Paris Jackson Escalates Dispute With Michael Jackson Estate Ahead of ‘Michael’ Biopic Release

The dispute between Paris Jackson and the executors of Michael Jackson’s estate has intensified as the release of the upcoming biopic Michael approaches on April 24, 2026.

Paris Jackson has publicly distanced herself from the film, stating she has “zero percent involvement.” She has criticized the project’s script and overall direction, calling parts of it “dishonest” and accusing the production of ignoring her feedback after she reviewed an early draft.

In public statements and interviews, she described the film as “sugar-coated” and said it caters to fans who prefer a more idealized version of her father’s life. She also criticized the broader Hollywood biopic model, alleging that such projects often present “controlled narratives” that include inaccuracies.

The estate, overseen by John Branca and John McClain, continues to support the film as a tribute to Michael Jackson’s legacy. Their response has largely come through legal actions and court filings.

In late 2025 and early 2026, the estate won key rulings under anti-SLAPP laws, which are designed to protect free speech. As a result, their legal team has asked Paris Jackson to pay approximately $115,000 in legal fees. Her lawyers have opposed the request, calling it a “waste of resources” and a tactic to prolong the legal process.

The disagreement has also extended to casting decisions. Paris Jackson has questioned the casting of actor Miles Teller as John Branca, suggesting in court filings that the role is not central to the story and that the decision may have been unnecessary.

Meanwhile, the legal conflict has broadened beyond the film itself. Paris Jackson has raised concerns about the estate’s financial management. In recent court filings, she alleged that Branca and McClain received more than $10 million in compensation in 2021—more than any individual beneficiary that year.

Her filings also claim that estate funds were used for luxury purchases and that large amounts of cash—reportedly $464 million—have been kept in low-yield accounts, leading to missed investment opportunities.

The estate has denied all allegations, calling them “false” and “without merit.” Executors have pointed to the estate’s financial recovery since Michael Jackson’s death in 2009, when it reportedly carried around $500 million in debt. They say the estate is now worth more than $2 billion and note that Paris Jackson has received an estimated $65 million in benefits.

Paris Jackson appeared in a Los Angeles court on March 11, 2026, to challenge the estate’s latest financial requests. Her legal team is pushing for greater transparency and changes to how the estate manages and approves its spending.

The dispute also touches on the financing of Michael, with Paris raising concerns about the estate’s reported investment in the film’s $150 million budget and describing the production as “troubled.”

Despite the ongoing conflict, actor Colman Domingo, who plays Joe Jackson in the film, recently said he reached out privately to Paris Jackson to address any misunderstandings. She reportedly responded positively, but her public opposition to the film remains unchanged.

A final court decision on the legal fee request and broader financial issues has not yet been made. Additional hearings are expected in the coming months as the case continues.