Chadwick Boseman’s family is seeking to oust his widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, from her role as administrator of his estate through a petition filed in a Los Angeles court. Boseman, famous for his portrayal of King T’Challa in “Black Panther” and acclaimed performances in “42” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” passed away on August 28, 2020, following a private battle with colon cancer spanning four years. He was 43 years old.
In a statement provided to CBC News, Boseman’s brothers, Derrick and Kevin Boseman, expressed their parents’ longstanding quest for clarity concerning matters linked to their brother’s estate, which encompasses his intellectual property and legacy.
Legal documents obtained by CBC News reveal that Boseman’s brothers lodged a petition on behalf of their parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman, in Los Angeles on July 17. They allege that despite a court order for the estate’s distribution in 2022, Ledward, the widow, has not adequately disbursed assets and has retained sole control over certain business interests tied to the estate.
It is stated in the filing that Boseman passed away without leaving a will. Following probate proceedings, a judge issued a final order on October 4, 2022, stipulating the division of his estate between Ledward and Boseman’s parents, with provisions for a long-term care insurance policy for the late actor’s mother.
However, Boseman’s brothers claim that the process has been protracted. They assert that almost four years post the 2022 court order, Ledward has yet to fully transfer estate assets or complete requisite paperwork. Furthermore, they accuse Ledward of unilaterally managing estate affairs without involving Boseman’s family.
The petition alleges unaccounted funds, stating that Ledward failed to properly distribute or provide an account of money and assets, including SAG-AFTRA residual payments, royalties, image and intellectual property rights, and real estate. The brothers also highlight alleged missing bank accounts amounting to nearly $3 million US, contending that financial delays have adversely impacted Boseman’s aging parents and hindered the family’s quest for closure.
They claim Ledward took charge of Chadwick Boseman, Inc., excluding family input and establishing The Chadwick Boseman Foundation for the Arts in 2021 without involving Boseman’s parents. The petition further accuses Ledward and associates of setting up leadership roles that sidelined the family.
The brothers are seeking court intervention 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 demand Ledward’s removal as estate administrator, a comprehensive account within 30 days, an injunction against unauthorized use of Boseman’s image and intellectual property, and disclosure of prior agreements.
Additionally, the petition requests a shareholder meeting of Chadwick Boseman, Inc. within 30 days. A hearing is scheduled in Los Angeles for September 29. The brothers expressed hope that this legal process will ensure the proper management of Boseman’s legacy and uphold court directives.
Ledward has not publicly responded to the allegations, and CBC News’ attempts to obtain comments from her attorneys remain unanswered at present.
