Judge Orders Jackson Estate to Recover $625,000 Bonuses

A Los Angeles judge ruled this week that executors of Michael Jackson's estate must recover $625,000 in bonuses paid to third-party law firms in 2018, sustaining an objection filed by the late singer's daughter, Paris Jackson.

The decision, issued by retired Judge Mitchell Beckloff serving as a private referee in the long-running probate case, requires the funds to be returned to the estate. The bonuses included $250,000 to Jay Cooper of Greenberg Traurig, $125,000 to Jeryll Cohen of Saul Ewing, and $250,000 to the late Howard Weitzman of Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir. Beckloff found the payments lacked a specific factual basis to justify them as reasonable, describing them as appearing arbitrary.

The ruling also imposes new safeguards. Executors John Branca and John McClain cannot issue bonus payments to attorneys without written consent from all beneficiaries or a court order. The estate must withhold 30 percent of billed attorneys' fees until approved by the court. Paris Jackson may seek reimbursement for her reasonable attorneys' fees and costs related to the objection. Executors must submit accountings for fees from 2019 through 2024 by September 15.