*A probate filing has shed new light on the personal finances of veteran music executive John McClain, revealing an estate valued at more than $20 million and raising questions about its administration after his death.
Warner Wright IV has petitioned the court to appoint him and attorney Zia F. Modabber as co-administrators of McClain’s estate, TMZ reports. Wright identified himself as McClain’s first cousin once removed and said he considered the music executive his uncle while growing up.
According to the filing, several matters require immediate attention. Wright cited an upcoming lease payment for a Malibu property, unpaid bills, maintenance concerns, creative projects requiring preservation and other time-sensitive responsibilities. He said he and attorney Zia F. Modabber need access to McClain’s bank accounts to manage those matters.
The court documents estimate the value of McClain’s probate assets at $20,033,862. Wright’s filing further claims that McClain died without leaving a will.
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The development stands out because McClain spent years helping oversee the estate of Michael Jackson. Alongside attorney John Branca, he served as co-executor under the singer’s 2002 will.
McClain’s connection to Jackson extended well beyond business. The two were longtime friends, a relationship that eventually led to McClain taking on a central role in managing the singer’s affairs after his death in 2009. At the time, Jackson’s estate reportedly faced severe financial challenges, including hundreds of millions of dollars in debt. Under the leadership of McClain and Branca, the estate later generated billions of dollars through entertainment, licensing, and media-related ventures.
McClain died at age 71 in Malibu. TMZ previously reported that he spent a week in the hospital after suffering a fall at home that resulted in a broken arm. Sources told the outlet that he later died from complications linked to the incident. Separate sources also told TMZ that McClain had been dealing with an illness for several years.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Michael Jackson Estate Co-Executor John McClain Dead at 71
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