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Estate Executors Call Paris Jackson’s Challenge ‘Naïve’

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — A source familiar with the estate’s position said the executors do not see this dispute as a personal clash with Paris. Rather, the source characterized the objections as stemming from her attorney’s lack of familiarity with complex entertainment estates

Published

8 months ago

July 15, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The long-running administration of Michael Jackson’s estate has entered another contentious phase, as co-executors John Branca and John McClain filed a new supplement defending their decision to pay significant legal fees, including $250,000 bonuses to outside attorneys—while accusing Paris Jackson’s lawyers of lodging untimely and misguided objections.

In the Fifth Supplement to the Fee Petition, filed July 14, 2025, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the executors state that Paris Jackson’s objections—submitted more than a year after the original petition—should be overruled outright. The filing contends that no other heirs or the California Attorney General have opposed the payments. Paris Jackson, 27, is the second child and only daughter of the late pop legend Michael Jackson. Her biological mother is Debbie Rowe, an ex-wife of Jackson who signed over custody of Paris and her brother, Prince Jackson, following the couple’s divorce in 1999. Paris and Prince’s youngest sibling is Blanket “Bigi” Jackson.

A source familiar with the estate’s position said the executors do not see this dispute as a personal clash with Paris. Rather, the source characterized the objections as stemming from her attorney’s lack of familiarity with complex entertainment estates, describing the lawyer as relatively inexperienced in this area and not part of a major Los Angeles-based firm. According to the source, the estate’s team views the objections as reflecting “a large amount of naïveté” about how music industry transactions are handled. Central to the dispute is the compensation awarded to two law firms, Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir LLP and Greenberg Traurig LLP. The executors argue these firms were pivotal in negotiating the 2018 sale of the estate’s minority stake in EMI Music Publishing to Sony for $287.5 million—an asset they say the estate acquired in 2012 for just $47,500. At the time of that acquisition, EMI’s publishing division controlled 1.3 million copyrights, with a catalog that included music by Arcade Fire, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Drake, Jay-Z, Norah Jones, Pink, Rihanna, and Usher. The sale reportedly generated a return of more than 6,000 times the initial investment.

“This was not an asset that Michael or the Estate owned at the time of Michael’s death,” the filing asserts, adding that it was the executors’ “ingenuity and strategic negotiations” that created this value. They maintain that the attorneys’ expertise in entertainment transactions justified fees beyond hourly rates, describing such arrangements as “common” in the music business. The firms were paid $250,000 bonuses in December 2018, in addition to regular billing. Paris Jackson’s legal team argued that the executors exceeded their authority by paying more than 70% of legal fees “on account” without court approval. Branca and McClain disputed that interpretation and cited a February 3, 2010, court order authorizing them to retain and pay legal counsel—such as litigation, trademark, and corporate attorneys—on an ongoing basis in connection with the operation of the MJJ Business. The executors emphasized that this order did not impose a 70% limit on those payments. According to the filing, “to the contrary,” the court specifically recognized the need to allow the executors discretion to assemble a highly experienced legal team to manage the business.

The executors also stated that, despite the lack of any restriction, they generally withheld 30% of billed fees as a matter of practice, with exceptions when they believed payment in full served the estate’s best interests. They noted the estate has received investment earnings on those withheld amounts. The filing argues that since Michael Jackson’s death, the executors and their legal teams have transformed the MJJ Business—which had been saddled with more than $500 million in debt—into an enterprise with assets now worth several billion dollars. The estate’s attorneys have represented the estate in more than fifteen lawsuits in the United States and have coordinated with counsel in Europe and Japan. Almost all litigation against the estate and nearly all of the 65 creditor claims have been resolved favorably. In addition to defending the $250,000 payments, the executors pushed back on objections to a smaller $4,675 payment to Blank Rome LLP. They characterized this as “de minimis” and pointed out that courts have previously excused declarations for such modest amounts. However, they offered to provide additional documentation if the court requests it.

