Behind the black wrought iron gates of the Jackson family mansion in Encino, Calif., Michael Jackson’s three children spend their days playing with their cousins and their pets and watching movies — but no news reports — as they adjust to life without their famous father.
Their grandmother Katherine Jackson tends to their needs and offers a calming presence. “His kids are strong,” says Michael’s brother Jermaine Jackson. “They have a lot of love and care.”
That serene life may soon disappear. The children — 12-year-old Michael Joseph Jr., aka “Prince”; Paris-Michael Katherine, 11; and 7-year-old Prince Michael Jackson II (also called “Blanket”) — are pawns in what could shape up to be an intense custody battle between Katherine and Debbie Rowe, the biological mother of the two oldest children.
“Debbie believes Katherine has a good heart, but the life they would live with the Jacksons is unthinkable,” an insider tells OK!. “They belong away from the media circus. Kids need fresh air and freedom. They can’t get that at the mansion in Encino.”
But Debbie may soon have to decide between her kids or cash. “She’s likely to walk away with a lump sum of money if she agrees not to seek custody,” a friend of Debbie tells OK!. “She will probably end up with $100 million. It would be worth paying out, from the Jackson family’s point of view, to prevent a tug-of-war for the children.”
However others point at the discrepancies regarding how much MJ’s estate is worth, anywhere between $200 million and $500 million, including Attorney Larry Heller, a tax, probate and estate expert, who says that while “Debbie Rowe has some leverage as to the amount” she could receive in a settlement, “I wouldn’t be comfortable saying she could get quite that much. She could get several million dollars.”
On July 2, Debbie came out swinging in her battle for custody, telling KNBC Los Angeles reporter Chuck Henry, “I want my children,” and offering to submit to DNA tests to prove she was their mother. But her attorney, Eric George, later said she hadn’t reached a final decision on what to do in court.
Meanwhile, a court granted temporary custody to Katherine, 79. In Michael’s will, he asked that she be named the guardian — and if she was not able, singer Diana Ross, 65, should gain custody; he left no provision for Debbie to care for the children. “The fact that he left her out says loud and clear that he wanted her to get nothing,” says L.A. attorney Michael G. Dave, who specializes in family law.
A custody hearing is set for July 13, and the potential battle is already turning nasty. Michael’s sister Janet Jackson believes it’s “disgusting to use the kids for money,” a family insider tells OK!.
Janet, 43, has reassured Michael’s children that they won’t be lost in the commotion that has surrounded the family since her brother died. “She told them if they need her for any reason, even just to talk or if they want pizza, to call her immediately.”
This isn’t the first time custody of the kids has come up: In their 1999 divorce agreement, Debbie signed away her parental rights in exchange for an $8.5 million settlement. But when a teenage boy accused Michael of sexual abuse in 2003, she applied for custody again, even though she admitted she had not seen the children in years. In 2006, Debbie allegedly made another deal with Michael to relinquish rights to the children in exchange for cash.
While custody questions continue, the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services is investigating the welfare of the Jackson kids, prompted by reports of Michael’s drug use. It will also assess conditions at Katherine’s home. The report is expected to take a month to complete, but Jermaine says it’s obvious the children belong with Katherine: “The will is what it is,” he says. “This is what Michael wanted.”
For more on the custody battle between Debbie Rowe and the Jackson family, pick up the new issue of OK! — on sale everywhere Thursday!
Those kids need to stay with Katherine Jackson. After watching the memorial, it’s obvious that those kids loved their father and are comfortable with the Jacksons. They have no relationship with money hungry Debbie Rowe.
Her putting those kids through a tug-of-war like that is wrong… They lost their father, and now they’re going to have the be the center of a harsh court battle? It’s not right…
DEBBIE ROWE - GO AWAY!!
does anyone have any respeect around here about micael jacksons children why would you put them on tv & on magazins macael jackson wanted the kids to not have cameras in there facers all the time. and as soon as he dies evry one takes of the masks so they can be shown to evryone show some respect. oh and debie u just wont the kids for the money if u wont money dont use your kids as the fish bate for it the kids have a life to. the children should stay with with the jaksons so debie BACK OFF AND GO AWAY
The last cover that I saw was when some sick person took a picture of Micheal Jackson with all the tubes and stiff was wrong. I hope that the poeple that buy your magazine with that picture can just remember the man he is.
