Michael Jackson's Children to Live With Grandma
Katherine Jackson Given Custody of Prince Michael, Paris and Blanket
Aug 4, 2009
An LA court has granted Michael Jackson's mother Katherine custody of his three children. Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff yesterday rubber stamped arrangements that will see Michael Jackson's heirs continue to reside with their grandmother, as they have been doing since his death in June. Prince Michael,12, Paris, 11 and Blanket, 7, have been staying at Michael Jackson's mother's San Fernando Valley Home since their father passed away suddenly at the age of 50.
Court Custody Decision Follows Michael Jackson’s Wishes
The future of the singer’s children, whose grief was evident when they appeared at his live tribute in LA, was thrown into question as press speculated where they would be placed. But, in keeping with Michael Jackson's wishes as outlined in his 2005 will, the three will now be allowed to stay with their 79-year-old grandmother.
MJ Kids' Custody Approved by Debbie Rowe
The decision has the approval of Prince Michael and Paris's birth mother, Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe – Blanket was born to an unknown surrogate after the couple split. Rowe is believed to have hammered out details of access rights in private with family lawyers prior to the hearing, which had been delayed twice while details were finalised, she will retain her parental rights.
Jackson’s Dermatologist Raises Concerns at Custody Hearing
The only voice of dissent in the courtroom was that of Michael Jackson’s former dermatologist and friend Dr Arnold Klein, who has consistently denied being the biological father of Jackson’s children. Lawyers for Klein had petitioned the court on his behalf, citing unspecified concerns about the children’s welfare. But judge Beckloff ruled that Klein had no legal interest in the children’s future.
Questions Over Katherine Jackson’s Health
Showbiz commentators have speculated that Michael’s eldest sister Rebie, 59, will take over the day to day care of the children on her mother’s behalf. And while fans have welcomed the news that Jackson’s wishes have been followed, critics have questioned the decision to place Prince Michael, Paris and Blanker with a custodian of such advanced years who is in questionable health.
Jackson’s “Fourth Child” Remains Unconfirmed
The news comes hot on the heels of MJ’s father’s claims that his son has indeed fathered a love child, Omer Bhatti. In an interview for TV One last week Michael’s estranged father Joe Jackson said he “knew” his son had fathered another child adding that Bhatti, 25, “looks like a Jackson”. Despite sitting in the front row with family members at Jackson’s LA memorial, Bhatti, a rapper from Oslo, Norway, denies that Michael is his father.
Michael’s brother Jermaine Jackson last month told the Daily Mail that he could neither confirm nor deny the rumour, saying simply that the family would love Omer as one of their own if Michael turned out to be his father.
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