Michael Jackson's Family Caught off Guard... Again

Michael Jackson, 1983. Photo by Matthew Rolston and courtesy of Epic Records. Public domain.

Michael Jackson's death in 2009 left behind more than a pop legacy — it ignited a behind-the-scenes estate battle laced with billions, betrayal, and a secret trust no one could quite seem to touch.

For years, fans believed the King of Pop had planned his legacy with precision. But more than 15 years later, the truth is far messier — and way more dramatic than anyone expected.

A Will, a Trust, and a Question of Control

Michael's official will, filed in 2002, left his entire estate to the Michael Jackson Family Trust. The beneficiaries? His three children and unnamed charities. His mother, Katherine Jackson, was listed as a legal guardian for his kids and received a lifetime interest in a subtrust for her care, according to Carrell Blanton Ferris Law Firm. If she passed or became incapacitated, singer Diana Ross would take over.

Sounds simple, right? It wasn't.

The will authorized executors John Branca and John McClain to manage the estate's assets — but since the trust hadn't been fully funded before Michael's death, probate court was required to step in. That crack in the plan opened a floodgate of lawsuits, appeals, and a power struggle that has dragged on for over a decade.

The $600 Million Sony Deal That Split the Family

In 2024, the drama exploded when Branca and McClain sought court approval to sell a portion of Michael's Mijac music catalog to Sony Music Group for a jaw-dropping $600 million. They argued the timing was ideal — music assets had never been hotter.

Katherine Jackson, now in her 90s, was outraged. She claimed the deal violated her son's intentions and insisted he never wanted his music sold.

Initially, Michael's children backed her.

But after the probate court ruled that the executors had the legal authority to proceed, the children changed course and withdrew their objections. Katherine wasn't done. She filed an appeal — sparking a separate legal battle with her grandson Bigi (formerly Blanket), who argued that using estate funds to bankroll the lawsuit was unfair.

Courtroom Showdown: Who Holds the Power?

In a biting rebuttal, Bigi's legal team called Katherine's appeal a longshot, and the appeals court ultimately agreed. It ruled that the executors had acted within their powers and allowed the sale to proceed. The court emphasized that while the will left everything to the trust, it also granted broad discretion to the executors until the trust could be fully funded — which can't happen until a massive tax dispute with the IRS, totaling nearly $700 million, is resolved.

In short: the trust is frozen, and until the IRS gets answers, the estate remains in legal limbo.

Did Michael Jackson's Wishes Get Lost in Translation?

According to court documents, Michael set up a pour-over will — designed to transfer any unfunded assets into the trust at the time of his death. But because the assets weren't all moved into the trust during his lifetime, the probate process became unavoidable.

This oversight turned what should have been a private trust administration into a public spectacle. The executors now control key decisions, including billion-dollar music sales, while the beneficiaries — Michael's kids and charities — wait on the sidelines.

What the Will Really Says

Michael's will was crystal clear in some ways. It gave the executors full authority to sell, lease, mortgage, or otherwise dispose of estate property — a sweeping provision that left very little room for objection. Katherine's insistence that Michael verbally expressed different wishes holds no legal weight, according to Carrell Blanton Ferris Law Firm.

Ultimately, the appeals court concluded that the will's provisions work together. While the estate remains in probate, the executors hold the reins. Once it's settled — likely after the IRS issue is resolved — everything will go to the trust.

But how long that will take? No one knows.

The Real Winners (And Losers)

So, who really got what?

• Katherine Jackson: Receives income from her subtrust, but has lost legal battles over control.
• Michael's Children: Primary beneficiaries of the trust, but currently only receiving allowances.
• Sony Music: Now holds a major stake in Michael's catalog.
• Executors Branca and McClain: Retain control until probate ends.
• The Public: Gets front-row seats to a saga Michael likely never wanted aired.

A Legacy Still in Limbo

Michael Jackson spent a lifetime building a global legacy. But even in death, that empire is still being negotiated.

His will left little to chance. His trust aimed to protect his loved ones. Yet a single delay in transferring assets has kept his estate in probate court for more than 15 years. And the battle may not be over.

One thing is certain: the King of Pop's estate remains one of the most valuable — and most contested — in entertainment history.

References: Michael Jackson's Will | Sony Strikes Deal with Michael Jackson's Estate for Music Rights