The mother of Michael Jackson�s two eldest children has indicated that she would fight for custody. She said she would also seek a restraining order preventing Jackson�s father Joe from seeing his grandchildren.
The mother of Michael Jackson's two eldest children has indicated that she would fight for custody.
Debbie Rowe told NBC Los Angeles she was prepared to undergo DNA and psychological testing in a bid to win guardianship of Prince Michael, 12, and Paris Michael Katherine, 11.
She said she would also seek a restraining order preventing Jackson's father Joe from seeing his grandchildren.
During a 90-minute interview, Ms Rowe said: "I want my children back."
Ms Rowe gave up custody to her children with Jackson after the couple divorced in 1999. But there remains debate as to whether she legally signed away full parental rights in doing so.
An appeals court found this was done in error and an out-of-court settlement was reached between Ms Rowe and Jackson in 2006.
A custody battle could pit Ms Rowe's biological link with her children against their established bond with grandmother Katherine Jackson.
The pop star's mother was granted temporary custody of Prince Michael and Paris Michael earlier this week.
The 79-year-old was also named as the children's guardian in a 2002 will, believed to be the last written by Jackson.
Under Californian law, priority in custody battles is given to the biological parent. But a court can go against this if it is thought not to be in the child's best interest.
If Ms Rowe does contest the petition filed at Los Angeles Superior Court, it is unlikely to be a straightforward decision for the courts.
Lawyer Gloria Allred has ample experience when it comes to high-profile cases involving the offspring of celebrities. Among her clients have been Spice Girl Melanie Brown, who employed the LA-based lawyer in her legal battles with Eddie Murphy.
Meanwhile, America's anti-drugs agency is investigating Jackson's death, it emerged.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was called in by Los Angeles police to assist as they probe allegations that the star was on powerful painkillers, sedatives and antidepressants, sources close to the investigation said.
The agency has vast experience dealing with drug abuse and could evaluate the potential role of illegal drug manufacturers, known as pill mills.
Speaking yesterday, Jermaine Jackson said he would be "hurt" if toxicology reports showed his brother had abused prescription drugs.
He told NBC he did not know of any drug abuse by the 50-year-old, who died last Thursday in Los Angeles.
But he added: "In this business, the pressure and things that you go through, you never know what one turns to."
Jackson's friend Uri Geller said yesterday that he tried to keep the pop singer away from painkillers, but others in Jackson's inner circle were prepared to supply him with medication. "When Michael asked for something, he got it. That was the great tragedy," the medium said.
As debate continues over his death, plans for Jackson's funeral are still being worked, with fans still waiting to hear if and where a public memorial will take place.
Jermaine jackson said he believed Neverland, the singer's vast estate in Santa Barbara, California, should be his final resting place.
But earlier speculation that a memorial at which fans could attend would take place at Neverland appears to have been ruled out.
A statement released last night by Sunshine, Sachs & Associates, the PR firm employed by the family, read: "Contrary to previous news reports, the Jackson family is officially stating that there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland."
