Marvin Gaye’s Sisters Are Pissed Off at Ex-Wife Over $7.4M Settlement

Even though the estate of the late singer-songwriter Marvin Gaye was awarded $7.4 million in an infringement lawsuit against Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke, it looks like family is now up in arms over the money.

Marvin Gaye’s sisters, Zeola and Jeanne Gaye, says that ex-wife Jan is refusing to pay them any portion of the $7.4 million. In fact, the sisters are being blocked from presenting any of their brother’s music to the courts, especially any music that was tied to this case. For instance, Zeola vocals can be heard on “Got to Give It Up,” one of the songs that played an important part in the lawsuit.

“Marvin didn’t leave a will and his estate went to his heirs, which we agree with, Zeola told Daily Mail. “But Jan controls it all, and that’s why we do not get anything. The bottom line is that they get everything and we don’t get a dime. We try and live with that, but it is difficult. If I was given a few million, it would change my life a lot.”

Zeola also goes on to say that Marvin would have taken care of them financially.

However, being an ATM is not in Jan’s plans for the sisters. Jan says the sisters are “desperate” and should not receive any payment from the award.

At this point, the estate goes to Marvin’s three children – Marvin III, 49, Nona, 40, and Frankie, 39.  Besides the $7.4 million, his children collects royalties on Marvin’s entire catalog, which includes “What’s Going On,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Let’s Get It On,” and many other classics created by the soul singer.

Source: Financial Juneteenth