Rowe Challenged Jackson Over Kids After Sex Claims

06 July 2009

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The details of Debbie Rowe's 2003 fight to regain custody of her kids with Michael Jackson have been published - just days after she again vowed to battle for her children.

Rowe has two kids with the late superstar, Prince Michael, 12, and Paris, 11. Jackson was also father to Prince Michael 'Blanket' II, seven, who was born to an unnamed surrogate mother.

The couple divorced in 1999 and two years later, Rowe signed away her parental rights. A judge later overturned that decision after claiming the ruling had been made in error.

In 2003, Rowe launched a legal battle to regain custody of the youngsters, after Jackson was accused of sexually abusing 14-year-old Gavin Arvizo.

The details of Rowe's fight to regain custody of the kids have been revealed in legal papers obtained by British tabloid the News of the World.

Rowe subsequently vowed to fight for custody, telling reporters, I want my kids

The papers state she retained her right to visit Prince Michael and Paris after the divorce, but later gave up because of the publicity surrounding the pop legend and his family.

Rowe claims she came forward after the child molestation accusations were levied at Jackson in a bid to protect the kids "until such time as a full investigation can be conducted to determine what is in the children's best interests".

The document reads, "I believe that I will provide a more stable environment for our children at this particular time. I believe that I have a responsibility to protect and be involved with my children's life and wellbeing. If I did not intercede now to help our children, I would not be fulfilling my responsibilities as a parent".

Rowe also stated her fears that Jackson would flee abroad, taking the kids with him, so she requested the courts confiscate the children's passports.

After Jackson was cleared of any wrongdoing at his 2005 trial on child molestation charges, Rowe agreed to give up her custody request.

The British tabloid reports she agreed a 10-year deal with the star, said to be worth $6.5 million .

The kids are currently being cared for by their grandmother Katherine Jackson, who was granted temporary guardianship after the star's tragic death on 25 June (09).

Rowe subsequently vowed to fight for custody, telling reporters, "I want my kids".

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