Michael Jackson’s estate is allegedly nearing a deal to sell a 50% stake in the singer’s catalog for a staggering $900 million. But, a surprising source seems to be holding up the deal. Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine Jackson allegedly tried to have that deal blocked in court. These attempts were only shut down by the presiding judge. Based on a court order related to this matter:
“The proposed transaction is approved and the executors are authorized and instructed to take all actions necessary to implement the proposed transaction, including but not limited to signing all contracts and performing all obligations required of the estate.”
The Jackson estate has been under the control of John Branca and John McClain since his death in 2009.
They went to court in 2022 to seek approval for a deal that their filing termed as “an opportunity which they believe is to the substantial advantage of the Estate and in the best interest of the beneficiaries”
Most of Michael Jackson’s estate belongs to his three children, although his will does offer financial support for his mother for the rest of her life.
The reason why Katherine Jackson attempted to block the deal is not known to the public and her argument remains under seal. However, it is already known that the estate countered whatever the argument was by referring to its past success in the management of Michael Jackson’s catalog:
“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. 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.”
While that catalog deal has already been cleared to continue, Katherine Jackson has allegedly filed an appeal. Thus, the fight to prevent it from happening is not yet over.