Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s widow files $1.2 million lawsuit against actor’s mother over trust
Tenisha Warner filed the lawsuit in Georgia on Monday, on the first anniversary of the actor’s death
Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s widow has filed a lawsuit against the late actor’s mother, seeking more than $1.2 million and asking a court to recognise her and the couple’s daughter as omitted heirs in a dispute over his trust.
Tenisha Warner filed the lawsuit on Monday in DeKalb County Superior Court in Decatur, Georgia, on the first anniversary of the actor’s death.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner died aged 54 in an accidental drowning while on holiday with his family in Costa Rica on July 20, 2025.
Best known for playing Theo Huxtable in The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1992, Warner reportedly established a trust in 1996, years before he married Tenisha Warner or before the birth of their daughter, MacKenzie.
In a statement provided to CBC News through her legal counsel, Tenisha Warner said she had attempted to resolve the estate privately while respecting her late husband’s wishes.
“Malcolm had every intention to provide for our nine-year-old daughter and me.”
“I have been struggling to care for our daughter as a single mom and now as her sole provider. Legally, I had no choice but to take action to protect our rights before any potential statute of limitations expired.”
Court documents state that the trust allocates its assets to other family members, with the majority designated for Malcolm’s mother Pamela Warner and additional shares for the actor’s father and half-sister.
The lawsuit also alleges that Malcolm-Jamal Warner did not complete several financial arrangements for his wife and daughter before his death. Tenisha Warner is seeking at least $1,276,000 and a declaration recognising her and her daughter as omitted heirs and spouses.
