New guardian for Jackson children
A judge has appointed a temporary guardian for Michael Jackson’s children amid a family feud over the late pop singer’s estate.
The judge also temporarily suspended Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, as the children’s guardian because she is in Arizona and had not spoken to them for several days.
Tito Jackson’s son TJ appeared in court in Los Angeles today and sought the temporary appointment, but his lawyer said he was not trying to replace Mrs Jackson permanently. Tito Jackson is one of Michael’s brothers.
TJ Jackson said he spoke to Mrs Jackson yesterday, but she sounded strange. He said she was using words he had never heard her use, and her voice at times sounded slurred.
His appointment came after days of family turmoil, with a relative reporting Mrs Jackson missing before she was located safely with other family members in Arizona.
Mrs Jackson has been the court-appointed guardian of the pop singer’s three children, Prince, Paris and Blanket, since his death in June 2009 at the age of 50.
The house where the children are staying was the scene of a family disturbance on Monday that sheriff’s deputies continue to investigate.
