaries’ trusts.
The estate has also disputed claims that the family has been denied financial support, saying more than $200 million has already been distributed for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
The disagreement comes amid a broader dispute between Paris and the estate’s management over financial transparency, legal expenses and the executor’s administration of her father’s fortune.
Michael Jackson, who died in June 2009, left behind an entertainment catalogue and business interests that have continued generating substantial revenue through music sales, licensing deals, stage productions and film projects.
The court is expected to consider Paris’s request in December.
