Paris Jackson's PR Strategist Linked to Prior Harassment Allegations

Small currently serves as a vice president at the firm HELLER, where he directs communication strategy for Jackson’s ongoing legal conflict with the executors of Michael Jackson’s estate. Emails reviewed by The Blast confirm that Small has been actively distributing press materials regarding the musician's $3 billion estate dispute since at least March 2026.

His tenure in state government ended abruptly in July 2025. Reports from the New York Times and Times Union detailed an alleged incident at an Albany bar following a staff softball game. While Small resigned shortly after being placed on administrative leave, he consistently avoided public comment regarding the specifics of the accusation. This departure followed a 2024 internal review that examined separate claims of workplace misconduct, including allegations that he berated subordinates and discussed his private life in the office. Although the governor’s administration maintained that the 2024 inquiry resulted in no formal HR violations, the subsequent 2025 complaint prompted renewed scrutiny from advocacy groups regarding how the office handled reports of his behavior.

While Small navigates the reputational challenges of his new client, Jackson remains embroiled in a legal battle over disputed legal bonuses. Her representatives recently characterized a court ruling involving $625,000 in fees as a significant victory, even as the estate’s executor, John Branca, pushes to keep sensitive financial records sealed to protect future business interests.