Michael Jackson’s estate is once again under scrutiny, this time as Paris Jackson raises serious concerns over significant attorney payouts made in 2018. Court documents recently surfaced detailing the estate’s defense of these payments, which Paris has questioned for being “premium payouts” without proper records.
The Estate was super quick to answer back with court fillings dated of July 15.
According to filings, the estate argued that the compensation to their legal teams was entirely justified, citing the attorneys’ extensive experience, industry relationships, and their crucial role in securing major wins for Michael’s legacy, including the more than $287 million return on the EMI investment when Sony acquired the estate’s stake in 2018. The executors emphasized that these lawyers were “instrumental and critical,” pointing out that such expertise in the entertainment and international music publishing world could not simply be measured by hourly billing.
“It is not unusual, and in fact quite common, in the music business for attorneys of this caliber to receive compensation beyond standard hourly rates,” the estate stated. They described the payments as “well deserved and reasonable given the complexity of the tasks performed, the results achieved, and the unprecedented benefits delivered to the estate.”
During this six-month period in 2018 alone, the executors requested court approval for $625,000 in payments to three law firms. Paris, however, objected, arguing these were for “uncaptured time”, billable hours that were not properly recorded, without adequate explanation as to why or how such failures shouldn’t bar payment. Her filing suggested these sums were, “at least in part, lavish gratuities bestowed upon already well-compensated counsel.”
But the legal complexities facing Michael’s estate extend beyond these fees. In the same timeframe, attorneys also managed a host of challenges, from addressing issues tied to one of Michael’s former spouses to claims over rights from a bankruptcy involving Joseph and Katherine Jackson. They handled disputes with Michael’s former manager Tohme Tohme, who sought over $5 million but settled for $3 million, and tackled matters related to one of Michael’s accusers, tax disputes, and even negotiations surrounding Neverland Ranch, which finally sold in 2020 after years on the market.
Additionally, the estate’s legal team fended off a lawsuit brought by music producer Quincy Jones and engaged in numerous other proceedings to protect and advance Michael’s business interests.
As the estate continues to navigate these complex affairs, a hearing on the contested legal fees is expected soon. Paris, along with her brothers Prince and Bigi, are beneficiaries of Michael’s estate, and her efforts highlight an ongoing watchfulness over how their father’s legacy is being managed. Fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the outcome, eager to see Michael’s hard-earned empire preserved with the utmost care.