Under the terms of Michael Jackson’s trust arrangements, his children do not gain full control of their trust funds until they reach age 40. According to Carolina Family Estate Planning, they receive allowances starting at age 21, with access to the first third of their share at age 30, a second third at age 35, and full access at age 40. The supplement also asks the court to strike certain “affirmative relief” requests in Paris Jackson’s objections as improperly presented under California procedural rules. The executors warned that pursuing the objections would further drain estate resources and create additional delays, calling the effort “not in the interest of…the other beneficiaries.” If the court declines to summarily reject the objections, Branca and McClain request a formal evidentiary hearing and propose that retired Judge Mitchell L. Beckloff serve as referee under a stipulation signed by the executors and other Jackson heirs, including Katherine Jackson and Michael’s sons, Prince and Bigi. The filing states that the Attorney General has not objected to referring such matters to the retired judge. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for July 16, 2025, before Judge Brenda Penny in Los Angeles.

Stacy M. Brown

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#NNPA BlackPress

Poll Shows Support for Policies That Help Families Afford Child Care

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

Oakland Post

By First Five Years Fund

New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

The national survey was conducted by UpOne Insight on behalf of the First Five Years Fund from January 13–18, 2026.

Key findings include:

• Parents need help: 80% of voters say the ability of working parents to find and afford child care is either in a state of crisis or a major problem.

• This is an affordability issue: 82% believe federal child care funding will help lower costs for working families — including 69% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats.

• And there continues to be strong support (62%) for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a federal program that makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of families to afford safe, quality care for their children while parents work or go to school, including a majority of Republicans, 63% of Independents and 72% of Democrats.

• Support for funding child care programs remains strong: 75% believe child care funding should be increased or kept at current levels — including 75% of Republicans, 85% of Independents, and 97% of Democrats.

• 74% say funding for child care is an important and good use of tax dollars, including a majority of Republicans, three-quarters of Independents, and nine in ten Democrats.

FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling said, “Voters across the country are sending a clear message: federal child care and early learning programs work. These investments help parents stay in the workforce, strengthen families, and support healthy child development. They have also long had strong bipartisan support in Congress. At a time when affordability is top of mind for families, continued federal funding is essential to ensure child care remains accessible and within reach.”

First Five Years Fund works to protect, prioritize, and build bipartisan support for quality child care and early learning programs at the federal level. Reliable, affordable, and high-quality early learning and child care can be transformative, not only enhancing a child’s prospects for a brighter future but also bolstering working parents and fostering economic stability nationwide.

We work with Congress and the Administration to identify federal solutions that work for families with young children, as well as states and communities. We work with policymakers to identify ways to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care and early learning programs for children. And we collaborate with advocacy groups to help align best practices with the best possible policies. http://www.ffyf.org

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Trump’s MAGA Allies are Creating Executive Order Plan to Steal the 2026 Midterms

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

Published

5 days ago

February 27, 2026

Oakland Post

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

A group of MAGA pro-Trump activists, who say they are working in coordination with the White House, are circulating a 17-page draft executive order that would claim without evidence that China interfered with the 2020 presidential election. Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential to President Joe Biden by over 7 million votes. Since Trump lost to Biden in 2020, he has repeatedly claimed that the election was “stolen” without evidence. The report of a group of “Trump allies” preparing an executive order to give Trump power over elections was first reported by The Washington Post.

The lies around the right-wing campaign that pushed falsehoods that the 2020 election was stolen was trafficked through right-wing media, particularly Fox News. Fox News was then sued for defamation for the claims by Dominion Voting Systems. Fox lost the case and had to settle for the largest defamation amount on record of $787.5 million in April 2023.

The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

The story in The Washington Post arrives as Trump increasingly signals that he may take actions that would alter the result of the 2026 midterms. The Republicans are widely expected to lose as their approval ratings plummet as a result of a failing economy under Trump. Over 50 members of Congress have announced they will retire this year and not return in 2027.

The Trump Department of Justice, which now has a large image of Trump on the side of it, “sued five new states Thursday [Feb. 26, 2026] demanding access to their unredacted voter rolls — escalating a campaign that has been rejected by multiple federal courts and faces resistance from Republican-led states as well,” according to Democracy Docket, a group that works to protect voting rights.

Trump claimed back in late 2020, the last year of his first term, that he had the authority to issue an executive order related to mail-in voting for the 2020 elections — which he would then lose. But the Constitution states that control of elections lies with the states. As the GOP works to place hurdles in front of voting, Democrats worked to make voting easier.

