New Development in Battle Over Michael Jackson’s Pop Legacy: ‘Bad’ Star’s Mother Katherine, 94, Fails to Prevent $600M Song Catalog Sale

Katherine Jackson, the mother of the late Michael Jackson, has officially lost her attempt to block the $600 million sale of his music catalog. RadarOnline.com has learned that Katherine has been at odds with the executors of Michael Jackson’s estate—John Branca and John McClain—over their plan to sell a portion of the King of Pop’s music rights to Sony Music Group.

The conflict arose after the estate announced their intention to sell a portion of Michael’s extensive music catalog. Katherine Jackson filed several objections to the deal, arguing that it contradicted Michael’s wishes. She claimed that the sale was not in line with what Michael would have wanted and that it violated his legacy. However, a Los Angeles appeals court has ruled that the sale can proceed as planned. The court determined that Katherine’s objections were without merit, stating that the will granted the executors broad powers to sell any estate assets, including those involved in the proposed transaction.

The ruling underscores that the executors’ actions are in accordance with the instructions laid out in Michael Jackson’s will. The estate’s assets, including the music catalog, are to be managed and distributed according to the trust’s provisions. This decision clears the way for the $600 million deal with Sony Music Group, which will contribute to the ongoing management of Michael Jackson’s musical legacy.

The sale is part of the estate’s broader financial strategy, as the Michael Jackson Family Trust is responsible for overseeing the distribution of the proceeds. The trust benefits Michael’s three children—Prince, Paris, and Bigi (formerly known as Blanket)—as well as several charities. Additionally, Michael Jackson created a sub-trust specifically to provide for Katherine’s care and wellbeing.

Katherine’s legal battle over the music sale also led to a dispute regarding her legal expenses. She accumulated $500,000 in legal fees while challenging the sale, and she sought reimbursement from the estate. The executors opposed this request, arguing that Katherine had already received extensive financial support since Michael’s death. According to the executors, they have provided for virtually all of Katherine’s needs, including her housing, medical care, and personal expenses, totaling $55 million since 2009.

In a surprising twist, Michael’s youngest son, Bigi, initially supported his grandmother’s attempt to block the sale but later changed his stance regarding the reimbursement of her legal fees. Bigi agreed that while Katherine should be compensated for her legal expenses incurred before the appeal, she should not be reimbursed for the costs associated with her fight against the sale itself.

The court’s decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing management of Michael Jackson’s estate and underscores the complexities involved in handling his extensive legacy.