Chadwick Boseman‘s brothers are speaking out after filing a lawsuit against their late brother’s widow.
In a statement released on July 23, brothers Derrick and Kevin say that “for years, our parents have sought clarity regarding matters connected to the estate of our brother, Chadwick Boseman, including his intellectual property and legacy.
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.”
Derrick and Kevin Boseman initially petitioned a Los Angeles court on July 17 to remove Chadwick’s widow, Taylor Simone Ledward (also known as Simone Ledward-Boseman), as administrator of his estate, alleging in documents obtained by PEOPLE that Ledward has not properly distributed Chadwick’s remaining estate assets.
“Our family was unaware, until recently, that nearly four years after the Court’s October 4, 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,” the Boseman family statement continues.
“Because this matter is now before the Court, we will respect the legal process while remaining focused on the facts set forth in the petition.”
According to the petition, Ledward is entitled to 50 percent of Chadwick’s estate because Chadwick died without a will approximately six days after they wed in 2020. Chadwick’s parents, Leroy and Carolyn, are entitled to 25 percent.
However, Kevin and Derrick claim in their petition that Ledward “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 Decedent’s estate.”
The Boseman brothers also allege in the filing that Chadwick’s estate includes additional assets beyond previously outlined bank accounts and a $40,000 Life Long-Term Care Policy, such as “royalties and residuals, image and intellectual property rights, real property, a previously undisclosed bank account at CNB, and other personal property.”
According to the petition, Ledward never distributed the Life Long-Term Care Policy to Carolyn and one of Chadwick’s bank accounts and his IRA remain “inexplicably open” although the contents are unclear to Derrick and Kevin. Numerous residuals from SAG-AFTRA are also allegedly unaccounted for.
“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 Boseman family statement continues. “We love our brother, and we remain committed to preserving his legacy with dignity, integrity, and respect.”
Attorneys for Ledward didn’t immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Chadwick died in August 2020 at 43 after a private four-year battle with colon cancer.
Derrick and Kevin are seeking to appoint Jason Rubin, a private professional fiduciary and forensic accountant, as administrator of Chadwick’s estate in place of Ledward.
“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,” the statement concludes.
