Chadwick Boseman’s family is seeking to have his widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, removed as the estate administrator through a legal petition filed in a Los Angeles court. Boseman, known for his iconic roles including King T’Challa in “Black Panther,” passed away on August 28, 2020, following a private battle with colon cancer at the age of 43.
In a statement provided to CBC News, Boseman’s brothers, Derrick and Kevin Boseman, expressed their parents’ long-standing concerns regarding the management of their late brother’s estate, including his intellectual property and legacy.
Legal documents obtained by CBC News reveal that Boseman’s brothers lodged a petition in Los Angeles on July 17 on behalf of their parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman. They allege that despite a court order for the estate’s distribution in 2022, Ledward has not fulfilled the proper distribution of assets and has retained sole control over certain business interests associated with the estate.
The filing indicates that Boseman did not leave a will. Following probate proceedings, a judge issued a final order on October 4, 2022, dividing the estate equally between Ledward and Boseman’s parents, while also arranging a long-term care insurance policy for the actor’s mother.
However, the brothers contend that Ledward has delayed the process, failing to fully transfer estate assets or complete necessary court paperwork nearly four years after the 2022 order. They assert that Ledward has maintained unilateral authority over estate affairs without consulting Boseman’s family.
In addition, the petition alleges that Ledward has not appropriately managed or accounted for various assets, including SAG-AFTRA residual payments, royalties, image and intellectual property rights, and real estate. The brothers claim that approximately $3 million US in bank accounts is unaccounted for, causing financial hardship to Boseman’s elderly parents and impeding the family’s closure.
The petition further accuses Ledward of assuming full control of Chadwick Boseman, Inc., neglecting mandatory shareholder meetings, and making business decisions related to Boseman’s image and intellectual property without family input. They raise concerns about Ledward establishing The Chadwick Boseman Foundation for the Arts in 2021 without involving the parents and appointing leadership positions that excluded the family.
The brothers are requesting the court to compel Ledward to account for delays in the 2022 estate order, distribute remaining assets promptly, and appoint forensic accountant Jason Rubin to investigate potential mismanagement. They also seek a full financial report within 30 days, a prohibition on Ledward entering agreements involving Boseman’s image without their consent, and disclosure of previous agreements.
Moreover, the petition asks for a shareholder meeting of Chadwick Boseman, Inc. within 30 days. A hearing is scheduled in Los Angeles for September 29. The brothers emphasized their desire for transparency, adherence to court directives, and responsible preservation of Chadwick’s legacy throughout this process.
Ledward has not publicly responded to the allegations, and CBC News’ attempts to obtain comments from her legal representatives remain unanswered as of now.