I think Debbie Rowe is a NASTY money hungry, greedy with no class witch. I hate to think of her as a human being. She didn’t give a rats butt about those kids as she walked away from them. It was always about money for her. I hope she CHOKES on her money. Those kids need to stay with the family they KNOW and that LOVES them. (Not their money). She should find a rock & crawl back under it, along with the other money hungry sick-o’s that are telling her to go for it. Guess they think they might get something out of it. To bad she didn’t use the money she got when she walked away to better herself. She is a STRANGER to them & it needs to stay that way. Hoping she rots in hell.
Those need and are going to Mrs. mama jackson and this story stuck camels d*cks. The jackson family just like other families dont need this crap. They are better than me and my family every magazine and press will have a death wish. No one printed pictures of elvis free basing on the toilet when he died. Yes he died on the toilet doing drugs crack and he also used downer and uppers he had doctors to put him asleep at night and wake him up no one said anything. I blame black people for not standing up and boycotting and takie that damn disrespectful picture of that man on the hospital bed he family should sue you guys he is in heaven unlike alot of you unhappy blood sucking life destroyers his kids dont need this if it wasnt for the money hungry lawyers and families he wouldnt be dead dont just blame it on the Doctors
This headline and story is purely written to cause a knee-jerk reaction and shape public opinion about Debbie Rowe negatively. If you’re buying into it, then People has achieved it’s goal. As I recall, People is the same rag that printed many stories about MJ that put him in bad light. I’ll withhold my opinions for actual facts.
Money grabbing bitch - How can someone sell their children? how can she now expect to be a mother to them?
leave those children alone - you gave up any rights you had when you sold them
Money grabbing bitch - How can someone sell their children? how can she now expect to be a mother to them?
leave those children alone - you gave up any rights you had when you sold them
[...] [From OK! Magazine] [...]
[...] [From OK! Magazine] [...]
To Sue, You’re reading OK Magazine not People. Just thought you’d like to know.
[...] [From OK! Magazine] [...]
I cannot believe all of this hoopla over a known pedophile. Yes he was talented…but he also had a room full of child pornography. Remember when they found that room during his trial when they searched his home???? Remember when the busloads of kids broght to Neverland Ranch quit coming because it was found that he was sleeping with the kids in his own bed??? So when the kids quit coming, he “purchased” his own. He didn’t even adopt them…he paid the price and the lawyers delivered them to Michael Jackson of all people. Their mother essentially sold her own children to a known pedophile. Enough is enough. The young boys of this world are much better off without him. I hesitate what may have happened with his own “paid for” young sons.
for the last time, MICHAEL JACKSON WAS NOT A PEDOPHILE. You are so gullible, you believe everything you read in celebrity gossip magazines. Well guess what? Thats exactly what it is- GOSSIP! Nothing you hear on the news or radio or in magazines is ever reliable. If you had ever been a victim to cruel rumours, you wouldn’t be so quick to believe everything you hear.
michael’s three beautiful children need to remain with katherine jackson. the children don’t even know who debbie rowe is. It seems to be that all debbie is about is the $$$$$$.i say 100% let the childrenbe with their grandmother katherine.
But she’s 100 YEARS OLD! What happens when she dies in the very near future? Then where do the children get bounced too?
These children need to stay together as one famliy with Kathrine Jackson. That is where they are safe and comfortable. Micheal wanted them there and they should remain there no questions asked. These children are both with out a mother or father, how much more pain can they go through? Giving them away to a women who doesn’t even want them to call her mom and seperating them from their younger brother would be complete missory for them. In my opinion they should be left with the Kathrine as long as Kathrine can take care of them. Micheal also has a big family who loves the kids as their own and wouldnt mind taking care of them. These kids are not alone at this moment so why would that evil women Debbie want to change things. Those who are working on this trial better not be blind and give the children to that evil women nor go against Micheal Jacksons wishes! They should keep the innocent, pure, loving and caring children with Kathrine Jackson.
