Michael Jackson estate attorneys slam 'false' and 'defamatory' family claims
theGRIO REPORT - Dispute over Michael Jackson’s will persisted Tuesday between members of the Jackson clan and executor’s of Michael’s estate, with custody of the pop star’s three children now being brought into question...
Asked about his mother’s health, Randy told Sharpton that Katherine was “relaxing” and “having fun” with daughter Rebbie in Arizona, refraining from the outside world on doctor’s orders. He also said her grandchildren were able to contact her despite charges otherwise.
Meanwhile, Michael’s daughter Paris continued posting comments on Twitter about the bickering, tweeting shortly after Sharpton’s interview aired, “#MJfam is my family…love you guys!!<3.”
Previously, the 14 year old fueled the fire surrounding her grandmother’s disappearance, writing “8 days and counting. something is really off, this isn’t like her at all…i wanna talk directly to my grandmother!!<|3,” and “9 days and counting… so help me god i will make whoever did this pay.”
A video surfaced on Monday of Janet Jackson confronting her niece at Katherine’s house, reportedly trying to confiscate her cell phone.
Due to the fact that all of Michael’s siblings were left out of the will, the latest assertions made by his brothers and sisters strike some as a ploy to retrieve a portion of their brother’s postmortem fortune. Forbes reported in February that, due to deals made by Branca and McClain, Michael’s estate earned over half a billion dollars since his death in 2009, resulting from a “$60 million upfront payment for concert film This Is It; a seven-year, ten-project record deal with Sony for $250 million; and a joint venture with Cirque du Soleil called Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour, which is grossing over $2 million per show.”
As referenced in the executor’s statement, the revenue has helped to wipe out the majority of debt that remained at the singer’s death.
The Smoking Gun obtained a copy of the will, dated July 7, 2002, which appointed Katherine Jackson as legal guardian of the musician’s three children in the event of his death, and elected singer Diana Ross to take Katherine’s place in her absence or inability to serve.
Bates confirmed the validity of the will, noting it was released in 2009, and also confirmed Ross would retain guardianship of Michael’s children in Katherine’s absence. He did not respond to reports that the executors would be filing for temporary guardianship of the children, but they said in a separate statement, “We are concerned that we do what we can to protect them from undue influences, bullying, greed, and other unfortunate circumstances.”
Ross’ attorney would not comment on the matter either, nor would he discuss her current relationship with the children. The singer most recently appeared in public for her daughter Chudney’s book launch on July 2, posting a picture of herself and her family on Facebook at the event. In February, she received a Lifetime Achievement honor at the Grammy Awards, but, at the moment, appears to have no current projects underway.
Follow Courtney Garcia on Twitter at @courtgarcia
