Paris Jackson has encountered a major obstacle in her legal fight against the estate of her late father, Michael Jackson.
On Monday, Los Angeles Judge Mitchell L. Beckloff struck down most of the 27-year-old musician and actress’s claims, citing California’s anti-SLAPP statute, which is designed to prevent lawsuits intended to suppress free speech and abuse the judicial system, according to People.
Only a small portion of Paris’ complaint remains active. However, a spokesperson for the actress told Page Six she plans to refile her petition. “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,” the spokesperson said Thursday.
Paris initially filed her petition in June, raising concerns over payments made by her father’s estate. According to court documents, estate executors John Branca and John McClain allegedly made unapproved “bonus” payments to certain law firms, requesting approval for $625,000 in 2018. Paris claimed the payments appeared to be “lavish gratuities bestowed upon already well-compensated counsel.”
The estate has argued that Paris herself has benefited significantly, reportedly receiving $65 million in estate payouts. “Few have benefited more from the Executors’ business judgment than Petitioner herself,” the filing reads. “She would have never received that had the Executors followed a typical playbook for an estate like this one in July 2009.”
Executors Branca and McClain have defended their decisions, noting that they transformed the King of Pop’s estate from “nothing but debt and substantial ongoing obligations” into a $2 billion powerhouse, with ongoing music business influence. They also highlighted that Michael Jackson’s sexual assault accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, are seeking $400 million in damages over alleged abuse, further complicating estate matters.
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