SALE OF BACK
EXCLUSIVE
MICHAEL Jackson was no stranger to controversy in his life, and 15 years after his death the legacy he left behind is tearing the musical dynasty apart once again.
The King of Pop’s €1.8billion estate and Neverland ranch is at the centre of a bitter battle. At its heart is cash.
On one side is the late singer’s third child Bigi, 22, formerly known as Blanket, the youngest sibling of Prince, 27, and Paris, 25.
On the other is Jacko’s mother, matriarch Katherine, 93, the widow of Joe, the tyrannical mastermind of the Jackson 5.
Yesterday it was revealed Bigi has begun legal action against his grandmother.
He wants to prevent her from accessing his father’s estate funds to pay for €514,000 in legal bills.
The development is the latest in a string of feuds that have afflicted the clan since the star’s druginduced death at 50 on June 25, 2009.
The ugly row began when both Bigi and Katherine argued against efforts by the estate’s executors to sell off a portion of the singer’s back catalogue, to help raise funds for what is effectively now a business.
But while Bigi and his grandmother initially agreed to resist the potential sale, Blanket apparently did a U-turn.
He chose not to partake in Katherine’s subsequent appeal of a court ruling permitting the executors to explore further sale options.
According to reports, Bigi’s legal team were concerned over the potential financial strain such court action will cost, ultimately eating into the siblings’ inheritances.
His lawyers said Bigi “is a very private person and may have said nothing if he knew his words or positions could become public... That, in turn, would have denied the trial court of the ability to hear and consider all aspects of the proposed action”.
A family friend, who knows Katherine and the children, spoke of their alleged different attitudes towards the estate, which provides them all with a substantial monthly allowance.
“The kids have felt stability, happiness and joy at the way they have been treated by the estate,” the friend said.
“They had a nomadic lifestyle with Michael in their early years as they moved from city to city, trying to find somewhere to settle.
“Once the estate took over they went to school normally, they had the mansion in LA’S Calabasas, anything they have asked for they have gotten – like Prince going to film school, Bigi’s podcast. The estate pays for their homes and all their bills.
“The kids think they have a great life and great relationship with the estate.”
But the friend added: “On the other hand is Katherine. She is old school – she thinks the kids should be mega wealthy and have access to all the