John McClain, co-executor of Michael Jackson’s estate, died on Tuesday at the age of 71, Page Six has confirmed.
It was heard that the veteran music executive had been suffering from serious health issues and had been unwell for a long time.
According to TMZ, which first reported the news, he died in Malibu, California.
Mr. McClain and entertainment lawyer John Branca were named co-executors of Mr. Jackson’s estate after the King of Pop’s death in July 2009.
We hear that there are no plans to appoint a new co-executor and that Mr Branca is likely to manage the estate on his own.
“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,” Blanca, 75, told Page Six in a statement Wednesday.
“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.”
Blanca said McClain “bred passion and conviction to everything he did and was the most generous of friends,” adding, “It’s hard to imagine a world without him.”
Jackson was hundreds of millions of dollars in debt when he died suddenly at age 50 from acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication.
McClain and Branca have been able to generate billions of dollars in revenue through the use of their music, licensing, films, theatrical productions, and catalogues.
Specific real estate-related projects and transactions under McClain and Blanca include the October 2009 concert documentary “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” Cirque du Soleil’s resident show “Michael Jackson: One by Cirque du Soleil,” which has been in Las Vegas since 2013, 2014’s posthumous album “Exscape,” and the recently released “Michael Jackson” biopic.
While McClain was more in charge of the creative side of things and was often praised for maintaining Jackson’s artistic integrity, Branca has focused on legal and transactional matters.
However, Mr Jackson’s family, particularly his daughter Paris Jackson, have publicly disputed aspects of the executor’s control and compensation.
In July 2025, the 28-year-old sued McClain and Branca, alleging fraudulent payments and inadequate documentation, including payments to himself.
The pair have always denied wrongdoing, but last week Paris won a legal victory when a judge ordered that $625,000 in bonus money be returned to the foundation.
Not much is known about McClain’s personal life, but he worked in A&R for decades and had deep roots in the development of black pop and R&B. He was an active member of Michael’s circle long before his name was included in Michael’s suicide note in July 2002.
McClain was closely involved with the rise of Michael’s sister Janet Jackson and collaborated with artists such as Ice Cube and Dr. Dre.
