The legal battle over Chadwick Boseman’s estate is taking another turn.
Just days after filing a lawsuit seeking to remove his widow, Taylor Simone Ledward-Boseman, as the administrator of his estate, Chadwick’s brothers are explaining why they felt they had no choice but to take the matter to court.
Derrick and Kevin Boseman released a statement on July 23 saying the decision wasn’t about creating drama.
Instead, they say it was about getting answers for their parents, making sure a court order is followed, and protecting Chadwick’s legacy.
Why Chadwick Boseman’s Brothers Say They Filed The Lawsuit
According to the brothers, their parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman, have spent years trying to get clarity about matters involving Chadwick Boseman’s estate, including his intellectual property and legacy.
They said the lawsuit was filed on behalf of their parents, who assigned their respective interests in the estate to Boseman Family LLC.
The brothers also said they were surprised to learn that Chadwick’s estate still hadn’t been fully closed, even though a California court issued its Final Distribution Order on October 4, 2022.
“Our family was unaware, until recently, that nearly four years after the Court’s October 4, 2022 Order for Final Distribution, the Administrator had not closed the probate estate,” the statement reads.
They said the lawsuit is intended to enforce that court order and resolve the issues outlined in the petition.
Now that the matter is before the court, Derrick and Kevin say they plan to let the legal process run its course while remaining focused on the facts presented in their filing.
What The Chadwick Boseman Estate Lawsuit Alleges
Chadwick Boseman passed away in August 2020 at the age of 43 after privately battling colon cancer for four years.
Because he passed away without a will just days after marrying Taylor Simone Ledward-Boseman, California law determines how his estate is divided.
According to the petition, Ledward is entitled to 50 percent of the estate, while Chadwick’s parents are entitled to 25 percent.
The lawsuit alleges that Ledward has continued to exercise sole control over Chadwick Boseman’s estate and has not fully distributed certain assets or allowed Chadwick’s parents to participate in decisions involving their interests.
The family also says there are still unanswered questions about royalties, SAG-AFTRA residuals, image rights, intellectual property, real estate, a previously undisclosed bank account, and other assets they believe should have already been addressed.
The petition further alleges that Chadwick’s Life Long-Term Care Policy, which the family says was intended for Carolyn Boseman, has not been distributed.
It also claims one of Chadwick’s bank accounts and his IRA remain open.
These are allegations made in court documents.
The court has not ruled on the claims, and attorneys representing Ledward had not responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment at the time of publication.
The Family Says It’s About Transparency And Protecting Chadwick’s Legacy
In their statement, Derrick and Kevin said the lawsuit is about making sure their parents’ interests are protected while honoring Chadwick’s legacy.
“On behalf of our parents, we are committed to ensuring that transparency, accountability, and respect guide the resolution of these matters,” the statement said.
The brothers added that they hope the legal process brings clarity, honors the court’s previous orders, and ensures the responsible stewardship of Chadwick’s legacy.
They also said they remain committed to preserving their brother’s legacy “with dignity, integrity, and respect.”
As part of the lawsuit, they are asking the court to appoint Jason Rubin, a private professional fiduciary and forensic accountant, to replace Ledward as administrator of Chadwick Boseman’s estate.
What Happens Next?
For now, the case is still making its way through the court system, and no judge has ruled on the family’s claims.
Taylor Simone Ledward-Boseman has not publicly responded to the allegations, and she will have the opportunity to do so as the legal process moves forward.
Chadwick Boseman’s passing in 2020 left an incredible void in Hollywood and in the hearts of millions of fans around the world.
Nearly six years later, his family says they’re simply looking for answers and hoping to bring closure to matters involving his estate while continuing to honor the remarkable legacy he left behind.
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