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Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Contents
The Estate of Michael Jackson was established following the singer’s death in 2009 to manage his assets and posthumous income. Jackson’s last will, filed in 2009, named John Branca and John McClain as executors. The estate includes assets like Neverland Ranch and his 50% share of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, with reported debts of $331 million. Jackson’s will allocated a portion of his fortune to charities and appointed his mother, Katherine, as the guardian of his children.
The estimated value of Sony/ATV Music Publishing was reported to be $1.5 billion, making Jackson’s share worth $750 million. In 2016, Sony acquired Jackson’s share for $750 million. The estate earned $825 million in 2016, marking the highest yearly amount for a celebrity ever recorded by Forbes. In 2018, Sony/ATV bought out the Jackson estate’s 10% stake in EMI for $287.5 million.
Forbes estimated the Jackson Estate’s annual gross earnings at $825 million in 2016, primarily due to the sale of the Sony/ATV catalog. In 2018, the figure was $400 million, bringing Jackson’s postmortem total to $2.4 billion. The estate faced disputes with the IRS over the valuation of assets, with the Tax Court ruling in favor of the estate in 2021.
Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, purchased for $19.5 million, faced financial challenges leading to foreclosure threats. After Jackson’s death, Colony Capital acquired the property and sold it in 2020 to billionaire Ron Burkle for $22 million. The estate’s aggressive financial strategies post-Jackson’s death led to significant earnings, making him the highest-earning dead celebrity.
As of 2024, the valuation of Michael Jackson’s estate remains a topic of interest in the music industry. Reports suggest negotiations for Sony Music Group to acquire 50% of Jackson’s estate, potentially increasing its value. With a history of high earnings posthumously and strategic financial management, the estate continues to generate substantial revenue.
Michael Jackson had a net worth of negative $500 million at the time of his death in 2009, primarily due to debts and overspending.
His most valuable assets included his share in Sony/ATV Music Publishing, the Beatles catalog, and his own music catalog through Mijac Music.
Through strategic deals like selling music rights to Sony, producing the film “This Is It,” and engaging in partnerships with companies like Cirque du Soleil, the estate significantly increased its earnings.
The estate had disputes with the IRS over the valuation of assets, including Jackson’s likeness, music rights, and various investments, leading to legal proceedings.
Neverland Ranch was sold to billionaire Ron Burkle in 2020 for $22 million after facing foreclosure threats and struggling to find buyers despite renovations and price reductions.