Chadwick Boseman’s brothers have filed a motion to remove the actor’s widow, Simone Ledward Boseman, as the administrator of his estate.
Chadwick’s brothers, Kevin and Derrick Boseman, petitioned the court via documents filed earlier this month and obtained by Us, claiming Simone, 35, has failed to properly distribute the late actor’s remaining assets. The siblings are now requesting — six years after Chadwick’s death — that Simone be removed from her position as estate administrator. (People was first to report the news.)
“[Simone] continues to exercise complete control over his estate without input from Leroy and Carolyn [Boseman],” Kevin and Derrick’s motion reads, referring to their parents. “[Kevin and Derrick] respectfully request that this court enter an order directing [Simone] to show cause for why she should not be held in contempt for disobeying the court’s order. [Kevin and Derrick] also ask that the court compel [Simone] to distribute the remaining estate assets, provide a full accounting with receipts for her time as administrator and remove her from serving as administrator going forward.”
The petition stipulated that Simone is entitled to 50 percent of Chadwick’s assets since the Black Panther star died without a will, and that Chadwick’s parents should receive 25 percent of the trust.
“Nearly four years later, [Simone] has still not distributed the estate, nor has she filed a petition for discharge with receipts,” the court filing reads. “Instead, [Simone] continues to exert unilateral control over Decedent’s estate, denying Decedent’s family long overdue closure or participation in decision-making regarding matters affecting Leroy and Carolyn’s interests in [Chadwick’s] estate.”
In a statement shared with Us, Kevin and Derrick revealed they filed the lawsuit on behalf and “with the authority” of their parents.
“For years, our parents have sought clarity regarding matters connected to the estate of our brother, Chadwick Boseman, including his intellectual property and legacy,” the statement read. “This action was filed on behalf of, and with the authority of, our parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman, who assigned their respective interests in the estate to Boseman Family LLC. Our family was unaware, until recently, that nearly four years after the court’s [October 2022] order for final distribution, the administrator had not closed the probate estate. Our petition seeks enforcement of the court’s order and the relief requested in the filing.”
Kevin and Derrick further stated their intentions to “respect the legal process.”
“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,” the siblings wrote. “We love our brother, and we remain committed to preserving his legacy with dignity, integrity and respect. While these matters proceed through the appropriate legal process, we remain focused on protecting our parents’ interests, honoring Chadwick responsibly, and continuing the purposeful work we are building through Boseman Family LLC.”
Simone has not publicly addressed the legal motion. Us has reached out for comment.
Simone married Chadwick in 2020, three years before his death at age 43 following a private battle with colon cancer.
“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” the statement shared with Us at the time read. “Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and battled with it these last four years as it progressed to stage IV.”
The obituary continued, “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson‘s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.”
