Paris Jackson’s ongoing legal battle with the executors of her late father Michael Jackson’s estate just leaned in her favor. According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, a Los Angeles judge ruled that $625,000 in bonus payments made by executors John Branca and John McClain to outside law firms in 2018 must be returned to the estate after Paris objected to the payments.
The ruling states that Paris’ objection to the bonuses was “sustained,” adding that the payments were “not approved” and are now “disallowed.” The court also noted that Paris, 28, could seek reimbursement for attorneys’ fees and legal costs tied to the case under the “common fund theory” for what the judge described as a “meritorious objection.”
Attorneys representing the estate responded to the decision in a statement to PEOPLE, saying they “disagree with the decision” but “fully respect it” and plan to move forward.
They also defended the executors’ handling of the estate, emphasizing that the disputed bonuses represented only “a small fraction” of overall estate expenses and noting that none of the payments went directly to Branca or McClain.
The statement further praised the executors for helping create “real and substantial generational wealth” for the Jackson family beneficiaries.
© Getty ImagesParis’ spokesperson framed the ruling very differently, calling it “a massive win” for the Jackson family.
The statement accused the estate of lacking transparency and accountability, while also criticizing Branca personally. “The Jackson estate is supposed to be a prudent, fiscally responsible entity that supports the Jackson family – not a slush fund to help John Branca live out his Hollywood mogul fantasies,” they said.
The latest ruling comes after months of escalating tension between Paris and the estate executors. Earlier this year, Paris filed additional legal documents accusing Branca and McClain of attempting to “mock and belittle” her during the proceedings.
“After months of engaging in sexist, scorched-earth tactics against a beneficiary, it’s time for John Branca to acknowledge his many missteps and act in the best interest of the family he has a fiduciary duty to protect,” the statement continued.
© GettyIn an April filing obtained by PEOPLE, Paris argued that the litigation had become emotionally exhausting and insisted her concerns were not motivated by publicity. “This litigation is painful for Paris,” the filing stated. “It is a distraction from her own life and her own career.”
That same filing accused the executors of operating “in the dark” regarding estate accounting and criticized alleged comments made about her during the court battle, including claims that she was “strutting” into a hearing. Paris’ legal team argued that estate funds were being used to publicly attack her.
Representatives for the executors have repeatedly denied wrongdoing. Attorney Jonathan Steinsapir previously told PEOPLE that Paris and her legal team were using the courts and media to distract from what he called the “weakness” of their claims.
© GettyParis, alongside her brothers Prince Jackson and Bigi Jackson, remains one of the primary beneficiaries of the estate, which has generated billions since Michael died in 2009.
The Michael movie
Meanwhile, her late father’s name and music have been everywhere since the release of the Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic, Michael. While many members of the Jackson family, including her siblings Prince and Bigi, attended the premiere, Paris has completely distanced herself from the film.
© Gerome DefranceShe revealed in September 2025 that she had nothing to do with the biopic. The singer and actress also shared that she sent notes with what she felt was “dishonest” after reading an early draft of the film, but they were ignored.
“They’re gonna make whatever they’re gonna make,” she said. “The film panders to a very specific section of my dad’s fandom that still lives in a fantasy, and they’re gonna be happy with it.”
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