Losing a loved one is difficult enough, but when financial disputes get involved, it adds an extra layer of pain. Nearly six years after Chadwick Boseman's death, a new legal battle between his brothers and his widow is unfolding.
© GettyAccording to court documents filed in Los Angeles and acquired by CBC News and multiple other outlets, Boseman's brothers, Derrick and Kevin Boseman, are asking a judge to remove his widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, as administrator of his estate, alleging she has failed to carry out court-ordered distributions and has maintained exclusive control over his finances, business interests and intellectual property.
Why Chadwick Boseman's family is taking legal action
© Matt WinkelmeyerBoseman died in August 2020 at age 43 after a private four-year battle with colon cancer. He married his wife six days before passing, without a will in place.
Because he died without a will, a Los Angeles court ruled in 2022 that his estate should be divided equally between Ledward and his parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman. Under that order, Ledward inherited 50% of the estate, while Chadwick's parents were each entitled to 25%. However, the Boseman family argues that nearly four years after that ruling, the court's orders still haven't been fully carried out.
© GettyIn their petition, Derrick and Kevin claim Ledward "continues to exercise complete control over his estate without input from Leroy and Carolyn," despite the court's instructions to distribute the remaining assets.
The family's allegations
© GettyThe petition outlines several allegations involving the administration of Boseman's estate. Among the family's claims is that several estate assets - including royalties, SAG-AFTRA residuals, image rights, intellectual property and real estate interests - have not been fully accounted for or distributed under the court's 2022 order.
They also allege that bank accounts worth nearly $3 million remain unresolved and that one IRA and another bank account are still open years after Boseman's death.
The brothers further allege that Ledward assumed unilateral control of Chadwick Boseman, Inc., became its sole officer and director, failed to hold required shareholder meetings, and continued making decisions involving the actor's image, likeness, and intellectual property without consulting the family.
They also claim she established The Chadwick Boseman Foundation for the Arts in 2021 without involving Chadwick's parents.
© GettyIn one section of the filing, the family argues that Ledward's "lack of transparency creates the appearance that she is concealing assets from Decedent's family and from the Court."
The petition also alleges the family has been "blocked from pursuing lucrative business opportunities" that could benefit Chadwick's elderly parents.
They argued everything has prevented the family from getting closure and is causing "ongoing harm" to his parents, who are "at a vulnerable age when such support is critical."
What Chadwick Boseman's family wants
The Boseman family isn't just seeking more transparency. In the petition, they ask the court to remove Ledward as administrator of the estate and appoint forensic accountant Jason Rubin to take over the role while reviewing what they describe as possible mismanagement, per CBC.
They also want Ledward ordered to provide a full accounting of the estate within 30 days, immediately distribute any remaining assets, disclose previous agreements involving Boseman's image and intellectual property, and stop entering into new deals tied to his likeness without the family's written consent.
The filing further requests that Chadwick Boseman, Inc. hold a shareholder meeting within 30 days.
The family's statement
© GettyThe Boseman family says the case is about preserving Chadwick's legacy. In a statement shared with CBC News, Derrick and Kevin said the lawsuit isn't about creating conflict but about ensuring their brother's wishes and legacy are handled responsibly. "For years, our parents have sought clarity regarding matters connected to the estate of our brother ... including his intellectual property and legacy."
They added: "Our hope is that this process brings clarity, honors the Court's orders, and ensures the responsible stewardship of Chadwick's legacy."
In a separate statement, the brothers emphasized that they remain committed to protecting the actor's memory. "We love our brother, and we remain committed to preserving his legacy with dignity, integrity, and respect."
As of now, Ledward has not publicly addressed the allegations, and the claims made in the petition have not been proven in court. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29, when a judge is expected to consider the family's requests.
