Photo credit: Malcolm-Jamal Warner (X)
Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s mother, Pamela Warner, is pushing back against a lawsuit filed by the late actor’s widow, Tenisha Warner, over his estate.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Pamela disputes Tenisha’s claims that Malcolm failed to meet the terms of their 2022 prenuptial agreement. Tenisha says the agreement required Malcolm to provide financial protection for her and their daughter, Mackenzie.
Widow Claims Malcolm Owed Her Financial Support
One of the main issues involves a life insurance policy. Tenisha claims Malcolm agreed to maintain a policy naming her as the sole beneficiary. She says he never secured the policy before his death in July 2025 at age 54.
Tenisha also claims Malcolm agreed to pay her each month for her work as his chief of staff and assistant. She says the unpaid amount reached about $1.2 million.
Pamela Says She Tried to Settle the Dispute
Pamela has offered a different account of what happened. She says she tried to resolve the dispute privately before Tenisha filed the lawsuit.
According to Pamela, she offered to take a smaller share of Malcolm’s estate and give most of it to Mackenzie. Her proposal included a $2 million life insurance policy, a separate trust in Georgia and other assets connected to Malcolm’s family.
The Georgia trust helped Malcolm purchase a home for Tenisha and Mackenzie, according to Pamela’s filing. She also pointed to a retirement account worth about $2.4 million that Malcolm left to Tenisha.
Pamela says Tenisha rejected the proposed settlement. She later reached an agreement with Mackenzie’s court-appointed guardian.
Pamela Says Malcolm Wanted Her to Receive Part of His Estate
The dispute also involves Malcolm’s wishes for his mother. Pamela says he made it clear that he wanted her to receive part of his estate.
She says their relationship went beyond that of a mother and son. Pamela worked as Malcolm’s manager for years and says their close relationship influenced his estate plans.
Pamela is asking the court to approve her settlement with Mackenzie. She also wants Tenisha’s separate lawsuit in Georgia dismissed.
What Tenisha’s Lawsuit Claims
Tenisha’s lawsuit argues that Malcolm had specific financial obligations under their prenuptial agreement. She says those promises included the life insurance policy and monthly payments for her work.
The case now centers on Malcolm’s final wishes and the financial arrangements he made for his family before his death.
The court will ultimately decide whether Pamela’s proposed settlement should move forward and how Tenisha’s remaining claims should be handled.
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