Judge Revokes Katherine Jackson’s Custody of Michael Jackson’s Kids
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Kevin Winter/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — TJ Jackson, son of Tito Jackson, has been named temporary guardian of Michael Jackson’s three children.
Los Angeles Judge Mitch Beckloff made the decision late Wednesday morning after Charles Schultz, representing TJ Jackson, made an emergency appeal on behalf of the children. The judge suspended Katherine Jackson’s rights as guardian, declaring that she’d been unable to serve in that capacity because of an “intentional act from third parties.”
Katherine Jackson has been staying at her daughter Rebbie’s Tucson, Ariz., home for some days, though the circumstances that brought and keep her there remain unclear.
“There are only three words I want to say: Always kids first!” TJ Jackson said outside the court. When asked if he wanted Katherine Jackson home, he responded, “That too!”
TJ Jackson told the court that he’d spoken with Katherine Jackson the night before and that she sounded “strange…the way it sounded, I never heard her talk like that. … I never heard her use some phrases.”
Earlier Wednesday, Randy Jackson said his mother had spoken on Tuesday night to her grandchildren Paris Michael, Prince Michael, and Prince Michael II.
The appeal and decision came at a previously-scheduled hearing to address unrelated estate matters.
Judge Beckloff also ordered that the children’s mother, Debbie Rowe, and singer Diana Ross, be informed of the decision within 48 hours. Ross is reportedly named in Michael Jackson’s will to succeed Katherine Jackson as custodian.
The judge also ordered Michael Jackson’s children not to leave California, and ordered that another hearing be scheduled in 30 days.
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