Tensions rise in the ongoing legal dispute between the executors of Michael Jackson's Estate and his mother, Katherine.
The 93-year-old matriarch insists on a substantial payment. This conflict arises amid the recent sale of a significant portion of Jackson's music catalog, fueling the battle between the two parties.
According to court records reviewed by Radar Online, the appointed executors following the King of Pop's death in 2009, John Branca and John McClain, have reiterated their stance on rejecting Katherine's plea for a $500k reimbursement for legal expenses.
In 2022, a significant agreement was reached between Branca and McClain regarding the sale of a segment of Michael's catalog to Sony for a substantial sum of $600 million. Despite objections from Katherine that spanned more than twelve months, the transaction was eventually finalized.
Michael Jackson's Legacy in Limbo
In defense of her late son's wishes, Katherine contended that he had no intention of selling the asset, emphasizing his desire for it to remain within the family to safeguard their financial stability.
Disregarding her objections, the executors dismissed her concerns, citing past conflicts where she opposed agreements that ultimately proved profitable. They asserted their power to proceed with the transaction.
Following Katherine's court testimony, the judge approved the proposed transaction 2023 against her wishes. Katherine promptly filed an appeal challenging the decision.
As the appeal remains pending, Katherine has raised concerns about potential contempt charges against the executors for proceeding with the Sony deal in February 2024 while the appeal is still ongoing.
Upon initial disclosure, it was revealed that Katherine requested $500,000 to offset multiple legal expenses linked to the appeal.
Although the executors urged for the request to be rejected, Blanket stood by them despite having previously sided with his grandmother in the battle over the catalog.
In a recently submitted request, Blanket requested reimbursement for fees incurred before the appeal, excluding those related to the appeal that he disagreed with.
READ ALSO: Michael Jackson's Mom Insists Estate's $1.5B Funds Can Reimburse Legal Fees Amid Blanket Dispute
What Katherine Jackson Has Been Getting After Michael's Death
Branca and McClain, in a new motion, contended that the Estate had been supporting Katherine following Michael's passing. The executors detailed expenses of $55 million on her vehicle since 2009.
In exchange for her services, she has received $33 million in monetary compensation, which encompasses her monthly allowance of $160,000.
The motion stated, "The Executors have periodically raised the sum, as initially established by a directive from this Court in 2009, in consideration of Mrs. Jackson's petitions."
"Mrs. Jackson lives in a luxury home that she selected, purchased by the Estate. The Executors have paid more than $15 million to purchase, furnish and improve Mrs. Jackson's choices of residence. The Executors have paid and continue to pay, all costs and expenses related to Mrs. Jackson's residence, including without limitation, property taxes, insurance, repairs, and maintenance."
Branca and McClain also made a shocking revelation in a surprising turn of events.
According to their statement in December, the Executors provided Mrs. Jackson with $3.7 million as an extra emergency family allowance to settle overdue income tax debts.
California authorities had placed a substantial tax lien on Jackson, alleging that she had failed to pay income taxes for the past five years.
Since Michael Jackson's death, the Executors have provided for all of Katherine's needs and living expenses: caretakers, gardeners, assistants, chefs, food, utilities, housing, insurance, security, medical, personal care, travel, entertainment, and a luxury SUV for her use.
The executors further claimed they have not denied almost any of Katherine's requests for her care and maintenance.
While they acknowledged that Katherine is entitled to the funds, they have specified that the $500,000 in legal fees is not included. The decision on this matter is still pending judicial review.
READ MORE: Michael Jackson Kids Presents United Front Amid Ongoing Estate Battle Against Katherine Jackson
