Paris Jackson Secures Return of $625,000 in Bonuses from Michael Jackson's Estate Lawyers
Paris Jackson has successfully won a legal battle to reclaim $625,000 in bonuses that were paid to three lawyers by John Branca, the executor of her father Michael Jackson's estate. The decision was made by a retired judge who served as a private referee in the case. The bonuses, paid in 2018, included $250,000 to Jay Cooper, $125,000 to Jeryll Cohen, and $250,000 to the late Howard Weitzman. The judge ruled that the bonuses were arbitrary and lacked a factual basis for being deemed just and reasonable. The ruling mandates that these payments be returned to the estate and sets new guidelines for future payments, requiring written consent from all beneficiaries or a court order. Paris Jackson's legal action also led to a requirement for the estate to withhold 30% of attorneys' fees until court approval is obtained. 
