Chadwick Boseman’s family is seeking the removal of his widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, as the administrator of his estate through a petition filed in a Los Angeles court. Boseman, famous for his role as 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 lasting 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 regarding matters related to their brother’s estate, including his intellectual property and legacy. Legal documents obtained by CBC News reveal that Boseman’s brothers filed the petition on July 17 in Los Angeles on behalf of their parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman.
The brothers claim that despite a court order for the estate’s distribution in 2022, Ledward has not appropriately distributed assets and retained exclusive control over certain business interests linked to the estate. The filing indicates that Boseman passed away without a will, and a judge issued a final order on October 4, 2022, dividing his estate equally between Ledward and Boseman’s parents, along with establishing a long-term care insurance policy for his mother.
However, the brothers assert that the process has been prolonged, with Ledward allegedly failing to fully transfer estate assets or complete necessary court paperwork even nearly four years after the 2022 order. They further allege that Ledward has maintained unilateral control over estate affairs without consulting Boseman’s family.
The petition highlights allegations of unaccounted money, stating that Ledward did not appropriately distribute or account for various assets, including SAG-AFTRA residual payments, royalties, image and intellectual property rights, and real estate. The brothers claim nearly $3 million US from missing bank accounts and argue that financial delays have harmed Boseman’s elderly parents and hindered the family’s closure.
They accuse Ledward of assuming sole control of Chadwick Boseman, Inc., bypassing required annual shareholder meetings, and making business decisions related to Boseman’s image and intellectual property without family involvement. Additionally, they claim Ledward established The Chadwick Boseman Foundation for the Arts in 2021 without consulting Boseman’s parents and excluded the family from leadership roles.
The brothers are requesting the court to hold Ledward accountable for delays in the 2022 estate order and demand the immediate distribution of remaining estate assets. They also seek Ledward’s removal as estate administrator and propose the appointment of forensic accountant Jason Rubin to probe potential mismanagement. The petition further calls for a comprehensive accounting from Ledward within 30 days, an injunction against unauthorized contracts involving Boseman’s image and property, and disclosure of prior agreements.
A hearing is scheduled in Los Angeles for September 29. The brothers expressed hope that the legal process would bring clarity, uphold court directives, and ensure the responsible safeguarding of Boseman’s legacy. Ledward has not publicly responded to the allegations, and CBC News is awaiting comments from her legal representatives.
