Chadwick Boseman's family seeks removal of widow as estate administrator

Nearly six years after the death of actor Chadwick Boseman, a legal dispute has erupted concerning the administration of his estate. Court documents reveal that Boseman's brothers, Derrick and Kevin, have filed a petition on behalf of their parents, Leroy and Carolyn, seeking the removal of Boseman's widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, as the estate's administrator.

The filing alleges that Ledward has not complied with a 2022 court order mandating the distribution of the estate's assets, which reportedly include over US$3.8 million in cash and property. According to the petition, Ledward was entitled to 50 percent of the estate, with the remaining half designated for Boseman's parents. The family contends that these distributions have not been made nearly four years later.

Furthermore, the lawsuit accuses Ledward of maintaining exclusive control over the estate, thereby preventing Boseman's parents from participating in decisions that affect their interests. The petition also raises concerns that Ledward has not provided a complete accounting of all estate assets. This includes alleged omissions related to royalties, residual payments, intellectual property rights, image rights, real estate, a previously undisclosed bank account, and other personal property.

Chadwick Boseman, known for his role as Black Panther, died on August 28, 2020, following a private battle with colon cancer. The current legal action highlights ongoing complexities in managing the affairs of deceased celebrities and the potential for disputes between surviving family members and executors.