Additional Coverage:
- Chadwick Boseman’s brothers seek to remove his widow from control of late actor’s estate (nbcnews.com)
Chadwick Boseman’s brothers have taken legal action, filing a petition last week to gain control over the late actor’s estate. They allege that Boseman’s widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, has mismanaged the estate and failed to distribute its assets appropriately.
According to the court documents submitted by Derrick and Kevin Boseman, Ledward inherited half of Chadwick Boseman’s estate, while their parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman, were to receive an equal share of the remaining half. However, Ledward was appointed the estate’s administrator, a role that has become a point of contention.
The actor’s parents authorized Derrick and Kevin to represent their interests and file the petition against Ledward. The brothers claim that Ledward has not distributed any portion of the estate to their parents and continues to maintain exclusive control without their involvement.
At the time of Boseman’s passing, Ledward reported the estate’s value at over $3.8 million. The brothers’ filing suggests this figure excludes important assets such as royalties, residuals, and intellectual property rights connected to Boseman’s image and work. They also discovered an unreported bank account, the status of which remains unclear.
Concerns were further raised about Ledward entering into contracts related to Boseman’s image and intellectual property without consulting the family. The brothers contend that such unilateral decisions exceed her authority as administrator and have caused significant emotional distress to the family.
The petition poignantly describes the family’s feelings: “Imagine flipping through the channels and stumbling on a film starring your deceased son or brother, knowing that someone you do not know or trust is profiting from his image without your input or consent.”
Additionally, while the family had negotiated a documentary about Chadwick Boseman’s life alongside Ledward, the petition claims she entered into a separate agreement unknown to them. This leaves the family uncertain whether the deal is fair or conflicts with the estate’s interests. Given the widespread admiration for Boseman, the documentary is expected to attract substantial attention and revenue.
The Boseman brothers are requesting that the court remove Ledward as administrator and appoint a private professional and forensic accountant to review the estate’s management.
Representatives for Taylor Simone Ledward have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Chadwick Boseman passed away at 43 after a private battle with colon cancer, a struggle he kept hidden from the public until his death in 2020. His passing was a shock to fans and colleagues alike.
Boseman is widely celebrated for his iconic role as the Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The 2018 film was a major success, grossing $1 billion within its first month.
Beyond his superhero persona, Boseman was a highly respected actor known for portraying historic Black figures such as Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and James Brown. He received a posthumous Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”