John McClain, who was the co-executor of Michael Jackson’s estate, has passed away at the age of 71, TMZ reports.
A representative for McClain told the outlet that McClain passed away in Malibu, California on Tuesday, May 26. TMZ added that, according to sources, McClain had “been sick for several years, though it’s not yet clear whether that illness contributed to his death.”
Along with serving as the co-executor for the superstar’s estate, McClain was also a very successful music executive who produced hits for Jackson as well as Janet Jackson, Ice Cube, and Dr. Dre.
Following Jackson’s unexpected passing in 2009, he left an estate that had over $500 million in debt. So with that, McClain, along with John Branca, an entertainment attorney, were named the co-executors and helped get the estate out from under the debt.
And with that, they have helped it grow as the estate is now valued at over $2 billion. That includes successful projects, including the “Michael” biopic, the Broadway musical, and many more.
Paris Jackson Has Been In Legal Battle Against John Branca and John McClain
Paris Jackson, along with her brothers Prince and Bigi, are the beneficiaries of their late father’s estate. And with that, she has accused Branca and McClain of abusing their roles for their own financial gains. Specifically, in court filings (according to PEOPLE), Jackson says the duo kept more than $10 million in compensation from the estate, which is “more than double the amount distributed to any beneficiary from the family allowance.”
The two have denied these allegations.
But, Jackson recently scored a major legal win. In May, a Los Angeles judge “ruled that $625,000 in bonus payments that were paid by executors John Branca and John McClain to third-party law firms will need to be “returned” to the estate,” per court documents obtained by PEOPLE.
“We are gratified that the Court itself recognized and praised the work of the executors and its outside counsel in today’s decision,” a statement shared with PEOPLE on May 13 read.
“After years of delay, the Jackson family will finally get the transparency and accountability measures Paris has fought for,” the statement continued.
A spokesperson for Paris specifically told the outlet that she “has always been focused on what’s best for her family and this ruling is a massive win for them.”
John McClain Opened Up About Working With Janet Jackson and Her Marriage To James DeBarge in 1986 Interview
GettySpeaking with PEOPLE in 1986, McClain shared that he advised Janet Jackson not to marry singer James DeBarge in 1984 after the two decided to elope while the rest of the family was on the Victory tour.
“I tried to convince her that she’s a teen idol and people just wouldn’t accept it,” McClain said.
He was then asked how he justified his actions in encouraging Jackson to ultimately annul the marriage eight months later.
“Hey — I’m trying to make her a star!,” he replied.
“Although some may question McClain’s methods, there is no question that he has succeeded,” the article read following McClain’s comments.
