Katherine Jackson, the mother of the late Michael Jackson, has lost her legal battle to prevent the sale of her son’s music catalog to Sony Music.
Katherine Jackson opposed the sale, arguing that it violated the terms of Michael Jackson’s will.
However, an appellate court ruled that she forfeited her right to contest the sale on appeal, as she did not raise this argument when the deal was approved more than a year ago.
The estate’s executors, John Branca and John McClain, contended that Katherine Jackson missed her opportunity to object to the sale during the initial probate proceedings.
The three-judge panel from California’s Second Appellate District supported this view, stating that even if Katherine had raised the issue in probate court, the outcome would have remained unchanged.
The judges affirmed that Branca and McClain had full authority to negotiate and finalize the sale.
In their decision, the judges wrote:
“Katherine did not contend [in the lower court] that the sale violated the terms of Michael’s will or were inconsistent with the Probate Code. Indeed, as the executors note, Katherine agreed in the probate court that the will gives the executors the power to sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of the estate’s real or personal property.”
Earlier this year, it was reported that Sony Music Group had signed an agreement to purchase half of Michael Jackson’s publishing and masters catalog.
The assets included in the catalog are valued between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion. With a minimum valuation of $1.2 billion, Sony Music Group is expected to pay the estate at least $600 million.
The beneficiaries of Michael Jackson’s estate are his three children—Prince, Paris, and Blanket. The will also stipulates that Katherine Jackson be provided for throughout her lifetime.
