'Black Panther' actor Chadwick Boseman's brothers sue widow over handling of financial assets

Actor Chadwick Boseman’s brothers have filed a Los Angeles court petition on behalf of their parents against the late actor’s widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, over her handling of his estate. 

Boseman, the star of “Black Panther” who died in 2020 at the age of 43 from colon cancer, left $3.8 million in assets but no will, according to court documents seen by the BBC. As a result, the court awarded his wife 50% of the estate, with 25% going to each parent. 

But his brothers Derrick and Kevin say Ms. Ledward has not distributed the funds, maintains “unilateral control” over the estate and has not been transparent with his parents regarding deals involving the company managing his image and rights, according to multiple news reports. 

The brothers argue that her actions are harming their elderly parents financially and emotionally and are denying them closure. 

Boseman starred as the king of Wakanda in the mega-hit “Black Panther.” He also was nominated posthumously for an Oscar for Best Actor in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” his last movie.

Ms. Ledward, an R&B artist known as Sahn, married Boseman just six days before his death but began dating him in 2015. 

In a statement, the brothers said they’re seeking transparency and “responsible stewardship” of Boseman’s legacy.