In a recent development, Katherine Jackson, the 93-year-old mother of the late pop icon Michael Jackson, has requested the court to exempt her from a potentially grueling deposition. The deposition is part of an ongoing legal dispute involving LaToya Jackson's ex-fiancé, Jeffree Phillips, and the executors of Michael Jackson's estate.
The legal battle revolves around a collection of items allegedly taken from Michael Jackson's home shortly after his death in 2009. The executors of the estate, John Branca and John McClain, believe these items, which include electronic devices, may contain unreleased music from the pop star.
Phillips, who was in a relationship with LaToya Jackson from 1995 to 2015, has denied the accusations of theft. He maintains that Katherine Jackson instructed him to remove the items from the property for safekeeping. He asserts that he stored these items for years without any objections from the Jackson family.
The ongoing legal dispute has led to a contentious debate over whether Katherine Jackson should be deposed. Phillips argues that her testimony is crucial to the case. However, the executors of the estate and Katherine's legal team have opposed this, citing the emotional strain it could place on the 93-year-old matriarch.
Katherine's lawyers have described the proposed deposition as "unnecessary, irrelevant, and highly intrusive." They have accused Phillips of using the threat of deposition as leverage for a favorable settlement. They argue that the deposition could impose significant burdens on Katherine, potentially elevating her heart rate and triggering physical reactions.
Katherine's legal team has also presented a declaration from her doctor opposing the deposition. They have offered to have Katherine answer written questions as an alternative, but Phillips has not agreed to this proposal.
The case continues to unfold, with a judge yet to rule on whether Katherine Jackson will be required to sit for a deposition. The outcome of this decision could significantly impact the course of the ongoing $1 million legal battle.