Michael Jackson’s Trial; Mother To Testify In Court In Battle Against His Estate

Katherine Jackson is arranged to testify in a court hearing following her battle against the estate of her deceased son and music icon Michael Jackson. According to documents fetched by RadarOnline, the Jackson family matriarch will appear in court later this month as she seeks to drag the plug on a lucrative business proposal by the estate.

John Branca and John McClain, the executors of Jackson’s estate, originally filed a motion in November 2022 seeking approval from the court to sign off on a “secret business transaction,” which is believed to be related to a reported $800 million sale of half of Jackson’s music catalogue. In the motion, Branca and McClain clarified they “have an opportunity which they believe is to the substantial advantage of the Estate and in the best interest of the beneficiaries.”

Nonetheless, in March 2023, it was disclosed that Katherine Jackson had filed a motion in opposition to the deal, which she bade be sealed due to the documents containing “sensitive information regarding Ms Jackson’s family and private life.” Branca and McClain, who have headed Jackson’s estate since his demise in 2009, believe “they have the power and authority to enter into the Proposed Transaction under the Order Authorizing Operation of the MJJ Business as the Proposed Transaction is within and in furtherance of the operation of the MJJ Business, as well under Michael Jackson’s will.”

The estate also pointed out that Katherine Jackson was opposed to the release of the 2009 documentary ‘This Is It’, but the movie, which was ultimately approved by the court, became the highest-grossing concert documentary in history.

“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,” reads a motion filed by Branca and McClain at the time. “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.”

In March, the court decided to allow Jackson’s children and Michael’s siblings, brother Randy and sister Rebbie, to view confidential documents connected to the proposed deal. As part of its argument, Jackson’s estate says its client’s three children, Prince, Paris, and Blanket, who are listed as beneficiaries of his will, are not in objection to the proposed business agreement. Jackson’s will also states that he will provide for his mother for the rest of her life.

A judge has yet to preside over the case.