Judge Rules in Paris Jackson’s Favor Against Executors of Michael Jackson’s Estate Over $625K in Bonuses

After Paris Jackson raised concerns last year over bonuses that were paid out to third-party law firms by the executors of Michael Jackson‘s estate, a judge reportedly ruled that the funds will have to be returned.

According to a Wednesday, May 13, TMZ report, court documents obtained by the outlet show that a Los Angeles judge ruled that the $625,000 in payments paid by executors John Branca and John McClain will have to go back into her late father’s estate.

Paris, 28, filed a petition last year that objected to what her lawyers described as “gifts” and “gratuities” to three firms in 2018, People previously reported. Per TMZ, the King of Pop’s daughter claimed the bonuses were exorbitant and not approved.

The executors reportedly pushed back, claiming that the law firms were “instrumental and critical in assisting and supporting the Executors in achieving unprecedented results for the Estate,” per People.

The executors also revealed, according to a filing obtained by the outlet, “Few have benefited more from the Executors’ business judgment than Petitioner herself, who has received roughly $65 million from the Estate in benefits. She would have never received that had the Executors followed a typical playbook for an estate like this one in July 2009.”

While the court recently acknowledged the executors’ success in creating “real and substantial generational wealth” for Paris and brothers Prince, 29, and Bigi, 24, they decided the bonuses were not approved, TMZ reported.

“We are gratified that the Court itself recognized and praised the work of the Executors and its outside counsel in today’s decision,” a rep for the executors told the outlet.

“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 and have always required outside counsel to agree to return any funds to the estate if the payments were not approved,” the rep added.

“Ultimately, while we disagree with the decision, we fully respect it and plan to move forward accordingly,” the statement concluded.

According to the 2025 People report, the executors pointed out in court documents that the “Thriller” singer’s estate allegedly “started out as nothing but debt and substantial ongoing obligations” and was turned “into a $2 billion estate.”