Court Upholds Sale of Half of Jackson's Catalog

A California appeals court has upheld a $600 million deal allowing Sony Music Group to purchase half of Michael Jackson's music catalog, despite objections from his mother, Katherine Jackson. Katherine argued that the sale violated Michael's wishes and that the catalog's value would increase if retained, but the court ruled that the executors, John Branca and John McClain, acted within the broad powers granted by Jackson's will. The court noted that the transaction is a strategic business decision and not a mere asset liquidation. Katherine's appeal was further weakened as she had forfeited her arguments by not raising them in lower courts. Beneficiaries of the trust include Jackson's children and several charities. Katherine may still appeal to the California Supreme Court.