Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman’s family in legal dispute with his widow
Chadwick Boseman’s siblings are suing the late US actor’s widow over her handling of his multimillion-dollar estate.
Derrick Boseman and Kevin Boseman have filed a petition in a Los Angeles court to force the Black Panther star’s widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, to distribute money to family members and be removed as controller of his estate.
They claim he mismanaged the distribution of funds and that his “management of the estate cannot be trusted.”
Boseman died in 2020 at the age of 43, four years after being diagnosed with colon cancer. He is best remembered for playing the lead role of Wakandan king T’Challa in the Oscar-winning 2018 Marvel blockbuster Black Panther.
Boseman had assets worth $3.8 million (£2.9 million) but died without a will, according to court documents seen by BBC News.
A court ruled that Boseman’s widow, who was appointed administrator of the estate, should receive 50%, and each of his parents would receive 25%.
The actor’s brothers filed a petition with the court last week on behalf of their parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman.
The petition stated that Ledward “still has not distributed the property” and “continues to exercise unilateral control.”
Ledward is also accused of creating a “lack of transparency” about his assets and keeping the actor’s parents “in the dark” about the dealings and operations of a company set up to manage his image and rights.
The brothers allege that Ledward’s “abuse continually harmed Boseman’s elderly parents” and “left them without financial assets at a tender age when such support is most critical.”
“In addition, the unnecessary continuation of these proceedings [Boseman’s] It caused closure and emotional distress to the family, the court filing said.
“Imagine flipping through the channels and coming across a movie starring your deceased son or brother, only to find out that someone you don’t know or trust is profiting from his image without your input or permission.”
R&B artist Ledward, who goes by the name Sahn, began dating Boseman in 2015 and they married just six days before the actor’s death in August 2020.
The BBC has sought comment from his lawyer.
The late actor’s siblings said in a statement to US media: “On behalf of our parents, we are committed to ensuring that transparency, accountability and respect guide the resolution of these matters.
“Our hope is that this process will bring clarity, respect court orders, and ensure that Chadwick’s estate is managed responsibly.
“We love our brother and are committed to preserving his legacy with dignity, integrity and respect.”
