The brothers of late Hollywood actor and Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman have filed a court petition seeking the removal of his widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, as administrator of his estate, alleging she has failed to distribute assets and manage the estate transparently.
The petition was filed in a Los Angeles court by Derrick Boseman and Kevin Boseman on behalf of the actor’s parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman. The brothers are asking the court to compel the distribution of estate funds to beneficiaries and remove Ledward from overseeing the estate, nearly five years after Boseman’s death in August 2020.
According to court documents, Boseman, who was best known for portraying King T’Challa in Marvel’s blockbuster Black Panther, died without leaving a will despite having assets valued at about $3.8 million. A court subsequently ruled that 50 per cent of the estate should go to Ledward, while his parents would each receive 25 per cent. Ledward was also appointed administrator of the estate.
In the filing, the brothers allege that Ledward “has still not distributed the estate” and “continues to exert unilateral control” over its administration. They also accuse her of creating a “lack of transparency” regarding the actor’s assets and keeping his parents “in the dark” about the operations of a company established to manage Boseman’s image and rights.
The petition further claims Ledward’s “misconduct is causing ongoing harm” to Boseman’s elderly parents by depriving them “of financial assets at a vulnerable age when such support is most critical.”
It also states: “Moreover, the needless continuation of these proceedings denies Decedent’s family closure and causes emotional distress.”
The filing adds: “Imagine flipping through the channels and stumbling on a film starring your deceased son or brother, knowing that someone you do not know or trust is profiting from his image without your input or consent.”
Ledward, an R&B artist who performs under the name Sahn, began dating Boseman in 2015. The couple married six days before the actor died at the age of 43 following a battle with colon cancer.
In a statement to US media, Boseman’s brothers said: “On behalf of our parents, we are committed to ensuring that transparency, accountability, and respect guide the resolution of these matters.
“Our hope is that this process brings clarity, honors the court’s orders, and ensures the responsible stewardship of Chadwick’s legacy.
“We love our brother, and we remain committed to preserving his legacy with dignity, integrity, and respect.”
Ledward’s lawyer had not publicly commented on the allegations at the time of reporting.
Ademide Adebayo
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