Boseman brothers sue widow over alleged mishandling of estate
Chadwick Boseman's brothers have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court accusing his widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, of failing to distribute his estate and seeking her removal as administrator.
Derrick and Kevin Boseman filed a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court on July 17 on behalf of their parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman, alleging that Taylor Simone Ledward, the late actor's widow, has not fulfilled her duties as administrator of Chadwick Boseman's estate. The brothers contend that Ledward, who inherited 50% of the estate while each parent received 25%, has "willfully defied a clear directive from this Court" and has not provided a transparent accounting of assets.
The filing seeks a court order requiring Ledward to show cause why she should not be held in contempt and requests that she be suspended as administrator pending a permanent removal. The brothers propose that forensic accountant Jason Rubin be appointed to investigate the estate's management.
According to the petition, Boseman's estate is valued at $3.8 million based on a 2022 court order, but the brothers argue that the figure omits SAG-AFTRA royalties, residuals, properties and undisclosed bank accounts that could total nearly $3 million. They claim the lack of distribution has denied the family closure and participation in decisions affecting the estate.
"The brothers said the alleged misconduct has impacted the family, denying them long overdue closure or participation in decision-making regarding matters in Boseman's estate and financial security at a vulnerable age," the petition states.
Boseman, who died in August 2020 after a four-year battle with colon cancer, was married to Ledward shortly before his death. No comment was received from Ledward's representative.