Michael Jackson, the “King of Pop,” was over $500 million in debt when he died in 2009, just before a major concert tour, as revealed by new court documents. The executors of his estate outlined the depth of his financial troubles in a petition filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

“At the time of Michael Jackson’s death, Michael Jackson’s most significant assets were subject to more than $500 million of debt and creditors’ claims, with some of the debt accruing interest at extremely high interest rates, and some debt in default,” the filing said.

Jackson was preparing for the This Is It concert tour, a massive 50-show engagement at London’s O2 Arena, before he passed away on June 25, 2009. His untimely death left his estate liable for $40 million owed to the tour promoter, AEG.

Michael Jackson Owed $500 Million When He Died, Records Reveal
Michael Jackson passed away just weeks before the ‘This Is It’ tour.

The court filing also requested funds from Jackson’s estate to cover legal services and other expenses incurred by the executors in 2018. Additionally, Jackson faced numerous lawsuits and over 65 creditors’ claims across various states and countries at the time of his death. However, the executors have since settled or resolved most of these claims and litigation.

Jackson died at his Los Angeles mansion at age 50 due to acute propofol intoxication. Dr. Conrad Murray, his physician, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for administering the drug.

Despite his financial woes, Jackson’s illustrious career was marked by 13 Grammy Awards, two inductions into the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame, and over 400 million records sold.