Jackson brothers scrambling to heal rift with Paris ahead of Michael biopic premiere: sources
Michael Jackson’s family are preparing for a huge year, with the release of biopic “Michael” which they hope will canonize his sometimes-difficult legacy.Expected to be on the red carpet for its April premiere are Michael’s children: Prince, Bigi and the ever-glamorous Paris, posing together.But for that to happen, a race is on to bring Paris, 27, back in line with her brothers.In recent months she has been torn apart from them by her startling court claims against their own estate, accusing them of mis-managing the family’s $2 billion assets.Sources say elder brother Prince, 28, who is usually calm and cautious, is increasingly frustrated behind closed doors, and keen to heal the rift.As executive producer on “Michael,” he has privately expressed concern Paris’ legal crusade could distract from the film and that it feeds the same narrative that haunted their father for decades: That the family is not united, jealousy prevails and their hard work could be undermined by short-term spectacle. “He feels like she’s adding to the dysfunction label the family has always carried,” a source said.“He wants the focus on the movie and their father’s achievements, not headlines about internal fighting.”The movie is certainly a family affair, starring Michael’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, 29, as the pop legend.The Jackson estate pays Paris, Prince and Bigi, 23, around $3.8 million a year each, according to previous court filings.Neither of the brothers have complaints about how the estate, which has been looked after by executors John Branca and John McClain since Michael death, have been handling the estate.Both executors are listed as producers on the movie and Branca is portrayed in it, by none less than A-lister Miles Teller.
Still, those close to Prince say he remains conflicted.“Prince is starting to lose a little patience … He loves his sister and doesn’t want to come down on her too hard,” a source said.“But he’s scared of what t...