These children need to stay together as one famliy with Kathrine Jackson. That is where they are safe and comfortable. Micheal wanted them there and they should remain there no questions asked. These children are both with out a mother or father, how much more pain can they go through? Giving them away to a women who doesn’t even want them to call her mom and seperating them from their younger brother would be complete missory for them. In my opinion they should be left with the Kathrine as long as Kathrine can take care of them. Micheal also has a big family who loves the kids as their own and wouldnt mind taking care of them. These kids are not alone at this moment so why would that evil women Debbie want to change things. Those who are working on this trial better not be blind and give the children to that evil women nor go against Micheal Jacksons wishes! They should keep the innocent, pure, loving and caring children with Kathrine Jackson.
a bunch of black people they hardly know and 2 white children that aren’t even biologically his - the Jackson family are not that close - Michael did not talk to them that much - He only mentions his mother in the will for a reason - his brothers weren’t happy with Michael for that - if you believe they aren’t a little pissed at handing all his money to his playmates and mother you’re out of your mind. The Jackson’s have always argued over money. Those kids don’t know that family that well. They were overseas most of the time. It’s all an act. They want to keep those kids for money reasons. Do you really think they’d keep those kids if there weren’t money involved? You need a touch of reality here and that’s what Debbie Rowe has to think about. What is real? She knows how Michael felt about them. She also knows all about Joe Jackson. She fears him the most. This is a big decision. If she didn’t give it any thought than I wouldn’t respect her at all. It’s not all about the money. It’s what her kids could go through. They could be slighted constantly in order for all the black children to go to nice schools and have nice clothes while the other kids shop in consignment stores. Let’s just hope the kids are looked after by a family they will be comfortable with. If these were black children, the black would be all up in arms because they don’t like black children being adopted by whites because of their heritage, etc. There is a huge difference here. Let’s hope for the best and Janet Jackson’s visits to the home … She is a very sincere and honest person. I’m sure she is very concerned about those kids.
Having dealth with the death of both of my parents [who were divorced at the time] and all the sides of my disfunctional family, I’d say there is nothing spectacular as to how the Jackson’s are acting at this time… there will be personal regrets to come for any stupid words, or motives….
I think M ichael jackson was a gifted singer, but a crazy human being..Instead of seeking therpay and help, he sought solace, drugs, liitle boys and fanatsy…I think the whole family is screwed up and I also think that its significant that you don’t hear anything from the little boys, beacuse they look sad, lost, devasted and probably have been sexually abused. We all know Michael had a twsited side and it showed in his angry, aggressive, music and performances…I think its best hes gone and these kids may have a chance at a rwal life, except for the sickos trying to run their lives and gain money….There should be laws aginst what Michael and Debbie Rowe have done to their children and any sperm/egg dodnors imnvolved..Shame on them. ans shame on michael jackson, Debbie Rowe, and the sicko dad who caused so much pain to the Jackson kids and the overly religiosity of Katherine, and her passivity to not stand up to the fathers rage……………..
sounds like someone else could use some therapy. while you’re at it grab some education too. you don’t know what the hell you are yap’n about. this world has too many “judges” already. give it a rest!
The kids belong with the Jackson Family..How can any1 send 2 or 3 children to a person of whom they have had not contact with there entire life? And to make matters worse, to send the kids to some1 who has publicly said over and over again, that those are Michaels kids, she is not there mother and that she does want them…If that’s the case, I’m gonna fight for those kids as well…Come on DEBBIE, have you not received enough money from Michael alreay??? You are a greedy and selfish person who does not DESERVE to get Paris, Prince or Blanket…I can’t even believe the nerve that you would have to come out and say that you want them after 11 & 12 yrs. have gone by..People can see right through you and what we see is $$$$$$ in you eyes..Continue your life (without the children, you said it yourself, that you do not want them) and leave the Jackson Family to raise there kids the way that their deceased father wanted them raised..You PATHETIC, GREEDY, SELFISH B**CH!!!!!!!
I think the kids should stay where their at. That was Michael’s wishes. Debbie Rowe should not get the kids, all she is after is more money.If she cared about the kids she never would have left them.
[...] away with a lump sum of money if she agrees not to seek custody,” a friend of Debbie tells OK! in the current issue. “She will probably end up with $100 million. It would be worth paying out, from the Jackson [...]
Debbie Rowe need to leave those kids alone. She sold her children. Children are not for sale, Debbie. The are happy, healthy and MJ did a great job raising his children.
[...] away with a lump sum of money if she agrees not to seek custody,” a friend of Debbie tells OK! in the current issue. “She will probably end up with $100 million. It would be worth paying out, from the Jackson [...]
As I read the article I am in such disbelief that any judge in his right mind would allow her shit! OH yeah, she’s concerned about their life now??? Stupid bitch! Does she really want everyone to hate her? Well, she long ago got my vote!!!
Also, the bitch thinks it is okay to split the older two from Blanket?? I’d love to give her a slap in the face; as would millions of other ppl.
This is one of the most biased, non-factual reports I have ever read. I was thinking of buying OK next week, but now I won’t bother. Your report is lying and guesswork and you omit facts that do not suit you.
