Entertainment

Michael Jackson’s Children Blocked from Trust Funds Over $700M Tax Dispute

Published

11 months ago

June 3, 2024

Michael Jackson’s three children – Prince, 27, Paris, 25, and Bigi, 22 – along with his mother Katherine, 94, have been barred from accessing funds from the late singer’s trust due to an ongoing legal battle between Jackson’s estate and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over a $700 million tax bill.

The dispute arose when the IRS audited the estate’s federal estate tax return and claimed that it had “undervalued its assets,” resulting in an additional $700 million in taxes and penalties owed. While the estate initially won in court in 2021, it later filed a motion for reconsideration regarding the court’s valuation of Jackson’s music catalog, which is still pending.

Michael Jackson and children

Until this case is resolved and the value of Jackson’s estate is determined, the IRS and the estate cannot agree on the deduction amount for the federal estate tax return. Consequently, the estate’s co-executors, John Branca and John McClain, have denied requests from the beneficiaries to release funds, citing the ongoing IRS audit.

Family Feud Over Legal Fees

The situation is further complicated by a separate legal feud between Katherine Jackson and her grandson Bigi. Katherine has been attempting to use funds from the estate to cover legal fees incurred while challenging the $600 million sale of Jackson’s music assets to Sony, a move supported by Bigi and approved by a judge.

Katherine’s lawyer, Adam Pines, accused the executors of “trying to punish” her for contesting their actions and claimed they would have paid the legal fees if they were related to other litigation. Pines suggested the executors are intentionally withholding payments until Katherine passes away.

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Trust Distribution Requirements

According to the court filing, Jackson’s trust stipulates that 20% of his estate, as valued for federal estate tax purposes, should be donated to charity, with the remaining assets distributed to subtrusts. However, Katherine’s filing disputes the executors’ belief that charitable donations must be made before any distributions to beneficiaries, arguing that “nothing in the Trust requires those payments to be made before any preliminary distribution to other beneficiaries.”

Bigi, on the other hand, has requested the court deny Katherine’s request, stating that “a reversal on appeal would be an extreme longshot” and that her decision to appeal is “not for the benefit of the heirs.”

As the legal battle continues, the estate is providing for Jackson’s children and mother through a “family allowance,” but no funds from the trust itself will be distributed until the tax dispute is resolved and the estate’s value is finalized.

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Spotlight

Honoring Nina Simone’s Legacy on Her Memorial Day

Published

3 days ago

April 21, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in 1933, was more than just a musical prodigy—she was a force of nature whose artistry and activism shaped the soundscape and soul of the civil rights era. Revered as the “High Priestess of Soul,” Simone’s music blended gospel, jazz, and classical influences, but it was her unflinching voice for justice that made her a legend.

Music as Protest

Simone’s journey into activism was catalyzed by the tragic events of 1963. The murder of civil rights leader Medgar Evers and the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama—which killed four young Black girls—ignited a fire within her. Channeling her grief and rage, Simone wrote “Mississippi Goddam” in under an hour, a song that became an anthem for the civil rights movement and a daring critique of American racism. The song’s candor shocked audiences, leading to bans in several Southern states, but it resonated deeply with Black Americans and activists nationwide.

Beyond Civil Rights

Simone’s activism extended beyond the mainstream movement. She challenged not only racial injustice but also the Eurocentric standards imposed on Black women. Her song “Four Women” explored the pain and complexity of colorism and the narrow roles Black women were forced into.. Simone’s social commentary, inspired by her friendships with figures like Lorraine Hansberry and James Baldwin, pushed listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about identity, beauty, and power..

The CIA and Cultural Cold War

Few know that Simone was also an unwitting participant in the global politics of the Cold War. In 1961, she traveled to Nigeria for the Lagos Festival, sponsored by the American Society of African Culture (AMSAC)—an organization later revealed to be a covert CIA front. The U.S. government used such cultural exchanges to promote American values abroad, often without the knowledge or consent of the artists involved. Simone, a fierce critic of America who ultimately renounced her citizenship and lived abroad, died unaware of the CIA’s involvement in her trip. This episode is a stark reminder of how Black artists have sometimes been used as instruments of soft power, even as they fought for justice at home.

A Legacy of Defiance and Hope

Simone’s life was marked by defiance—against musical categorization, against racism, and against the expectations of her fans and society. Her songs, from “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” to “Backlash Blues,” continue to inspire generations to demand dignity and freedom. Today, on the anniversary of her passing, we honor Nina Simone not just for her music, but for her unwavering commitment to truth, beauty, and liberation.

Her story is a call to vigilance: to celebrate the power of Black artistry, to remain wary of those who would co-opt it, and to continue the struggle for justice that defined her life and work.

