Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Mother Pamela Speaks Out amid Legal Dispute with Daughter-in-Law over His Estate

Pamela Warner is addressing the fallout after her daughter-in-law's lawsuit became public just weeks ago. Now she says the two sides have already reached a settlement.

Pamela Warner has broken her silence after her daughter-in-law, Tenisha Warner, filed a lawsuit accusing her of trying to block Tenisha and her late son Malcolm-Jamal Warner's nine-year-old daughter from receiving financial support through the Warner Family Trust.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner (L) poses for photographers with his mother Pamela Warner at the 12th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the John F. Kennedy Center on October 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images

Pamela denied the allegations in a statement shared with People, revealing that a settlement has since been reached with representatives for her granddaughter.

"On behalf of Pamela Warner, Malcolm-Jamal Warner's mother and lifelong business manager, we share the following to address the recent saddening public statements by Tenisha Warner," the statement begins.

"Pamela continues to grieve the sudden loss of her son, Malcolm," it continues. "She remains focused on protecting his legacy and the well-being of his daughter and family."

Malcolm-Jamal Warner and mother Pamela Warner attend the "Crystal Apple Awards Presentation" at the Gracie Mansion on July 30, 1990 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Malcolm died at age 54 in an accidental drowning during a family vacation in Costa Rica on July 20, 2025. In the year since, his widow, Tenisha, and his mother, Pamela, have been locked in legal proceedings over the actor's estate.

In her statement, Pamela pushed back directly on claims that she tried to withhold money from her granddaughter. "Recent claims that Pamela sought to prevent her granddaughter from receiving financial support are untrue," the statement read.

"Malcolm was thoughtful and deliberate in his estate planning to include all his loved ones. While the trust at issue is in favor of Pamela, his father, and his sister, Malcolm provided for his wife and daughter separate and apart from that trust to the tune of millions of dollars."

The statement also notes that Pamela initially hoped to settle the matter privately — a point Tenisha herself raised in her original filing.

"Following Malcolm's passing, Pamela attempted to resolve these matters privately. When litigation was initiated, courts in Georgia and California appointed guardians ad litem to represent Malcolm's daughter," it read.

According to Pamela, a settlement has now been reached with her granddaughter's representatives, though it has not yet received court approval.

"The agreement provides for Malcolm's daughter to receive the majority remainder of the Trust and Estate," the statement continued. "The Settlement also memorializes that it is in the best interest of Malcolm's daughter to have a relationship with her grandmother, Pamela."

The statement closed on a hopeful note, "Pamela remains hopeful that all parties will support the resolution and that her granddaughter will receive the full benefit of Malcolm's legacy without further delay."

"During my year long journey, I have discovered how cruel, evil and greedy a human can be," she wrote, without naming anyone directly. "I have also discovered the depth of love, care, concern and support that humans are capable of."

Malcolm-Jamal Warner visits SiriusXM Studios on June 11, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

In her lawsuit, Tenisha claimed Malcolm had intended to provide for her and their daughter and had been "close to finalizing a new estate plan" that would have replaced one drawn up in 1996, when he was just 26 — long before his marriage or his daughter's birth.

He was "unable to do so before we lost him," she said. Tenisha also alleged she was owed $1.2 million connected to a life insurance policy, along with other outstanding debts, and sought that money from the Warner Family Trust.