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The Jackson Legacy: A House Divided by Wealth and Whiteness

October 23, 2025

The article discusses a conflict involving Paris Jackson, who has filed a legal challenge against her father Michael Jackson's estate, characterizing the executors as secretive and arrogant despite their success in transforming her father's $500 million debt into billions in assets. The piece contrasts Paris Jackson's privileged position—having received over $65 million from the estate and purchasing multiple homes—with the original Jackson family's struggles coming from Gary, Indiana. The author frames this situation as symbolic of a broader pattern where Black creation and labor ultimately benefits white heirs, noting that Paris's actions represent "the performance of privilege" while the original Jackson family members remain on the sidelines.

Who is affected

  • Paris Jackson, daughter of Michael Jackson
  • The executors of Michael Jackson's estate, John Branca and John McClain
  • Michael Jackson's other children (Prince and Bigi)
  • The original Jackson family members (Jermaine, Marlon, Jackie, Randy)
  • Black families in America (referenced in relation to the wealth gap)

What action is being taken

  • Paris Jackson is filing a legal challenge against Michael Jackson's estate
  • Paris is publicly criticizing the estate executors, calling them "the Wizard of Oz" and accusing them of arrogance and secrecy
  • Prince Jackson is calling for reason and restraint
  • The estate executors continue managing Michael Jackson's legacy and financial affairs

Why it matters

  • The situation represents what the author describes as a pattern of Black creation being transformed into white prosperity
  • It highlights the racial wealth gap in America, where the median Black household holds approximately $24,000 in wealth compared to $190,000 for white households
  • The conflict symbolizes a transformation of the Jackson legacy from representing Black excellence to becoming a case where "Black labor" has turned into "white prosperity"
  • It illustrates tensions between inherited privilege and the original struggle that created the wealth

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint