Chadwick Boseman's Widow Disputes Estate Claims by Late Actor's Brothers

Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman, the widow of actor Chadwick Boseman, has filed a strong objection to legal claims made by her brothers-in-law, Kevin and Derrick Boseman, regarding the late actor's estate. Ledward Boseman has characterized their legal efforts as a "baseless" "public-relations stunt" intended to "smear" her in the media.

Boseman died in August 2020 at age 43 after a private battle with colon cancer. He left no will. His brothers filed legal documents in July, seeking to have Ledward Boseman removed as administrator of his approximately $3.8 million estate. They alleged that she had not fulfilled her duties and had not been transparent about business dealings.

According to the brothers' initial claims, half of the estate was to go to Ledward Boseman, with 25 percent each designated for Chadwick Boseman's parents, Leroy and Carolyn. However, Kevin and Derrick Boseman alleged that Ledward Boseman had "never fully distributed" the assets.

Ledward Boseman's objection, filed by her attorney Adam Streisand, states that she has "distributed all of the assets" as required, with the exception of an IRA valued at $241,180.75. She asserts that disbursement of this fund was blocked because the brothers "instructed the bank to place a hold" on the money. Her filing argues that she has gone "well beyond" her obligations out of generosity and has consistently included the Boseman family in efforts to honor her husband's legacy.

She further contends that the brothers' petition is "replete with falsehoods under oath" and that their "baseless attack" is not made with the authority of their parents, who along with Ledward Boseman, are the rightful heirs.

Ledward Boseman's legal filing also details prior alleged threats of legal action from Chadwick Boseman's family, including a letter sent three months after his death and another "disturbing and highly insensitive letter" received while she was grieving shortly after the first anniversary of his passing. In both instances, she responded through her attorney, and the matters were reportedly set aside.

She claims to have distributed significant assets, including funds from a Bank of America account ($151,558.00), shares in Chadwick Boseman, Inc. (valued at $3,396,969.00), and a $40,000 life insurance policy. Regarding the IRA, she reiterates that the brothers' instruction to the bank prevented its distribution.

Ledward Boseman also noted that she voluntarily gifted over $300,000 of her own funds to Derrick Boseman's four children, an action she argues contradicts any suggestion that she is withholding assets from her parents-in-law. She highlighted her stewardship of Chadwick Boseman's legacy through projects like a production of his play "Deep Azure," the Chadwick Boseman Foundation of Arts, and a documentary deal, all undertaken with the brothers' knowledge and participation.

She strenuously denied mismanaging or wasting any assets, asserting that she managed the estate transparently and consulted the brothers at every significant juncture, despite having no obligation to do so. Her filing describes her as "the love of Chadwick's life" who supported him throughout his illness.

The brothers' July court filing stated that Ledward Boseman had yet to address business duties related to an insurance policy, bank accounts, residuals, and personal belongings intended for his parents. They claimed this inaction deprived Boseman's parents of financial assets and caused them emotional distress. They asked the court to hold Ledward Boseman in contempt for failing to comply with previous orders and to compel her to provide a full accounting and forward assets within 30 days. The brothers also requested her removal as administrator, the appointment of a lawyer to manage the estate, and that she be prevented from entering new business deals without family approval. They also sought attorney's fees and costs related to the dispute, citing a "lack of transparency" that created the appearance of concealed assets.