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Michael Jackson May Not Be Kids' Biological Dad
Filed under: Celeb Parents, In The News
In the latest twist in the Michael Jackson saga, the King of Pop's second ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, has claimed that the late pop icon is not the biological father of her two children, Prince, 12, and Paris, 11, and that the marriage was a sham. She adds that she does not want custody of the kids, saying she is "no good" as a mother.
Jackson, 50, died June 25 after heart failure. It is not known who will take custody of Prince, Paris and a third child, Prince Michael II (Blanket), 6.
"The Brisbane Times" re-caps the interview, which was originally published by the UK's "News Of The World." In it, Rowe allegedly reveals that she was artificially inseminated by an anonymous donor and treated like "a thoroughbred mare" during her pregnancy: "I was just the vessel. It wasn't Michael's sperm. I got paid for it, and I've moved on. I know I will never see my children again."
Prince and Paris, and half-brother Prince Michael II are reportedly living with their paternal grandmother, 79-year-old Katherine Jackson, who filed for custody in Los Angeles Superior Court this week. Their guardianship has yet to be officially decided, and it's likely that a long -- and messy -- court battle over their custody will ensue. One thing is certain, according to Rowe: Prince and Paris will not be living with her. She was never "cut out to be a mother," she says.
They bonded over their common love for animals, and Rowe says the two spent many nights "hanging out" in bed together, reading magazines and watching movies together, surrounded by the late pop star's many pets. After the birth of the couple's daughter, Paris, Rowe discovered that she couldn't have any more children; she says that Jackson was hoping for more children and wanted "nothing to do with her." She reportedly relinquished her parental rights in exchange for a $8.4 million payout over nine years.
Mark Lester, godfather to Prince and Paris, has said he would be willing to assume guardianship, but sources say that it's likely that custody of all three children will be granted to Katherine Jackson.
There's no question that Jackson's death and the chaos surrounding his estate is great news fodder -- heck, I'm not immune to the juicy details of the star's wacky lifestyle. But the fact of the matter is that there are three young kids mourning the loss of their only parent.
I lost my dad when I was 30 years old, and it hurt like nothing else in the world. What must it be like for the Jackson kids? As a mother, I have a very hard time understanding what would motivate Rowe to say such hurtful things about her own children -- and in such a public medium. She regrets what she did? Fine. But to tell the world that she doesn't want her own kids? There are some things that should never be said out loud -- and especially not to a tabloid newspaper.
Do you think Rowe should keep her past with Michael Jackson private for the sake of her kids, no matter how she feels about the situation? Or does she have a right to clear the air, even if it hurts the children?
Jackson, 50, died June 25 after heart failure. It is not known who will take custody of Prince, Paris and a third child, Prince Michael II (Blanket), 6.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, center, wearing a traditional Arabic woman's veil and all-covering gown called an abaya, with his son, Prince Michael II, also veiled, as they walk in Bahrain in 2006.
Hasan Jamali, AP
Michael Jackson, center, is supported by his security personnel as he walks into the courthouse with his father Joe Jackson, right, after arriving late to Santa Barbara County Superior Court, on March 10, 2005.
Kimberly White, Pool / AP
Michael Jackson applauds his fans while on top of his car after his arraignment on child molestation charges in Santa Maria, California on January 16, 2003.
Hector Mata, AFP / Getty Images
Michael Jackson's booking photo and personal information shown in this copy of a release from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department after Jackson was booked on child molestation charges in Santa Barbara, CA, on November 20, 2003.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department / AP
Michael Jackson holds his eight-month-old son Prince Michael II over the balcony of the Adlon Hotel in 2002 in Berlin, Germany. Jackson was in Berlin with his three children to accept a lifetime achievement award.
Olaf Selchow, Getty Images
Minders escort the veiled children of Michael Jackson as they visit the Berlin Zoo in November 2002.
Sadek Hamaiel, Getty Images
Michael Jackson holds an unidentified child as he stands in the window of his suite in the Adlon hotel in Berlin.
Jockel Finck, AP
A masked Jackson traveling in Berlin, Germany.
Eric Richard, Getty Images
Michael Jackson testifies during his civil trial in Santa Maria Superior Court on December 3, 2002 in Santa Maria, California.
Jim Ruyman, Pool / Getty Images
Michael Jackson testifies in Santa Barbara County Superior Court, on November 13, 2002 in Santa Maria, CA.
Spencer Weiner, Pool / AP
"The Brisbane Times" re-caps the interview, which was originally published by the UK's "News Of The World." In it, Rowe allegedly reveals that she was artificially inseminated by an anonymous donor and treated like "a thoroughbred mare" during her pregnancy: "I was just the vessel. It wasn't Michael's sperm. I got paid for it, and I've moved on. I know I will never see my children again."
