Chadwick Boseman’s family has filed a request in a Los Angeles court to displace his widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, from her position as the administrator of his estate. Boseman, known for his iconic roles in “Black Panther,” “42,” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” passed away on August 28, 2020, following a private battle with colon cancer. He was 43 years old.
In a statement released to CBC News, Boseman’s brothers, Derrick and Kevin Boseman, expressed their concerns about the lack of transparency regarding their brother’s estate, including his intellectual property and legacy. Legal documents obtained by CBC News reveal that Boseman’s brothers initiated the petition on behalf of their parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman, in a Los Angeles court on July 17.
The court had previously ordered the distribution of Boseman’s estate in 2022, with half allocated to Ledward and the other half to Boseman’s parents. However, the brothers claim that Ledward has not fulfilled her obligations in distributing the assets appropriately and has retained exclusive control over certain business interests related to the estate.
The filing states that Boseman did not leave behind a will. A judge issued a final order in the probate proceedings on October 4, 2022, dividing the estate between Ledward and Boseman’s parents, along with establishing a long-term care insurance policy for his mother. Despite this order, Boseman’s brothers assert that Ledward has failed to complete the necessary paperwork and transfer assets to the family.
The petition highlights allegations of unaccounted-for funds, including SAG-AFTRA residual payments, royalties, intellectual property rights, and real estate. The brothers claim that nearly $3 million US across various bank accounts is unaccounted for, causing financial strain on Boseman’s elderly parents and impeding the family’s closure process.
The petition further accuses Ledward of taking unilateral control of Chadwick Boseman, Inc., without consulting the family, and establishing The Chadwick Boseman Foundation for the Arts without their involvement. The brothers are requesting the court to hold Ledward accountable for delays in estate matters, distribute remaining assets promptly, and appoint a forensic accountant to investigate potential mismanagement.
Additionally, they seek a detailed financial report from Ledward within 30 days, an injunction against further agreements involving Boseman’s image and intellectual property without family consent, and a shareholder meeting for Chadwick Boseman, Inc. within the same timeframe. A court hearing is scheduled in Los Angeles for September 29 to address these issues.
The brothers hope that this legal process will provide clarity, uphold court directives, and ensure the proper preservation of Chadwick Boseman’s legacy. Ledward has not responded publicly to these allegations, and CBC News has reached out to her legal representatives for comment without receiving a response at the time of reporting.