In March 2021, President Biden signed an executive order calling on federal agencies to expand voting access as part of the Biden Administration’s effort “to promote and defend the right to vote for all Americans who are legally entitled to participate in elections.”

Trump’s focus is clearly on altering the November 2026 midterm elections. Trump’s polling numbers and the elections and special elections that have taken place around the U.S. over the last year clearly indicate that Republicans are about to be hit by a blue wave of Democratic victories.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent investigative journalist and the founder of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears on #RolandMartinUnfiltered and hosts the show LAUREN LIVE on YouTube @LaurenVictoriaBurke. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

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PRESS ROOM: NBA Hall of Fame Nominee Terry Cummings Joins 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to Launch Victory & Values Initiative

NNPA NEWSWIRE — NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th.

Published

5 days ago

February 27, 2026

admin

Cummings becomes an honorary member, joining other role model sports stars

NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings has officially become an honorary member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, marking a powerful new chapter for the 100 Black Men and youth development across the region.

Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th. The moment signified more than membership — it marked the launch of the organization’s transformative new platform, the Victory & Values Initiative.

The Victory & Values Initiative is a groundbreaking youth development program designed to empower elementary and middle school students through a dynamic blend of sports, mentorship, and STEM exposure. The initiative focuses on building health, discipline, character, leadership, and access to opportunity — creating pathways for long-term academic and personal success.

“This is about more than sports,” said Cummings during the ceremony. “It’s about using the platform of athletics to teach life lessons, create access, and build the next generation of leaders.”

The induction ceremony also featured notable guests including NASCAR’s newest Star Driver, Lavar Scott and NASCAR Director of Athletic Performance, Phil Horton, who joined Cummings for a powerful Victory & Values Town Hall discussion. The Town Hall was moderated by renowned Sports Emcee John Hollins and focused on leadership, resilience, discipline, and the importance of mentorship in shaping young lives.

A “Day at NASCAR” for 75+ Youth

Cummings wasted no time getting to work. On his first full day as an honorary member, he joined his new brothers of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to host a “Day at NASCAR,” escorting more than 75 youth to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at EchoPark Motor Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway).

The youth participants received behind-the-scenes access including: an exclusive tour of Pit Row, access to the Garage Area and exploration of the interactive Fan Zone.

The experience culminated with a surprise meet-and-greet and Q&A session with NASCAR Superstar Bubba Wallace, who shared insights on perseverance, preparation, and breaking barriers in professional sports.

The day served as a living example of the ‘Victory & Values’ Initiative in action — exposing youth to new industries, expanding their vision for the future, and connecting them directly with high- level mentors and role models.

Building Leaders Through Access and Mentorship

The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County – a chapter of the largest, national mentoring organization in the county – continues to expand its footprint with programs focused on academic excellence, economic empowerment, leadership development, and health & wellness.

The launch of ‘Victory & Values’ represents a strategic expansion of the organization’s impact

intentionally integrating athletics and STEM to engage youth at an early age while reinforcing core principles such as integrity, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance.

“Our mission has always been to mentor the next generation,” said Vaughn Irons, President-Elect of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County. “With Terry Cummings joining the brotherhood, along with partners in NASCAR and professional sports, we are creating unprecedented access and exposure for our youth. Victory & Values is about turning inspiration into structured opportunity.”

By connecting elementary and middle school students to professional athletes, executives, STEM professionals, and community leaders, the initiative aims to:

Increase youth exposure to careers in sports business, engineering, and performance science
Strengthen mentorship pipelines
Promote physical wellness and mental resilience
Build character-driven leadership at an early age

Open Invitation to Youth and Families

All youth are invited to participate in the Victory & Values Initiative, along with the other countless, impactful programs offered by the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County.

Parents and guardians seeking mentorship, leadership development, academic enrichment, and transformative exposure opportunities for their children are encouraged to connect with the organization.

As NBA Legend Terry Cummings’ induction demonstrates, Victory & Values is more than a program — it is a movement designed to build champions in life, not just in sports.

For more information about the Victory & Values Initiative or to enroll a student, contact: 100 Black Men of DeKalb County at Phone at 404.241.1338, info@100bmod.org or Tee Foxx at 404.791.6525,