Chadwick Bosemans Brothers Seek to Remove Widow as Estate Administrator in Los Angeles Court

Kevin and Derrick Boseman filed a lawsuit in a Los Angeles probate court on Friday, accusing their late brother’s widow, Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman, of mismanaging the actor’s estate and requesting her removal as administrator. The brothers claim that Taylor has failed to comply with a 2022 court order that split Chadwick Boseman’s assets evenly between the widow and the actor’s parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman.

Boseman, who died in August 2020 at age 43, left no will. Under California intestacy law, his estate was divided 50‑50 between his widow and his parents. The 2022 order also required the administrator to distribute assets within a specified timeframe and to provide a full accounting to the beneficiaries.

The lawsuit alleges that Taylor has not distributed more than $3 million in remaining assets, including residuals and royalties from his film and television work, insurance policies, personal belongings, unclaimed property, and rights to his image. The brothers argue that the widow’s delay violates the court’s order and that she is holding the estate’s assets hostage.

In the filing, the Boseman brothers request that the court hold Taylor in contempt for failing to comply with the 2022 order. They also seek to remove her as administrator and appoint attorney Jason Rubin to take over the role. The brothers further ask that the court order the widow to pay their legal fees and to provide a complete accounting of the estate within one month.

The brothers also want to secure a right of first refusal for any future contracts involving the late actor’s estate. They contend that this right is necessary to protect the estate’s interests and to ensure that any new agreements are negotiated fairly.

The lawsuit was filed after the brothers repeatedly requested that Taylor comply with the court’s directives. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the brothers have been seeking a resolution for several months. They claim that Taylor’s actions have delayed the distribution of assets and that the estate’s beneficiaries have not received the funds they are entitled to.

The case is being heard in the Los Angeles Superior Court, which has jurisdiction over probate matters in the state. The court will consider whether Taylor has breached her fiduciary duties as administrator and whether removal is warranted.

The dispute highlights the challenges that can arise when an estate is administered by a family member who may have conflicting interests. California probate law requires administrators to act in the best interests of all beneficiaries and to keep accurate records of all assets and distributions.

The Boseman brothers’ request for removal is not unprecedented. Similar disputes have arisen in other high‑profile estates where beneficiaries have questioned the conduct of an appointed administrator.

The outcome of the case will determine whether Taylor remains in control of Chadwick Boseman’s estate or whether a new administrator will be appointed. Until the court issues a ruling, the estate’s assets remain under the widow’s management.

The lawsuit is part of a broader trend of family disputes over celebrity estates, where the division of assets and control of intellectual property can become contentious. The case will be closely watched by other families navigating the probate process for high‑value estates.

The brothers’ petition also includes a request for the court to order the widow to pay their legal fees. They argue that the costs incurred in pursuing the lawsuit are justified by the alleged mismanagement of the estate.

If the court grants the removal, Jason Rubin would assume responsibility for the estate’s assets and would be required to provide a full accounting within the timeframe set by the court. The brothers have indicated that they would like the new administrator to expedite the distribution of remaining assets to the beneficiaries.

The case remains pending, and no decision has yet been issued. The parties are expected to present evidence regarding the administration of the estate and the alleged delays in distribution.

The dispute underscores the importance of clear estate planning and the potential complications that can arise when an estate is administered by a family member who may not fully comply with court orders.

The outcome of the lawsuit will have implications for the management of Chadwick Boseman’s legacy and for the distribution of his posthumous earnings.

The brothers’ request for removal and a full accounting reflects their desire to ensure that the estate’s assets are handled transparently and in accordance with the 2022 court order.

The case is expected to proceed to a hearing in the coming weeks, where the court will evaluate the evidence presented by both sides.

The lawsuit is the latest development in a series of legal actions related to the estate of the late actor, who was known for his roles in films such as "Black Panther," "21 Bridges," and "Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom."