Paris Jackson’s effort to challenge the handling of her late father Michael Jackson’s estate encountered a setback after a Los Angeles court struck key portions of her petition. On Nov. 10, retired judge and specially appointed referee Mitchell L. Beckloff granted a motion from estate executors John Branca and John McClain, ruling that several claims in Paris’ filing targeted documents protected under California’s anti-SLAPP statute. The decision leaves her responsible for some of the estate’s attorney fees.

The dispute centers on concerns Paris first raised in July 2025, including irregular “premium” payments to estate attorneys and slow, inconsistent financial filings she argued limited transparency for beneficiaries such as herself and brothers Bigi and Prince. While Beckloff struck claims involving protected filings, he left intact allegations tied to irregular approvals and procedural clarity. A spokesperson for Paris emphasized that the ruling was “limited to minor procedural issues” and said she intends to submit an updated petition.

Executors Branca and McClain have defended their stewardship of Michael Jackson’s estimated $2 billion estate, noting they inherited massive debts but have since produced substantial profits for beneficiaries—claiming Paris alone has received around $65 million. With the court’s ruling, the executors maintain broad control over estate operations, even as the surviving elements of Paris’ petition allow for limited review. The dispute continues as major projects tied to the pop icon’s legacy move forward, including licensing deals and the highly anticipated biopic Michael.