Michael Jackson’s son Bigi is taking his grandmother to court.
The core of the dispute lies in the allocation and usage of the Jackson estate’s funds, particularly concerning legal battles spearheaded by Katherine Jackson, Michael Jackson’s mother.
Since Michael Jackson’s passing in 2009, Katherine Jackson has received upwards of $55 million from her son’s estate. This sum includes over $33 million in direct cash payments, along with an additional $15 million invested in purchasing and renovating her residence, as reported by legal documents. These disclosures have surfaced amidst a contention regarding Katherine Jackson’s financial management, particularly her legal expenses.
The controversy intensified with Michael Jackson’s youngest son, Bigi Jackson, 22, stepping into the legal fray. Bigi, previously known under the moniker Blanket and formally named Prince Michael Jackson II, filed a motion to prevent Katherine from utilizing estate funds to finance her ongoing legal challenges. These legal battles are believed to be centered around the estate’s recent negotiation of a $600 million catalog deal with Sony, a move Katherine has sought to contest.
Bigi Jackson’s legal maneuver emphasizes that Katherine Jackson, given her considerable financial support from the estate, should cover her own legal fees. The motion posits that imposing such financial responsibilities on Michael Jackson’s heirs, including Bigi and his siblings, Prince and Paris Jackson, constitutes an unfair burden.
Katherine Jackson’s legal problems relate to her appeal against the undisclosed Sony deal brokered by the estate’s executors. The appeal follows a judge’s prior rejection of their initial objections.
The legal dispute also casts light on the broader context of guardianship and familial responsibilities. Katherine, who once shared guardianship over Bigi with her grandson Tito Joe “TJ” Jackson, relinquished her role in 2017, citing her advanced age and the growing independence of her grandchildren as primary factors.
Bigi, though largely maintaining a low profile, has sporadically engaged with public discourse, notably addressing environmental issues in a rare television appearance in 2021. His current legal action signals a more direct involvement in the governance of his father’s estate, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing narrative of the Jackson family’s legacy.
The estate’s executors have defended their financial stewardship, arguing that the allocations to Katherine Jackson have been both generous and sufficient for her needs, including the contentious legal fees. They have described the appeal against the Sony deal as a “frivolous” and an “extreme longshot,” questioning the necessity of estate funds in supporting Katherine’s legal endeavors.
This unfolding saga within the Jackson family highlights the complex interplay of legacy, stewardship, and familial bonds that continue to draw public attention.
