T.J. Becomes Permanent Guardian of Michael Jackson’s Children

Yesterday, the judge approved the permanent guardianship of T.J. Jackson.

Previously, T.J., Michael’s 34-year-old cousin and the son of Tito Jackson, had been appointed as Catherine Jackson’s temporary assistant. Yesterday’s ruling made it permanent, and from now on T.J. is officially Catherine Jackson’s assistant in the guardianship of Michael’s children. In Catherine’s absence, T.J. will be their primary guardian.

The story began last month when several of Michael’s sisters and brothers who objected to his Foundation took Catherine Jackson to Arizona and prevented Michael’s children from having access to her. Following this family turmoil, which quickly reached the media, Judge Mitchell Beckloff appointed T.J. as temporary guardian of the children. After returning, Catherine filed a request with the court to regain permanent guardianship rights for her grandchildren, but she said that recent events proved the need for someone to take care of Michael’s children in her absence.

Diana Ross, who according to Michael’s will was introduced as the guardian of the children after Catherine, announced her agreement with T.J. Jackson’s guardianship. She had met with T.J. before and believes his intentions are good. Diana also informed Judge Beckloff that she cares a great deal about Michael’s children and, if needed, is willing to seriously take on her legal role at any time.

During the judge’s session, Catherine’s lawyer, Sandra Rivera, was asked whether Catherine had agreed to T.J.’s guardianship ruling under pressure. Rivera answered:

“Absolutely not. Mrs. Jackson is fully aware of the situation and makes decisions personally. She fully supports T.J.’s guardianship with all her heart.”

In yesterday’s session, only T.J. Jackson and his lawyer were present. Previously, the judge had allowed Catherine and Michael’s children to leave. Another absentee was Billie Jean Jackson, who had previously been discussed in this. She had claimed that she is Blanket’s mother and said she would attend today’s session, but she didn’t show up. The judge told her that a hearing would be scheduled at the end of September to address her statements. Charles Schulz, T.J.’s lawyer, objected to the judge’s decision, but Mitchell Beckloff clarified that he is required to consider her claim again.

In yesterday’s session, Debra Jackson and her son Anthony Jackson were also present. Anthony Jackson is the son of Michael’s cousin. Anthony lost his father in childhood, and after that, Michael took care of him and promised he would always look after him.

Yesterday, Debra Jackson asked the judge to postpone the confirmation of T.J. Jackson’s guardianship ruling because T.J. prevents her and her son Anthony from communicating with Michael’s children. Debra described this behavior as cruel and said she is worried about the children. She referred to a birthday celebration for one of Michael’s children last year, during which Debra and Anthony were asked to leave the house. Debra said that Catherine and Michael’s children did not agree with this decision. According to Debra, she repeatedly asked about the reason for this behavior but received no answer. The letter had been written last year, but it’s unclear why they waited a year to raise it.

Judge Beckloff said that since they are relatives of Michael’s children, he read their letter. He added that, based on reports from the court’s special investigator, he has full knowledge of the current situation of this family. Beckloff added:

“It’s clear and obvious that the children have a very strong emotional bond with T.J., and they also love their grandmother.”

The judge asked T.J. to review Debra and Anthony’s request, but he emphasized that the final decision rests with the two legal guardians: Catherine and T.J. The judge also told T.J. to think carefully about the deep rift that has been created within the Jackson family and ensure it won’t have a negative effect on Michael’s children.

During last month’s family controversies, Anthony supported Paris on Twitter, but apparently his words didn’t sit well with Paris and Prince, because he received no replies to any of his dozens of tweets from them. The day after Randy and Janet went to the home of Michael’s children to try to seize the mobile phones they used to tweet, Anthony falsely claimed that Paris’s phone had been taken from him by Trent Jackson (Michael’s cousin and Catherine’s advisor), and that he was checking his own profile instead of Paris’s. Paris reacted strongly by rejecting this claim and asked him not to interfere in things.

Source: eMJey.com / AP