Katherine Jackson, mother of the late pop icon Michael Jackson, has lost a significant legal battle against the sale of her son’s music catalog to Sony Music.
According to Rolling Stone, Katherine Jackson argued that the sale violated the terms of Michael Jackson’s will, but an appellate court ruled that she could not contest the sale at this stage.
The executors of Michael Jackson’s estate, John Branca and John McClain, had previously secured court approval for the sale.
They argued that Katherine Jackson forfeited her right to object by not raising her concerns during the initial probate proceedings.
The three-judge panel from California’s Second Appellate District concurred, stating that Katherine Jackson’s challenge would have failed even if presented earlier.
The judges noted in their decision:
“Katherine did not contend [in the lower court] that the sale violated the terms of Michael’s will or were inconsistent with the Probate Code. Indeed, as the executors note, Katherine agreed in the probate court that the will gives the executors the power to sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of the estate’s real or personal property.”
In early 2024, reports surfaced that Sony Music Group had signed an agreement to purchase half of Michael Jackson’s publishing and master recordings catalog.
The assets included in the deal are valued between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion, meaning Sony Music Group will pay at least $600 million to the estate.
Michael Jackson’s will stipulates that the beneficiaries of his estate are his three children—Prince, Paris, and Blanket. The will also ensures that Katherine Jackson is provided for throughout her lifetime.
The court’s ruling affirms the executors’ authority to manage and dispose of estate assets as outlined in the will, paving the way for the sale to proceed.
