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Saturday marks two years since the death of the legendary Prince. His music is more popular than ever, however, his estate is caught up in epic legal battles. Unfortunately, the “Purple Rain” singer never wrote a will or one was never found. Therefore, his heirs, Prince’s six biological siblings, have not seen a cent while bankers, lawyers and consultants have been racking in millions.
CBS reports, “the executor of the estate, Comerica Bank and Trust, can’t split the money among Prince’s six surviving siblings until the Internal Revenue Service and executor agree on the estate’s value when Prince died.” However, there is no clear date on when the value of the estate will be decided, but reports are his estate is valued at $200 million. The IRS and state of Minnesota are entitled to collect around half, which will be another blow to the icon’s millions.
Prince’s heirs are his living siblings: Sharon Nelson, Norrine Nelson, John R. Nelson, Tyka Nelson, Omarr Baker and Alfred Jackson. Aside from Tyka, who shares both parents with Prince, they are the half-sisters and brothers from his parents, John L. Nelson and Mattie Shaw. Last week, they united in objecting “to an unspecified ‘entertainment transaction’ in the works that they say would be “an embarrassment to Prince’s legacy.” A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
While the heirs aren’t seeing a dime of their brother’s money. Lawyers and banks have at least collected $5.9 million “in fees and expenses, according to a filing last month.” This amount doesn’t include a reported additional $2.9 million in fees and expenses. There is no word on how much the IRS has collected, but we can only imagine it’s well into the millions.
Two of Prince’s siblings wrote in a filing, “There is legitimate concern that at the end of the Estate’s administration there will be little, if anything left to pass on to the heirs.” Carver County District Judge Kevin Eide even wrote in a filing the estate “is not an unlimited resource.”
Wednesday’s hearing could result in a settlement offering, but reportedly the siblings believe they could make more money in litigation.
It is sad to hear lawyers and bankers are profiting from Prince’s legacy, the very situation he tried to keep from happening throughout his life.
