It has been almost 17 years since Michael Jackson tragically passed away, and yet his children have not received a penny of their inheritance money.
The King of Pop left a lasting impact on the music industry through his groundbreaking sound, unforgettable performances, and magnetic personality.
But away from the spotlight, Jackson was also a loving father to his three children: Michael Joseph ‘Prince’ Jackson Jr., Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, and Prince Michael ‘Blanket’ Jackson II.
Now, however, it has emerged that none of Jackson’s children are currently able to receive money from his estate.
A life away from the spotlight
Michael Joseph ‘Prince’ Jackson Jr., born on February 13, 1997, is Michael Jackson’s oldest child.
His mother is Debbie Rowe, Jackson’s second wife. During his childhood, Prince was largely kept out of the public eye, frequently appearing alongside his siblings wearing masks in an effort to conceal their identities.
In 2019, he graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in business administration. Since then, he has pursued opportunities within entertainment, including launching King’s Son Productions, a company focused on creating original content.
Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, born April 3, 1998, is the second child of Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe.
Of the three siblings, Paris has spent the most time in the public eye, building careers in modeling, acting, and music.
Her openness about her mental health struggles, along with her striking appearance, has helped her connect with and inspire many young fans.
Paris has starred in projects including Gringo (2018), while also releasing her debut solo album, Wilted, in 2020.
Growing up under intense public scrutiny
Prince Michael ‘Blanket’ Jackson II, now known as Bigi, was born on February 21, 2002, through an anonymous surrogate.
His early years became the subject of global headlines following the widely criticized incident in which Michael Jackson dangled him over a hotel balcony.
Despite the controversy surrounding that moment, Bigi has mostly stayed away from public attention compared to his brother and sister.
He currently lives in California and is said to have a strong interest in filmmaking and video production.
When Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, it marked a major turning point in the lives of his children.
Not only were they forced to cope with the devastating loss of their father, but they were also pushed even further into the public spotlight.
Following Jackson’s death, his mother Katherine Jackson became the children’s legal guardian, helping provide them with stability during an incredibly difficult period.
When Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, it marked a major turning point in the lives of his children.
Not only were they forced to cope with the devastating loss of their father, but they were also pushed even further into the public spotlight.
Following Jackson’s death, his mother Katherine Jackson became the children’s legal guardian, helping provide them with stability during an incredibly difficult period.
When Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, it marked a major turning point in the lives of his children.
Not only were they forced to cope with the devastating loss of their father, but they were also pushed even further into the public spotlight.
Following Jackson’s death, his mother Katherine Jackson became the children’s legal guardian, helping provide them with stability during an incredibly difficult period.
The issue began in 2021 after the IRS audited the estate’s federal estate tax return and determined that several assets had allegedly been undervalued, according to People.
The agency claimed the estate owed an additional $700 million in taxes and penalties.
Although the estate successfully challenged parts of the IRS assessment, disagreements still remain over the valuation of Jackson’s music catalog, Mijac, which is owned by Sony Music.
Because the final value of the estate has not yet been settled, executors John Branca and John McClain say they are unable to determine how much money can safely be distributed.
They also explained that 20 percent of the estate’s value, based on federal estate tax calculations, must first be donated to charity before any remaining funds can be distributed to sub-trusts benefiting Jackson’s family.
As a result, the executors have refused requests to release funds to the beneficiaries, arguing that it is currently impossible to safely distribute any money.
Consequently, Prince, Paris, and Bigi, now aged 29, 28, and 24 respectively, will not receive inheritance payments until the legal issues surrounding the estate are resolved.