Prince and Paris, and half-brother Prince Michael II are reportedly living with their paternal grandmother, 79-year-old Katherine Jackson, who filed for custody in Los Angeles Superior Court this week. Their guardianship has yet to be officially decided, and it's likely that a long -- and messy -- court battle over their custody will ensue. One thing is certain, according to Rowe: Prince and Paris will not be living with her. She was never "cut out to be a mother," she says.
"I was no good. I don't want these children in my life," says Rowe, who now lives on a ranch in California, where she raises horses. "My children are my animals now."
Rowe and Jackson were married in Sydney in 1996, after meeting at the dermatology clinic where Jackson went for skin treatments. Rowe worked there as a receptionist, and says that the singer was "divorced, lonely and wanted children." The two never had sex, she adds, and said that their relationship was just a friendship. They never even shared a bed during their three year marriage.They bonded over their common love for animals, and Rowe says the two spent many nights "hanging out" in bed together, reading magazines and watching movies together, surrounded by the late pop star's many pets. After the birth of the couple's daughter, Paris, Rowe discovered that she couldn't have any more children; she says that Jackson was hoping for more children and wanted "nothing to do with her." She reportedly relinquished her parental rights in exchange for a $8.4 million payout over nine years.
Mark Lester, godfather to Prince and Paris, has said he would be willing to assume guardianship, but sources say that it's likely that custody of all three children will be granted to Katherine Jackson.
There's no question that Jackson's death and the chaos surrounding his estate is great news fodder -- heck, I'm not immune to the juicy details of the star's wacky lifestyle. But the fact of the matter is that there are three young kids mourning the loss of their only parent.
I lost my dad when I was 30 years old, and it hurt like nothing else in the world. What must it be like for the Jackson kids? As a mother, I have a very hard time understanding what would motivate Rowe to say such hurtful things about her own children -- and in such a public medium. She regrets what she did? Fine. But to tell the world that she doesn't want her own kids? There are some things that should never be said out loud -- and especially not to a tabloid newspaper.
Do you think Rowe should keep her past with Michael Jackson private for the sake of her kids, no matter how she feels about the situation? Or does she have a right to clear the air, even if it hurts the children?
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 2)
6-29-2009 @ 2:34PM
Kat said...As of this morning, Rowe's attorney has stated that this article was completely fabricated.
Reply
6-29-2009 @ 7:09PM
Robin said...i think Debbie row should not comment on her private life with Michael, as it will hurt the kid's to know that he wasn't even their biological father. But he was a father in every other way and that is what count's
Reply
6-30-2009 @ 6:08PM
rguillory58 said...I agree with you. Everyone needs to let the family rest in peace so they can grieve.
6-29-2009 @ 7:22PM
pws said...Geez, let this man rest in peace.
Peace be with you always MJ
Reply
6-29-2009 @ 8:55PM
Krystine said...I am absolutely appalled at the "picture gallery" in the beginning of this article. "Jacko's Wacko Moments"? Really?!? That level of disrespect is absolutely outrageous. The man just died. I might just be one, but you just lost a reader, parentdish. I'm done.
Reply
6-30-2009 @ 8:45AM
Riodejnro5 said...I don't know why they write whatever they want... seriously I highly doubt this woman would say such a thing even if she felt it. Why is it better fot an eighty year old to raise these children... they will be raised by nannies.
Micheal was a "big" star 25 years ago people when he was a young man... for the public to think that a 50 year old would come out and dance and sing like he idd when he was younger is crazy..... the music hasn't died we still have that. Micheal was a mess... and the way he was raising his kids is nuts too. Maybe now they can grow up and go to school and stop covering up. Covering up most likely brough more attention to them then need be. I am sure they are all self concious.... they are always solom do you ever see them acting and playing like kids?
Reply
7-07-2009 @ 11:52PM
Gen said...***for the public to think that a 50 year old would come out and dance and sing like he idd when he was younger is crazy...****
Riodejnro5, are you really that moronic?
You apparently don't know jack squat about performers and dancers. You know why people like MJ, Tina Turner, Cher, Mick Jagger, and a bunch of other older performers are still around, or were around until the time of their choosing? BECAUSE THEY STILL HAD IT.
You don't lose the ability to dance or perform as you get older just being you are getting older.
you putz
7-08-2009 @ 12:24PM
merciful222 said...I agree totally with you. I hope the kids have a normal life now playing and being kids and having friends. Sad that Michael died but it is time to move on now and think of the living. You can not help Michael for he is gone.
6-30-2009 @ 9:07AM
Daze said...This is completely at odds at what People Magazine is reporting as Debbie Rowe's comments and feelings. Who are you going to believe, a reputable publication like People or New of the World that reports junk like aliens living in Obama's ears and Elvis spotted living on Mars?
Reply
6-30-2009 @ 9:42AM
McMagnaTrades said...HELLO, does anyone remember that this guy was a PEDOPHILE?
