Chadwick Boseman's Widow Says Family Dispute Is Slowing Documentary Tribute

Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman, widow of Chadwick Boseman, has said in court filings that some of the late actor's relatives are making it harder for her to proceed with a documentary honoring his life and career. Simone stated she has been collaborating with Words + Pictures on the film about the Black Panther actor. She added that she is in the midst of finalizing an offer from Searchlight Pictures to produce the project. Under Simone's account, the proposed arrangement uses a Most Favored Nation structure, which she said is intended to guarantee equal treatment for both sides of Boseman's family. She said the same paperwork was given to both parties. But she alleged that members of Boseman's family asked the production company for separate agreements. Simone characterized her attempts to include them as another instance of her generosity toward the Boseman family. She said she holds 100% right to control and benefit from Chadwick's name, image, voice, signature, likeness and similar elements. She also said she has sought to consult Chadwick's family at all times regarding efforts she has made to honor his legacy, but alleged that his relatives have not done the same. The documentary disagreement is unfolding alongside a continuing conflict over how Boseman's estate is being administered. Boseman's brothers have asked that Simone be removed as administrator of the estate, claiming she has not been transparent enough about its finances. Simone has rejected those claims and insists she has exceeded what was necessary in her dealings with Boseman's family. She has also said she gave family members more money than she was required to provide. The claims are part of an active legal dispute, and the source report did not state any court ruling resolving the competing allegations.