The children don’t need to be with Katherine Jackson as she didn’t take care of her own children she ALLOWED them to be abused by Joe Jackson. We don’t know what arragements Debbie had with seeing the children. All we know is what is written in the media and we all know how truthful they are. She deserves a chance to be a mother to them. Michael wasn’t their bio father and he never bother to adopt them either, what does that say. Lets remember he was accused of child molesting. Get real people. We don’t know what happened with those children now do we?!?!?!?!? They are all in it for the money which he doesn’t have. Why is he in such debt (400 million)if he had 500 billion dollars get real. Its all about the money nothing else. Joe is thinking of ways to get these children into show business to line his pockets and abuse a new group of Jackson’s. Think about it, is it fair to the children. Who is Blankets mother why isn’t she being dragged though the mud????
Fuck thAT greedy money hungry bitcch!… h0w fuck y0u gone sell ya kids wat kinda bullshit is that!… ii hope MRS. jackson gets the kids and ii hope the judge can see past debbies money hungry ass
[...] Michael Jackson’s ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, often injected the late King of Pop with drugs while she worked as a nurse for his dermatologist, Dr. Arnold Klein, TMZ reports. The evidence is revealed in law enforcement documents from MJ’s 2005 molestation trial. [...]
Wouldn’t the simplest solution to this problem be to ask the children what they want? I doubt that they will ask to be with Debbie Rowe; from what we’ve seen, she doesn’t seem to be close to them at all. When it comes down to it, the most important thing is that the kids are happy. In my opinion, the Jackson family would be the best choice because the children seem comfortable around them, and they get to be around other kids. If Debbie Rowe really cared about the children, she would do what makes them happy. To the Jackson children- i cant even imagine what this must be like for you, but you will be ok. RIP Michael Jackson xoxo
this is so sad. michael jackson was not only the king of pop, but he was also a father. people are being so insensitive- the man has just died and his children are obviously devastated, so why make it any harder for them? The custody battle can’t be helping any. The children should have a say in who will be their guardian/s, because ultimately, all that matters is that they’re safe and happy. Debbie rowe should let them decide who they want to be with.
To Cathi- HOW CAN YOU BE SO JUDGEMENTAL OF A MAN YOU DIDN’T EVEN KNOW?? How do you think his family, especially his children, feel when people say this stuff about their family? How would YOU feel? He is a human being and he deserves some respect. i mean, COME ON ALREADY!!! the poor man has just died! You need to get a life, because you are seriously sad. Just LEAVE HIM ALONE people!!! RIP Michael Jackson
This is so bazar. A Will is a Will and Michael’s last hope was for his children to be with there grandmother. Apparently, Michael know’s his ex wifes behavior and felt that His mother would be the better person. They will normal life, prehapes attend school, church etc…. Debbie may be to busy to take care of the children. Let her have visits. She is divorced from Michael. His mother is capable of making sure those children are going to get the warmth, unconditional love they need to be successful people in society, just like ther Mother and Father. Debbie saw an opportunity and took advantage of so let her ride it out by herself.
Michael Jackson she played into his emotions, becasue as much as he paid out of the divorce. He certainly could have adopted children. If the jude gives custody to Debbie then he is playing along with the bazar behavior of Debbie. Ms. Jackson I would not give her any money to settle because she already has been paid. And if your granted the custodial quardian you don’t owe Debbie anything, but the right to visit with her children. And if you decide after that she is a devoted parent to those children go from there.
Debbie Rowe, Don’t stand a chance. The kids need to stay with Kathrine and the rest of the Jackson family.
BEAT IT, DEBBIE ROWE!!!
To all the media and public: Michael Jackson was an all time great performer but he too like the rest of us in this world was a human being with a private life. Who his kids go to is none of anyone in the public or media’s eyes business. He is gone. Remember him for what he brought to us and that was music and dance that both amazed us and entertained us. Would you want a family member of yours exploited like this? Stop trying to dig up dirt!! You wouldn’t do this to a close member of your own family-so why must it happen to Michaels’? Let his family deal with their own family issues and stay out of it. Let them mourn the loss of a son,father, brother and freind. Yes he was great but he was also human and deserves the respect that any normal individual would. Let him go and leave his family and his private life alone. It is noone’s business but his own family and him.
Well, People you were wrong. The Jacksons did get the kids. Row did not get he millons and she did not ask. People realy lie.
what is this issue plz answer..what iss the number issue of this magazine