A California appeals court has ruled in favor of Michael Jackson’s estate, allowing it to proceed with the sale of his music catalog to Sony Music for over $600 million. The court’s decision overrides objections from Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother, who argued that the deal violates the terms of her son’s will.
According to the court, Katherine Jackson “forfeited” her argument by not raising it in a lower probate court. Even if she had, the court ruled that the estate’s executors, John Branca and John McClain, have the authority to make the deal.
The court stated, “The court is tentatively inclined to affirm the probate court’s order granting the executors’ request to proceed with the proposed transaction.” They also noted, “We tentatively conclude that Katherine’s challenge fails on the merits because the probate court’s order does not violate the terms of Michael’s will.”
The deal, reported by Billboard earlier this year, involves Sony Music buying half of Michael Jackson’s publishing and recorded masters catalog for over $600 million. Despite Michael’s passing in 2009, his estate remains pending in a Los Angeles probate court, requiring executors to seek approval for the deal.
The court’s ruling paves the way for the sale to proceed, despite Katherine Jackson’s objections. The deal’s outcome will impact the management and control of Michael Jackson’s iconic music catalog.
