The California Court of Appeals has upheld a deal between Sony Music Group and the estate of Michael Jackson, allowing the music giant to acquire a substantial portion of the late artist’s catalog for $600 million.
According to Billboard, the court’s decision, finalized on August 21, 2024, permits the sale of half of Jackson’s publishing and recorded masters catalog, despite objections from his mother, Katherine Jackson.
Court Ruling Dismisses Katherine Jackson’s Objections
The legal dispute centered around whether the estate’s executors, John Branca and John McClain, violated the terms of Michael Jackson’s will by proceeding with the deal.
Katherine Jackson had argued that the sale contradicted her son’s wishes and that the catalog would continue to increase in value if retained by the estate.
However, the court ruled that the executors were within their rights, stating that the will granted them broad powers to manage and sell estate assets as they deemed necessary.
“The will gave the executors broad powers of sale, with no exception for the specific assets at issue in this case,” the court wrote.
As such, they concluded that the executors did not breach any terms of the will by selling the assets to Sony.
Potential Appeal and Family Dynamics
While the ruling is a significant step forward for the estate, Katherine Jackson may still appeal the decision to the California Supreme Court.
However, legal experts suggest that her chances of overturning the ruling are slim.
This legal battle has also highlighted tensions within the Jackson family, with Michael Jackson’s children—who initially opposed the sale—later accepting the probate judge’s decision to approve the deal.
Despite the familial disputes, the court’s decision has cleared the path for Sony Music Group to solidify its control over a portion of one of the most valuable music catalogs in history.
As the legal proceedings draw to a close, the focus now shifts to how the estate will manage its remaining assets and the ongoing legacy of Michael Jackson’s music.
Feature Image Credit: Francis Sylvain/AFP via Getty Images
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