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Entertainment

Kanye West’s Shocking Ashley Olsen Confession

Published

6 days ago

April 18, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

The Revelation
Kanye West (Ye) sent shockwaves through social media in April 2025 by claiming he had a past sexual relationship with Ashley Olsen, linking it directly to a lyric in his and Jay-Z’s 2011 hit “N—as in Paris.” On X (formerly Twitter), West wrote: “Okay, I used to f-ck Ashley that’s why the twins got the shoutout”—referencing the line “I would have married Kate and Ashley” from the Watch the Throne track.

The Timeline of Rumors

2011 Studio Sessions: Diplo confirmed the Olsen twins were present during the album’s recording, with West calling them his “thermometer for what white girls listen to”.
Birthday Party Speculation: An anonymous tipster claimed to witness Mary-Kate Olsen giving West a lap dance at his 34th birthday party in June 2011, though her representative denied romantic involvement.
2025 Confession: West’s recent posts reignited speculation, clarifying the shoutout was tied to Ashley—not Mary-Kate.

Public Reaction
Ashley Olsen has never publicly addressed the claims, leaving West’s assertion uncorroborated. Fans and media outlets expressed skepticism, noting West’s history of provocative statements and attention-seeking behavior. The revelation also sparked debates about its impact on his already-controversial legacy.

Why Now?
West’s confession aligns with his pattern of airing personal grievances and past relationships on social media. It follows recent rants against Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Frank Ocean, suggesting a broader effort to dominate headlines amid declining public favor.

Key Questions

Credibility: With no independent verification, the claim remains speculative.
Motivation: Analysts speculate West is leveraging nostalgia for Watch the Throne to redirect attention from his declining music sales and antisemitism controversies.
Impact: The Olsen twins, now largely out of the spotlight, face renewed scrutiny over a 14-year-old lyric.

Conclusion
Kanye West’s Ashley Olsen confession adds another layer to his turbulent public persona. While it fuels gossip, the lack of corroboration leaves it in the realm of unverified claims—a recurring theme in West’s recent behavior. Whether this boosts interest in his music or further alienates fans remains to be seen.

Entertainment

Kim Kardashian Reaches Out to Bianca Censori After Split from Kanye West

Published

2 weeks ago

April 8, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Kim Kardashian has reportedly reached out to Bianca Censori following her recent split from Kanye West, but insiders claim the gesture was met with silence. According to sources close to Kim, the reality star sent a message of support to Bianca after hearing about her breakup with Kanye, offering empathy and a listening ear. Kim allegedly expressed that she understood the challenges of being in a relationship with West and wanted Bianca to know she wasn’t alone in navigating the aftermath.

The split between Kanye West and Bianca Censori has been making headlines, with reports pointing to Kanye’s increasingly erratic behavior as a major factor in their separation. From controversial social media posts to provocative lyrics in his latest song, BIANCA, Kanye has continued to stir public debate. The track, featured on his new album WW3, reportedly delves into the breakdown of his relationship with Censori, including references to a panic attack she allegedly experienced during one of their arguments. The song has sparked concern among fans and critics alike, who question the rapper’s treatment of those closest to him.

Kim’s decision to reach out to Bianca is reportedly rooted in her own experiences with Kanye. Having spent years navigating a high-profile marriage filled with ups and downs, Kim is said to feel uniquely connected to Bianca’s situation. Sources close to Kardashian revealed that she empathizes with the emotional toll of being involved with someone as polarizing as Kanye and wanted to extend her support. However, despite her attempts to connect, it appears that Bianca has not responded to Kim’s outreach.

While some speculate that Kim’s gesture may have been an attempt to stabilize co-parenting dynamics with Kanye or even mend fences amid ongoing tensions, others believe it was simply an act of kindness. Kim has often spoken publicly about wanting peace and stability for her family, especially for her four children—North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm—whom she shares with West. Her outreach could be seen as part of her broader effort to maintain harmony amidst the chaos surrounding Kanye’s personal life.

Bianca Censori has remained largely silent since news of her split from Kanye surfaced. Known for her bold fashion choices and low-profile demeanor, she has avoided addressing the breakup publicly or engaging in any drama surrounding Kanye’s latest controversies. Her silence on Kim’s message further underscores her preference for privacy during this challenging time.

The situation highlights the complex dynamics between Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, and Bianca Censori—a trio caught in the spotlight of fame, controversy, and personal struggles. As fans continue to speculate about what may come next for all parties involved, Kim’s gesture serves as a reminder of her commitment to fostering understanding despite past challenges.

For more insights into this unfolding story and its implications for Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, and Bianca Censori, visit bolanlemedia.com to read the full article.