Quincy Jones Says Michael Jackson’s Estate Owes Him $30 Million In Unpaid Royalties

On Tuesday, counsel for Quincy Jones stood before a judge and jury to accuse Michael Jackson’s estate of withholding $30 million in unpaid royalties.

According to Variety, Jones’ attorney Mike McKool said his client had received his royalties for his work on “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad,” prior to Jackson’s untimely death. However, once the legendary pop star passed, the singer’s estate took over Jackson’s finances. McKool argued that Jackson’s death increased the singer’s sales but as the estate collected the royalties, Jones was not compensated.

McKool also revealed that his client was not reimbursed for his involvement in Jackson’s final concert documentary “This Is It,” including profits from the licensing fees to use the original music that Jones produced. According to reports, the film released after Jackson’s death and made over $500 million, providing the estate with $90 million of the profit. However, Jones was only given $455,000.

In turn, an attorney for the singer’s estate said Jones has been compensated for his work with Jackson, even after the singer’s passing.

“We believe the evidence will show that Mr. Jones is not entitled to anything but a fraction of the money he’s after,” Zia Modabber said, adding that Jones has been given over $18 million since Jackson’s passing and “he will make millions more.”