
The sudden and unexpected death of Michael Jackson brings about questions of the custody of his children. No matter how you felt about him, the truth of the matter is that he was a dad to three children and those three children are in mourning and in need of love, comfort, and familiarity.
Debbie Rowe, who was briefly married to Michael and delivered his oldest two children, apparently never fully terminated her parental rights. There is currently a lot of speculation about whether or not she will try and regain control of the children.
Sources close to Rowe say she plans to ask for custody of the children, and that she will collect a substantial amount of child support from Jackson’s estate. Whoever gets custody of Jackson’s children will not automatically gain control of the children’s inheritance, however, according to legal experts.
Jackson family attorney Londell McMillan says Rowe has not contacted them about custody.
Rowe’s attorney said in a statement, “Ms. Rowe’s only thoughts at this time have been regarding the devastating loss Michael’s family has suffered. Ms. Rowe requests that Michael’s family, and particularly the children, be spared such harmful, sensationalist speculation and that they will be able to say goodbye to their loved one in peace.”
Jackson’s third child, Prince Michael II, nicknamed Blanket, was conceived using a surrogate mother he never met. Jackson’s wishes would be more influential in determining the custodial fate of Prince Michael II than his older siblings.
Most people would agree that Michael’s mother Katherine should raise the children.
I have two concerns about that:
1. The children would be raised around Michael’s dad, who is a known abuser.
2. Katherine is by all accounts an elderly lady, and may not be physically able to care of three young kids.
I’m wondering why Michael’s siblings aren’t voicing any willingness to care for his children. I know there has been tension over the siblings over the years, but in death all of that should disappear especially for the sake of the kids.
Here’s hoping that the media frenzy dies down a little so these kids are advocated for properly. No matter who their father was, they deserve as much privacy and respect as anybody else.
Image: tmz