Michael Jackson Estate executor John McClain dead at 71

John McClain, one of the executors of Michael Jackson’s estate, has died at the age of 71.

John McClain, one of the executors of Michael Jackson’s estate, has died.

The former record company executive – who most recently was an executive producer on the biopic Michael – passed away at the age of 71 in Los Angeles on Tuesday (26.05.26) due to complications from a fall, his spokesperson has confirmed.

John Branca, who was co-executor of the Jackson estate, paid tribute to “one of the great innovators in the world of music and music marketing.”

The lawyer said in a statement: ““I am profoundly grieved at the loss of my partner and brother John McClain.

“One of the great innovators in the world of music and music marketing, John was a visionary, seeing past the mundane and into the future.

“When we were named in Michael’s will. I knew that he would bring great insight into Michael’s music and that his friendship and dedication to Michael would underscore all the great projects that we could bring to the world. He brought a passion and sense of conviction to all that he did and was the most generous of friends. It is difficult to imagine a world without him.”

The Thriller hitmaker – who died from an accidental overdose in 2009 – was reportedly over $500 million in debt when he passed away and his reputation had been damaged by sexual abuse allegations, though they were never proven, but the executors managed to restore his legacy thanks to projects including a catalogue sale to Sony, the This Is It documentary, the MJ musical, and the Michael biopic. As a result of their efforts, Michael’s estate has earned a reported $3 billion since his death.

A statement on Michael’s official social media channels also paid tribute to John, who was also instrumental to the success of Janet Jackson’s career and previously worked as a session musician for Jermaine Jackson.

The statement read: “Michael Jackson’s relationship with John McClain started in their teens and continued throughout Michael’s life. When Michael passed away John McClain, along with John Branca, became the co-executors of Michael’s estate.

“It is now with profound sadness that the Estate team shares the news of John McClain’s passing.

“In addition to his role as the co-executor, John was many things throughout his life, a musician, a songwriter, a music industry executive but first and foremost, he was an amazing human being and a great friend to all who were lucky enough to have him in their lives.

“His legacy will live on through the many people he touched and the music he helped bring to the world.

“He will be missed here on earth but we hope he has been reunited with Michael and they are making music together again.”

In recent months, the executors have made headlines over their legal battle with Michael’s daughter Paris, who has accused the men of misusing funds.