HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — After sitting in silence for a week, Michael Jackson’s ex-wife put on her boxing gloves Thursday.
In her first public comments since Jackson died last Thursday, Debbie Rowe revealed that she plans to fight for custody of the former couple’s children.
“I want my children,” Rowe told NBCLA’s Chuck Henry during a 90-minute phone conversation.
Rowe, who married Jackson in 1996 and filed for divorce three years later, is the mother of the late singer’s two oldest children, Prince Michael, 12, and Paris, 11. Jackson also has a third child, Prince Michael II (Blanket), 7, whose mother is a never disclosed surrogate. Currently, all three children are under the care of Jackson’s 79-year-old mother, Katherine, who was awarded temporary guardianship in court Monday.
In his 2002 will, Jackson designated his mother to become guardian of his children, while naming longtime friend Diana Ross as a backup. He also specifically omitted Rowe from inheriting anything from his estate.
“I have intentionally omitted to provide for my former wife, Deborah Jean Rowe Jackson,” the King of Pop stated in his will.
However, Rowe told NBCLA that she has no intentions of lying down to the Jackson family. She revealed that would seek a restraining order to keep family patriarch, Joe Jackson, away from the children. Rowe also said she would be willing to assume guardianship for all three children so everyone could stay together.
“We had an agreement… he didn’t keep his end,” she said.
Rowe’s former attorney, Iris Finsilver, tells People that his one-time client has a solid case to assume guardianship of the children.
“Frankly, she won’t have to fight for them,” said Finsilver. “She is the children’s biological mother. She loves her children.”
With a court battle looming, Rowe said she realizes it’s now or never.
“I am stepping up,” she said. “I have to.”
A custody hearing has been scheduled for July 13.
Who do you think deserves custody of Michael Jackson’s three children? Click here to vote.
