Paris Jackson’s controversy over her late father Michael Jackson’s estate took a new turn this week with the death of her co-executor.
Attorney Gregory Dole, who is not involved in the case, spoke exclusively to Page Six after sources said there were no plans to appoint a new co-executor to replace John McClain, who died Tuesday at age 71.
Instead, entertainment lawyer John Branca, who was appointed co-executor with MacLaine after the King of Pop’s death in 2009, will likely administer the estate on his own, it has been reported.
“It is unclear how MacLean, rather than Blanca, influenced management decisions made by the estate,” Dole said. “He is often publicly credited with focusing on Jackson’s artistic legacy.”
Trial lawyers noted that if Mr. McClain had been a “balancing force for Mr. Blanca,” Mr. McClain’s death could result in a “different approach” to administering the estate.
“But assuming that Mr. McClain and Mr. Branca were more or less aligned in their approach to estate management during his lifetime, nothing will change after his death,” Dole said.
Therefore, the property will continue to be managed in accordance with Blanca’s “business judgment,” Dole said.
“And perhaps (Blanca) will continue to defend against Paris’ claims,” Dole added.
The Law Eagle believes Parris’ legal battle over her father’s estate will continue “for years to come.”
“This seems to be the default mode for this estate,” he said.
What’s interesting, Dole explained, is that Branca, 75, who is currently the estate’s sole executor, has the power to appoint a replacement executor or executors in the event he becomes incapacitated.
McClain passed away on Tuesday after battling long-term health issues, Page Six confirmed.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my partner and brother John McClain. One of the great innovators in the world of music and music marketing, John was a visionary who looked beyond the ordinary to the future,” Branca told Page Six in a statement.
“When we were named in Michael’s will, we knew he would bring great insight into Michael’s music and that his friendship and dedication to Michael would highlight all the great projects we can bring to the world.”
When Michael died suddenly at the age of 50 from acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, he was hundreds of millions of dollars in debt.
McClain and Branca, who were named co-executors in Michael’s 2002 will, helped transform the pop star’s fortune from a cash cow into a multibillion-dollar business through music, film, Broadway and catalog deals.
While McClain was known for maintaining Michael’s artistic integrity through various projects, Branca has focused on legal and transactional issues.
However, Michael’s 28-year-old daughter Paris and other family members have publicly challenged the executor’s control and compensation.
In July 2025, the city of Paris sued Mr. McClain and Mr. Blanca for fraudulent and poorly documented payments to them, including “lavish” fees and bonuses, charges that both men have repeatedly denied.
Paris won a major victory in her legal battle last week when a Los Angeles judge ruled that a third-party law firm must repay $625,000 in fraudulently paid bonuses.
A spokesperson told the Post that Paris “has always focused on what’s best for her family, and this ruling is a huge victory for her family.”
“After years of delays, the Jackson family will finally receive the transparency and accountability measures Paris has sought,” the statement said.
Blanca and McClain told People earlier this month that they “disagree with this decision” but “will move forward accordingly.” However, they also clarified that they received no money from these bonuses.
“And to be clear, the $625,000 bonus was only a small portion of the estate’s expenses for the period in question, was not paid to the executors, and the court never said the executors made any improper payments to themselves,” they said in a statement.
