Paris Jackson hits major setback in legal fight against dad Michael’s estate

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Paris Jackson has hit a major a bump in the road in her legal feud against her late father Michael Jackson’s estate.

Los Angeles judge Mitchell L. Beckloff ruled to strike most of the 27-year-old musician’s complaint on Monday citing California’s anti-SLAPP statute, per People.

The statute was created in response to the “many lawsuits brought primarily to chill the valid exercise of the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and petition for the redress of grievances” through “abuse of the judicial process,” per the California Anti-SLAPP project.

Only a small piece of Paris’ complaint remains in contention. Though, a spokesperson for Paris told Page Six she plans to refile her petition.

Paris Jackson has been hit with a major setback in her legal fight against her late father Michael Jackson’s estate. Getty Images for Lovesac
A judge ruled to strike most of Paris’ complaint against the estate on Monday, citing California’s anti-SLAPP statute. POOL/AFP via Getty Images

“This order is limited to minor procedural issues and does not change the facts: the pattern of behavior displayed by the executors and their attorneys raises significant red flags, and Paris will continue working to ensure her family is treated fairly. We will be submitting an updated filing shortly,” Paris’ spokesperson told us Thursday.

Paris filed her petition against her father’s estate in June, claiming that she was “concerned” regarding payments being made by her father’s estate, according to People.

In the court documents, Paris claimed executor John Branca and John McClain made unapproved “bonus” payments to certain law firms each year, claiming that the executors’ requested approval for $625,000 in payments to three law firms back in 2018.

“These payments appear, at least in part, to consist of lavish gratuities bestowed upon already well-compensated counsel,” the court docs claimed in part.

Paris filed her petition against the estate executors in June, complaining of unapproved “bonus” payments being made. Getty Images for Tom Ford
She claimed the executors requested approval for $625,000 in payments to three law firms in 2018. Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images

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It was later reported in an Oct. 9 filing on behalf of Michael’s estate that Paris had received $65 million in benefits from the estate of her late father.

“Few have benefited more from the Executors’ business judgment than Petitioner herself, who has received roughly $65 million from the Estate in benefits,” the filing alleges.

“She would have never received that had the Executors followed a typical playbook for an estate like this one in July 2009.”

It’s worth noting that reps for Paris have not officially responded to the estate’s estimate of Paris’ payment.

The King of Pop’s estate claimed in response that Paris had been paid $65 million from the estate. Getty Images
The estate executors also claimed that they were responsible for building the estate to its $2 billion worth. Getty Images

The estate executors also argued that they were responsible for transforming the King of Pop’s estate, making it worth $2 billion.

“The Executors’ business judgment has taken an estate that ‘started out as nothing but debt and substantial ongoing obligations’ and ‘turned [it] into a $2 billion estate’ — an estate that is now ‘a powerhouse and a force in the music business today,’” the filing reads.

The executors also noted in their September filing that the “Beat It” hitmaker’s sexual assault accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, are seeking $400 million in damages over the alleged abuse.

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