Chadwick Boseman’s family is seeking to have his widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, removed as the administrator of his estate through a petition filed in a Los Angeles court. Boseman, famous for his roles in “Black Panther,” “42,” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” passed away on August 28, 2020, following a private battle with colon cancer. The actor, aged 43 at the time of his death, left behind a legacy that his family is now trying to protect.
In a statement given to CBC News, Boseman’s brothers, Derrick and Kevin Boseman, expressed their parents’ longstanding quest for clarity concerning matters related to their late brother’s estate, including his intellectual property and legacy. Legal documents obtained by CBC News reveal that the brothers acted on behalf of their parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman, by filing a petition in Los Angeles on July 17.
Despite a court order in 2022 to divide Boseman’s estate equally between Ledward and his parents, the brothers claim in the petition that Ledward has not fulfilled her obligations. They allege that Ledward has retained control over certain business interests linked to the estate and has not distributed assets as required. Furthermore, they accuse Ledward of making unilateral decisions without consulting the family.
The absence of a will left the distribution of Boseman’s estate to probate proceedings. A final order issued by a judge on October 4, 2022, allocated half of the estate to Ledward and the other half to Boseman’s parents, with provisions for a long-term care insurance policy for his mother. However, the brothers assert that Ledward has failed to comply with the order, causing financial harm to Boseman’s parents and hindering closure for the family.
The petition also highlights alleged financial discrepancies, including unaccounted-for funds and assets such as residual payments, royalties, intellectual property rights, and real estate. The brothers claim that nearly $3 million in missing bank accounts is a result of Ledward’s actions. They further accuse Ledward of establishing entities, like The Chadwick Boseman Foundation for the Arts, without involving the family and excluding them from leadership roles.
In their legal action, the brothers are requesting the court to hold Ledward accountable for delays, expedite the distribution of remaining estate assets, and appoint a forensic accountant to investigate potential mismanagement. They also seek a comprehensive financial report from Ledward, an injunction against unauthorized business agreements involving Boseman’s likeness, and a shareholder meeting for Boseman’s company. A hearing in Los Angeles is scheduled for September 29.
The brothers’ ultimate goal, as stated to CBC News, is to ensure transparency, uphold court directives, and safeguard Chadwick Boseman’s legacy. While Ledward has not publicly addressed the allegations, CBC News’ attempts to reach out to her legal representatives for comment remain unanswered.