Joe Jackson Wants to Take Michael’s Kids on Tour
July 13, 2009 by Amber
Filed under Celebrity, Michael Jackson
The ‘Jackson Five’ could soon become the ‘Jackson Three’ – if Joe Jackson has his way, that is.
According to Ian Halperin, a celebrity biographer who worked with the King of Pop, Michael’s father Joe is reportedly planning on taking his three grandchildren – Prince Michael I, Paris Michael Katherine and Prince Michael II – on tour in 2010.
“Joe wants the children to go on a world tour in 2010,” Halperin said. “He has also already offered recording contracts to two of Michael’s kids.”
The biographer added: “Now he is talking about getting them the world’s best backing band and taking them on tour as The Jackson Three.”
Joe Jackson himself hinted at his plans for a ‘Jackson Three’ world tour during an interview with ABC’s Good Morning America on Friday, praising up the talents of two of his late son’s children, Paris, 11, and Prince Michael II (Blanket), 7.
“I keep watching Paris,” Joe said. “She… wants to do something. And as far as I can see, well, they say Blanket, he can really dance.”
Debbie Rowe – Jackson’s onetime wife and biological mother of Prince Michael I and Paris Michael – was the first to speak out against Joe Jackson’s involvement with the children, alleging that she would seek a restraining order against the grandfather to stop him exploiting the kids the way he exploited his son.
Halperin admitted that his source was a Jackson family member, and is so concerned for the well-being of the three children that they may soon “speak out publicly” themselves.
“One of the family members is livid,” the writer said. “He is saying Joe seems intent to do this no matter what.”
Reps for Joe Jackson and the Jackson family refused to comment on the claims made by Halperin and his source.
[Source]
Debbie Rowe Wants Custody of Jackson’s Children
July 2, 2009 by Amber
Filed under Celebrity, Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s former wife Debbie Rowe has reportedly decided to fight for custody of her two children, Prince Michael Jr. and Paris, whom she carried for the popstar in exchange for a large sum of money.
“I want my children,” Ms Rowe said. “I am stepping up… I have to.”
The reason Rowe has chosen to take the battle to court has to do with Jackson’s appointed guardians for the children – his mother Katherine Jackson, soon to be 80, and close friend Diana Ross, who the children have never met. Rowe is also concerned at the level of Joe Jackson’s involvement in the children’s lives, after the King of Pop accused his father of abuse years ago.
However, there’s a lot of obstacles for the nurse and onetime wife of the pop superstar to overcome, not the least of which is the rumours that she’s not the biological mother of the two eldest Jackson children. Rowe has said that she is willing to submit to any testing, including DNA, to prove that she is their biological mother.
Another of the many obstacles includes Rowe’s 2001 petition to give up her parental rights over the children, in exchange for a house and millions of dollars in cash. Rowe later “reversed her decision” and secured herself visitation rights, but legal experts say this could severly hinder any chance she may or may not have to win custody.
“If she has a strong relationship with her children and… she has seen them somewhat regularly then she has a very strong chance of getting custody,” said Scott Altman, a law professor at the University of Southern California.
“But if… she hardly has visited with her children, they have no relationship at all, they don’t think of her as a mother it will be very difficult for her to get custody.”
Rowe’s lawyers will attend a court hearing on Monday to dispute issues surrounding the Jackson children and his deceased estate, a restraining order against Joe Jackson believed to be among the issues.
Of course, if Rowe does win the suit and gains custody of her children, she will also gain at least partial control of the late popstar’s estate, part of which has been left for his children. The money she would receive for their care is no doubt yet another reason – if not the main reason – Rowe is pushing for custody after all.
[Source]
Jackson Family Issues Statement to Fans
June 28, 2009 by Amber
Filed under Celebrity, Michael Jackson
The Jackson family has issued a statement to fans of their late son, conveyed by father Joe Jackson. Their personal statement reads:
In one of the darkest moments of our lives we find it hard to find the words appropriate to this sudden tragedy we all had to encounter. Our beloved son, brother and father of three children has gone so unexpectedly, in such a tragic way and much too soon. It leaves us, his family, speechless and devastated to a point, where communication with the outside world seems almost impossible at times.
We miss Michael endlessly, our pain cannot be described in words. But Michael would not want us to give up now. So we want to thank all of his faithful supporters and loyal fans worldwide, you – who Michael loved so much. Please do not despair, because Michael will continue to live on in each and every one of you. Continue to spread his message, because that is what he would want you to do. Carry on, so his legacy will live forever.
In addition, Joseph Jackson wishes to personally convey: “My grandchildren are deeply moved by all the love and support you have shown for them and their father, Michael Jackson.”
Joseph Jackson and Family.
Jackson, who was on the verge of starting another comeback tour, died last week of suspected heart failure. His family remains together in seclusion as they await the results of Jackson’s autopsy, which is likely to be some weeks away.
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