New court documents have disclosed that Michael Jackson owed over $500 million to various creditors at the time of his death. The details emerged in a petition filed by John Branca and John McClain, the executors of Jackson’s estate, to the Los Angeles Superior Court. They sought authorization to pay several law firms for services rendered to the estate from July through December 2018.
Financial challenges detailed
The legal files, obtained by Entertainment Weekly, shed light on the pop star’s financial struggles before and after his death in 2009. “The Executors have faced extraordinarily challenging circumstances,” the petition reads, highlighting that Jackson’s significant assets were burdened by over $500 million of debt, with some accruing high interest rates and some in default.
Jackson, who died at age 50 from acute propofol intoxication, was preparing for his “This Is It” residency, adding further strain to his finances.
Despite these challenges, Branca and McClain have managed to turn around the estate’s finances. They claim to have resolved nearly all creditors’ claims and litigations, solidifying the MJJ business as a significant entity in the music industry. Key to this financial recovery was the estate’s strategic investments and sales, including purchasing a stake in EMI Publishing and the rights to Motown classics in 2012, which were sold to Sony for $300 million in 2018.
These financial gains have enabled the executors to seek legal approval to pay $3 million to various law firms for their services during that period.
Continued success and legal battles
The estate’s financial success is further bolstered by the 2022 Tony-winning Broadway show “MJ the Musical” and the upcoming biopic “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson.
However, the estate continues to face legal battles. In 2022, a California court of appeals revived a lawsuit from Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who allege Jackson sexually abused them as boys. The allegations were detailed in the 2019 documentary “Leaving Neverland.”
An attorney for the estate has denied the allegations, expressing disappointment with the court’s decision to grant a trial jury. “We remain fully confident that Michael is innocent of these allegations, which are contrary to all credible evidence and independent corroboration,” said Jonathan Steinsapir in a statement to The Associated Press.
Ongoing impact
The financial and legal revelations underscore the ongoing complexities surrounding Michael Jackson’s legacy. As the estate continues to navigate these challenges, its efforts to honor and capitalize on Jackson’s contributions to the music industry remain in the spotlight.