Tenisha Warner says filing a lawsuit against her late husband Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s mother was never something she wanted to do.

In a new statement following the legal filing, Tenisha said she felt she was “forced” to take legal action, explaining that she had “no choice” but to pursue the lawsuit before the statute of limitations expired. She said the decision was made to protect the future of the couple’s 9-year-old daughter and to enforce what she believes were financial obligations outlined in her and Malcolm’s 2022 prenuptial agreement.

“I had no choice,” Tenisha said, adding that she is now solely responsible for caring for their daughter following Malcolm’s death.

On July 20, 2026, Tenisha filed a $1.2 million lawsuit against Malcolm’s mother, Pamela Warner, who serves as trustee of the Warner Family Trust. According to court documents, Tenisha claims Malcolm agreed to maintain a $1 million life insurance policy naming her as the beneficiary, contribute to a Roth IRA, provide annual tax-free payments, and pay her a monthly salary for her work as his chief of staff and assistant.

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The lawsuit alleges those obligations were never fulfilled and seeks payment from the Warner Family Trust, along with attorney’s fees and other relief.

Tenisha also emphasized that the lawsuit is not about creating conflict with Malcolm’s family, but rather ensuring that the agreements she says were made during their marriage are honored.

As of now, Pamela Warner has not publicly responded to either Tenisha’s latest statement or the lawsuit.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner died in July 2025 after an accidental drowning while vacationing in Costa Rica. The legal dispute comes one year after his passing.