He thought it was OK to have a slew of young children sleep in his bed with him!!!
May GOD have mercy on his soul!
Reply
6-30-2009 @ 1:22PM
Bre said...remember what they called Jesus?
7-05-2009 @ 9:57PM
Penelope Smith said...Hello, in this country we are innocent until proven guilty. He was not convicted. May god have mercy on your soul for passing judgement on this person!
6-30-2009 @ 6:08PM
regina58 said...He was accused of pedophilia and was found innocent.! You are throwing God's name around and falsly claiming something that you don't know. You know in the Bible where it says, "let the first among you who are without sin cast the first stone'?, oh, of course you don't know that. You would not accuse someone. So say he IS guilty? The parents settled for cash, which of course makes them pedophile PIMPS.
Why people find it necessary to say ugly things, these things can't hurt him anymore, but they can hurt his children. Let them ALL rest in peace. These children just lost their father and should be raised my family who loves them, and their Nanny who also loved them and lived with them.
RIP MJ
9-11-2009 @ 6:44PM
Shirley said...I am so tried of people acting as if it is so strange for children to sleep with an adult. The only difference here is MJ was famous and immature when it came to the greed of some of those childrens parents. So, some people continue to hate on MJ, what about a father that would take Two Million Dollars and shut up than press for the justice his child should have received if it was so true. MJ was an entertainer that listened to his advisors, who really did not care less on what the world would think if he settled that case. I just know one thing to be true for me. If I knew for sure, that a famous entertainer or a simple everyday individual had done what this father accused MJ of. It would not be enough money in the world for me to settle, I would have pressed the issue to the final corners of the law and still turned around and tried to break him. I would have taken the money and then, What? did he continue on. No, he took the money and ran. Some kind of father UH!!!!!
7-06-2009 @ 9:00AM
Elise said...Remember that Michael, and maybe one of his sisters, talked about abuse at the hands of their father. And they're considering putting these vulnerable orphans in his house?
It would be best for these children to be parented by young, healthy adults who wouldn't be influenced by money and fame, but would love them and raise them with wisdom and good moral teachings, far away from the limelight.
Reply
6-30-2009 @ 11:38AM
sharon said...If I saw Debbie Rowe, I would spit on her. Does she have no idea how her words will destroy her children? Don't they have enough problems that they will always have to deal with? SHAME ON YOU D.R. you don't deserve those children. You are an emotional and psychological abuser, and you're not even in their life. I can't imagine the damage you would do to them if you were.
Reply
6-30-2009 @ 12:04PM
ballard said...Why does everyone always want to degrade a person for saying how they think or feel. When it dosent fit their oppion most people want to tear them down. I respect sharon for being honest about her feelings . At least she isn't out to capitolize on this unfortuniate situation.I have to respect her more for the truth and how she feels than if she said and did what we all think she should do. The children are better off with family or nanny that truly want them.Real love is the key to kids and their developmend not pretense or show for material gain.
6-30-2009 @ 2:09PM
Cheril said...Honesly, if he is dead, let him rest in peace. And Debbie Rowe should keep that private because the kids are traumatized enough. The man who cared for them (biological father or not) is dead and now they get news that their mother doesn't want them. What's wrong with the world? I hope she has problems in her life for what she did to those kids, and i feel sorry for the horses that she is raising.
Reply
6-30-2009 @ 1:05PM
mz karamel said...OMG!!! WEATHER OR NOT HE WAS THEIR BIOLOGICAL FATHER THIS MAN RAISED THEM. I DID NOT HAVE MY BIOLOGICAL FATHER IN MY LIFE BUT THE PERSON WHOM I CALLED DAD WAS MY MOTHER'S HUSBAND WHO RAISED ME FROM 1YR OLD TIL NOW AND IM 21YRS OLD.
MICHAEL'S FAMILY HAS ALOT MORE PROBLEMS AND DONT NEED THE MEDIA ALL UP IN THEIR BIZ.
HE RAISED THEM AND SINCE HE IS GONE ONE OF HIS FAMILY MEMBERS NEED TO CONTINUE RAISING THEM KIDS.
IT WAS THE MEDIA THAT MADE MICHAEL JACKSON AN ICON, THE MEDIA THAT DESTOYED HIM BUT SAYING HE WAS DOING THING WITH THEM BOYS AND NOW THE MEDIA IS TRYING TO DESTOY HIS KIDS...YES I SAID HIS KIDS!!!!
LET HIM REST IN PEACE AND LET HIS FAMILY DEAL WITH THEIR OWN PROBLEMS WITH OUT EVERYBODY IN THEIR BIZ
Reply
7-03-2009 @ 8:43PM
Leigh said...AMEN!!! I agree with you totally. MJ raised those kids since birth.
I'm adopted, been since I was 11 days old. I had a wonderful life. I'm in my 30's now!! RIP MJ!