Judge Orders Return of $625K in Legal Bonuses From Michael Jackson Estate After Paris Jackson Challenge

A Los Angeles judge has ordered $625,000 in bonuses paid to outside law firms working for Michael Jackson’s estate to be returned, following objections raised by Jackson’s daughter, Paris Jackson.

Court documents obtained by TMZ show the dispute centered on bonus payments approved by estate executors John Branca and John McClain in 2018. Paris argued the payments were excessive and had not received proper court approval.

In earlier filings, Paris’ attorney questioned whether the executors were properly supervising outside counsel, describing the payments as “wasteful” and raising concerns that lawyers connected to the estate were benefiting financially without sufficient oversight.

Paris also claimed court records suggested that highly paid attorneys were “exploiting” the executors’ lack of oversight to take money from the estate.

Branca and McClain defended the bonuses, saying such payments are common in the entertainment and legal industries. They argued that their work had significantly increased the value of Michael Jackson’s estate through major business deals completed during that period.

The judge acknowledged the executors’ broader success in managing the estate, stating they had created “real and substantial generational wealth” for Jackson’s three children — Paris, Prince, and Bigi Jackson.

However, the court ultimately ruled that the $625,000 in bonuses had not been properly approved and therefore must be repaid to the estate.

A representative for the executors said they were pleased the court recognized their work and the efforts of outside counsel.

“While the Court has previously approved several other bonuses to outside counsel over the years for their extraordinary services, and this was the first time they were the subject of objections, the Executors have always understood that legal fees are subject to court approval,” the representative said.

The statement added that outside law firms had agreed in advance to return the money if the court later rejected the payments.

The executors said they disagree with the ruling but will comply with the decision moving forward.