[Update] Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Widow Says She Was Forced To Sue His Mother While Struggling To Raise Their Daughter Alone: ‘I Had No Choice’

[Update] Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Widow Says She Was Forced To Sue His Mother While Struggling To Raise Their Daughter Alone: ‘I Had No Choice’

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s widow is breaking her silence after suing the late actor’s mother for more than $1.2 million, saying the legal battle became necessary to protect herself and their daughter.

“For the last year, I have attempted to privately settle my beloved husband’s complicated estate and honor his last wishes,” Tenisha Warner said.

She claims Malcolm planned to update an estate plan created in 1996, decades before their relationship and the birth of their now 9-year-old daughter.

“Malcolm had every intention to provide for our 9-year-old daughter and me,” Tenisha explained, adding that he was “unable to do so before we lost him.”

Court documents allege Malcolm agreed to secure a $1 million life insurance policy naming Tenisha as the sole beneficiary but failed to obtain it before his accidental drowning in Costa Rica on July 20, 2025.

“I have been struggling to care for our daughter as a single mom and now as her sole provider,” she continued.

“Legally, I had no choice but to take action to protect our rights before any potential statute of limitations expired.”

Malcolm’s mother, Pamela Warner, currently serves as successor trustee of the Warner Family Trust.