14 DAY TRIAL // Michael Jackson’s ex-wife of three years and the mother of Prince Michael and Paris, Debbie Rowe, and his mother, Katherine Jackson, have reportedly reached an agreement in the case of the custody of the singer’s three children. The two met late on Friday in advance of today’s hearing - that was eventually canceled - and came up with some sort of understanding, the Daily Mail can confirm.
The only reason the two women have finally been able to put their differences aside is, as per the publication, that they are both trying to keep Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, out of their lives. They are also aware that it’s in the best interest of the children to settle the issue outside of the court of law because, that way, they have more control over the situation while also avoiding that the kids’ lives are completely disrupted by the prolonged legal procedure.
“Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine and his ex-wife Debbie Rowe have reportedly stuck a deal to protect the superstar’s children from his father. Lawyers acting for both women are said to have met on Friday, for talks on how to exclude Joe Jackson from bringing up Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Blanket. Under their deal, Katherine will raise the children in accordance with Michael’s will – but Debbie, who will drop her custody claim, will have regular access. A custody hearing that was scheduled for Monday has now been postponed until July 20, giving the pair time to iron out the details.” The Mail writes, citing a very well-informed but unnamed source.
It is a well-known fact that Joe Jackson abused Michael as a child, a claim the superstar himself also made back in 2007, when he publicly attacked his father for beating him up when he was smaller when things didn’t turn out to his liking. With this in mind, it’s not hard to understand why he wanted his children to be raised by his mother, who has been living separately from Joe Jackson for many years now.
Rowe and Katherine Jackson’s decision to settle the issue outside of court and in view of keeping the children out of Joe’s reach is said to have been partially prompted by his recent statements, where he hinted he was thinking of a career in showbiz for the three. “I keep watching Paris. She wants to do something. [Michael Prince II aka Blanket] can really dance. That’s what they’re saying. He can really dance.” At the same time, he seemed to want joint custody. “The grandmother, Katherine, and I. There’s no one else to do what we can do for them. We should keep them all together and make them happy. And feed them like they're supposed to be fed. And let them get rest... and grow up to be strong Jacksons.” Joe Jackson was saying a short while back.