Wednesday, 12 August 2009

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Michael Jackson's kids are struggling to cope

The pain of Jacko's death is proving too much for his heartbroken daughter Paris

Paris, Prince Michael, and Blanket Jackson are trying to be strong

While her brothers Prince Michael, 12, and Blanket, seven, were pictured shopping with their dad’s rumoured fourth son Omer last week, 11-year-old Paris has barely left her grandmother Katherine’s side at their home in Las Vegas.

The two boys enjoyed a day out in Santa Monica, LA, with Omer Bhatti, 25, who’s a close family friend and is also suspected to be Michael’s secret love child.

But Paris was nowhere to be seen. Our source says: ‘Paris is struggling the most since Michael’s death. She was her daddy’s girl. He was her best friend and he was so proud of her. She’s really heartbroken and she misses him so much.

‘She keeps having dreams that he’s still alive, then when she wakes up and realises he’s dead, she starts sobbing. It’s horrible. Prince Michael has been great – he’s rising to the occasion and trying to be strong, but he’s suffering too.’

Last week, Michael’s mum Katherine was officially named as legal guardian of the children and it was reported that the Jacksons had come to an amicable custody arrangement with Debbie Rowe, 50, who’s the biological mother of Paris and Prince.

In reality, Debbie’s presence is only making things worse for the children. The family are said to be furious that Debbie now wants to play an active role in their lives.

They’ve barely seen or heard from her since she and Michael divorced and he reportedly paid her off in a settlement worth millions.

The children’s godfather Mark Lester - who now claims he could be Paris's father after donating sperm - tells Now that he thinks Debbie’s timing is suspicious, saying: ‘She’s not been around for a few years and now, all of a sudden, she’s back on the scene. It’s very strange.’

Our insider adds: ‘Debbie hasn’t been a parent to Paris and Prince Michael and now she wants to play mother of the year. She can’t just force herself back into their lives. Where’s she been?

‘She never even remembers their birthdays and when she does send something, it’s always late or a completely inappropriate gift, such as clothes that don’t fit or toys for the wrong ages. These kids have had a life without Debbie and she doesn’t know how to relate to them.

‘They’re still in shock and now they’re stuck in the middle of this mayhem. The last thing they need is more drama or someone with ulterior motives trying to sweet-talk her way into their lives.’

Michael Jackson’s multi-million dollar estate is tied up in assets at the moment, but its value is set to increase by millions more in the future – and Debbie’s said to want a share of the profits.

A source says: ‘Debbie’s biding her time and playing the long game. She knows that Katherine and the other members of Michael’s family have no money to give her at this point.

‘By holding off and spending more time with the kids, she could be allowing herself to look good in a judge’s eyes and building a case that she’s a responsible parent. That could give her more chance of a slice of the estate and a big payday at a later date.’

SEE PICTURES The stars at Michael Jackson's memorial>>

SEE PICTURES Michael Jackson - life of a legend>>

See the full story about Michael Jackson's children in Now magazine dated 17 August 2009 - out now!

chris_white@ipcmedia.com