Video: Michael Jackson's Daughter Gives Emotional Farewell
At the end of the nearly two hours long memorial service for Michael Jackson, Michael's children Prince Michael, 12, Paris Michael Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II (Blanket), 7, stood on the stage during a group performance of "We Are the World." Afterward, Paris brought many to tears when she took to the microphone to say something about her dad.
"I just want to say ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine....And I just want to say I love him so much."
Paris' aunt, Janet Jackson, was right beside her and gave her a hug before they left the stage. Paris was choking back tears, but she seemed determined to say something about her dad. It was a very brave performance from a little girl whose heart is clearly breaking. Take a look:
Attorney: Debbie Rowe is the Biological Mother of Two of Michael Jackson's Children
Radar Online reports
that Debbie Rowe's attorney categorically denies TMZ's report that Debbie is not the biological parent of Michael Jackson's two eldest children.
Reports that Debbie Rowe is not the biological mother of two of Michael Jackson's children have been presented as fact by numerous outlets.
But in an exclusive interview with RadarOnline.com Rowe's lawyer Marta Almli sets the record straight and says without a doubt Debbie is the mother.
Almli told RadarOnline.com exclusively: "We refuse to be drawn into addressing the various rumors and speculation swirling in the media. The vast majority of what is out there is untrue.
"Particularly hurtful and insidious is the most recent rumor -- which is entirely false -- concerning the maternity of the children. Ms. Rowe is the biological mother of the two oldest children."
Well, there you have it. Debbie Rowe says she is the biological mother of Prince Michael I and Paris Katherine. That makes her first in line for custody -- if she wants it.
Who Will Get Custody of Michael Jackson's Children?
Matt Lauer of The Today Show examines the question of who will get custody of Michael Jackson's children, Prince Michael, 12, Prince Michael II (better known as Blanket), 7, and Paris Katherine, 11.
The California courts will have the last say on who gets custody, even if Michael named a guardian in a will. One of Michael's own attorneys told TMZ that Debbie Rowe's parental rights have not been terminated, which makes her the presumptive custodian (Debbie is the biological mother of Prince I and Paris). But if the court thinks that is not in the best interest in the children, it can award custody to someone else, such as Michael's parents Joe and Katherine, although Katherine is almost 80 years old and reportedly not in good health and Joe was accused by Michael many times of physically abusing him when he was a child.
Michael does have other siblings, such as Janet, who are stable and would have the resources to care for the children. Reports say that the three children are devastated by their father's death and are currently staying with Katherine and Joe Jackson, and their nanny Grace Rwaramba.
The L.A. Timessays that an appellate court has ruled previously that Debbie Rowe is the legal parent of Prince I and Paris. USC Law Professor Scott Altman said "When a child has two legal parents and one of them dies, the other takes custody." Another USC Law Professor, Grace Blumberg, said that she expects Debbie Rowe to be granted custody, even if Michael Jackson designated someone else as guardian. Professor Blumberg also says that if Blanket's European biological mother comes forward, she would have a claim because many European courts do not recognize surrogacy agreements.
One thing is for sure: it's going to a very nasty custody battle.
