Pamela Warner is making another claim about the ongoing legal battle surrounding her late son, Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
According to new court filings, Pamela alleges that Malcolm’s widow, Tenisha Warner, “terminated” her relationship with their granddaughter, MacKenzie Warner.
The claim comes as the family remains embroiled in a dispute over the actor’s estate. Pamela made the allegation while asking a judge to approve a settlement involving MacKenzie.
Pamela reportedly said she has no “ill-will” toward Tenisha. She also said she does not understand what is driving the actions she attributes to her daughter-in-law.
The allegations add another personal dimension to a legal dispute that has continued for months.
A Family Dispute Grows More Complicated
Malcolm-Jamal Warner died in July 2025 at age 54. The actor drowned while vacationing in Costa Rica.
Warner was best known for playing Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.” He later starred in “Malcolm & Eddie,” “Reed Between the Lines” and “The Resident.”
He married Tenisha Warner in 2017. The couple shared one daughter, MacKenzie.
After Warner’s death, questions surrounding his estate became a source of conflict between his mother and widow.
Tenisha has previously taken legal action against Pamela, who serves as trustee of the Warner Family Trust. She has argued that Malcolm intended to provide financially for her and their daughter.
The dispute involves a trust that Pamela says does not include Tenisha or MacKenzie.
Tenisha has also challenged the handling of a Los Angeles home. She maintains that Malcolm intended the property for her and their daughter.
Pamela disputes that characterization.
According to the court filings, Pamela said the estate could not afford the property’s roughly $9,000 monthly carrying costs. She also disputes Tenisha’s account of how the property was handled.
The competing claims have not been resolved by the court.
Pamela Seeks Court Approval for Settlement
Pamela has separately reached an agreement with MacKenzie’s court-appointed representatives.
She is asking the court to approve the settlement.
The agreement would direct the majority of the remaining trust and estate assets to MacKenzie. The arrangement was reached without Tenisha, according to reporting on the court filing.
Pamela’s latest allegation about her relationship with MacKenzie comes against that legal backdrop.
The filing claims the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter ended after Malcolm’s death. However, the filing does not establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged separation.
Tenisha has maintained that her focus remains on caring for her daughter following Malcolm’s death.
In a previous interview, she spoke about the ongoing grief she and MacKenzie have experienced since losing him. She also discussed the financial difficulties surrounding her role as a single parent.
Tenisha has argued that Malcolm intended to update his estate plans before his death. She has said he did not complete those changes before the accident.
The legal fight has therefore involved both financial claims and competing accounts of Malcolm’s intentions.
For now, Pamela’s latest allegations remain claims made in court filings. No judge has determined that Tenisha improperly ended Pamela’s relationship with MacKenzie.
The dispute continues as the family navigates Malcolm’s death, his estate and the future of his daughter.
The actor’s legacy has also remained part of the family’s public efforts. Tenisha launched the Warner Family Foundation with MacKenzie following his death.
Pamela has likewise continued efforts connected to her son’s legacy.
The estate proceedings could ultimately determine how Malcolm’s remaining assets are distributed. They may also shed more light on the competing claims made by his mother and widow.
For now, the family’s legal dispute remains unresolved.