Michael Jackson’s 92-year-old mother will testify in court amid her legal battle with the King of Pop’s estate over a remunerative deal that would supposedly benefit his children, the estate and his mother.
According to Radar Online, Michael’s estate executors, John Branca and John McClain, went to court in November 2022 to obtain approval for the financially beneficial deal, which they had to do since the singer died in 2009.
Michael’s will named Branca and McClain co-executors and co-trustees of the Michael Jackson Family Trust.
They told the courts the opportunity would benefit the beneficiaries’ pockets.
Radar Online reported that the “Beat It” singer’s children, Prince Michael, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II signed off on the deal since they’re beneficiaries, but Katherine (also a beneficiary) objected.
McClain and Branca sealed the details of the prospective transaction. However, Katherine kept her motion and reasoning for opposing the deal secured.
The estate decided to point out that Michael had been in over $400 million of debt, and the deal could ameliorate his finances.
“The Estate was teetering on the verge of collapse, with more than $400 million in debt that encumbered Michael’s most significant assets and little or no liquidity or means to service that debt,” the estate’s motion read. “Through creative thinking, hard work and business savvy—and, of course, Michael’s extraordinary creative legacy— the Executors transformed the MJJ Business into a profitable enterprise.”
On top of the debt claim, the co-executors recounted when Katherine opposed the This Is It film project, the documentary about Michael’s life released in October 2009, but the court approved the movie.
The estate also adverted to Michael’s children signing off on the transaction.
Katherine, Branca and McClain will appear before the judge this month. The 92-year-old will also testify at the trial.
The judge will eventually make a ruling on the situation.
