8:11 am - 07/24/2012
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Michael Jackson Estate Executors Seek Guardianship of MJ's Kids
The executors of Michael Jackson's estate will go to court to seek an emergency guardianship of Michael's 3 kids ... alleging that Katherine has been effectively kidnapped by Michael's siblings and as a result his kids are in danger and without supervision.
Sources very familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... the executors feel responsible for protecting the kids ... since the kids are the primary beneficiaries of their father's estate.
As we previously reported, Katherine went off the radar more than a week ago leaving her grandkids behind as Janet, Jermaine, Randy, Rebbie, and Tito executed a long-standing plan to convince Katherine that Michael's will was a fraud and the executors had to go.
Sources tell us ... this plan has been in the works for months, but here's the problem ... Even if the will was invalidated, MJ's brothers and sisters would get zilch because the prior will also gives them nothing.
And, although we're told Randy wants to make a move to replace the executors, that would never happen. First of all, the executors will not be removed. And second, even if they were removed, the court would never appoint someone with no background in finances.
We're told the executors are drafting the guardianship papers now and they expect to file in the probate court in the next few days.
Just last night, the MJ estate issued an official statement online, saying, "We are acutely concerned about the welfare of Mrs. Jackson, and most particularly with Michael's minor children. We are concerned that we do what we can to protect them from undue influences, bullying, greed, and other unfortunate circumstances. While we do not have standing to directly intervene, we have monitored the situation and will continue to do so. We believe measures are being put in place that will help protect them from what they are having to deal with."
UPDATE: TJ Jackson, the 34-year-old son of Michael Jackson's brother Tito, is having his lawyer draft legal docs in a bid to become temporary guardian of MJ's 3 kids ... TMZ has learned.
People familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Paris, Prince and Blanket all want TJ to be their guardian because they believe Katherine -- their current guardian -- has effectively been kidnapped by MJ's siblings. The kids haven't seen Katherine in 9 days.
Under California law, a judge would not grant a temporary guardian for teenagers unless the kids were on board with the selection, and we're told all 3 kids are down with it. We're told TJ has often acted like a parent to the kids and they love him.
As we first reported ... the Michael Jackson Estate is standing by and will support TJ's bid to become the temporary guardian if asked by the Probate judge.
Just 15 hours ago, TJ tweeted to Paris, "I know it's completely unfair for them to do this to you and your brothers. We will keep trying. I love you."
Sources - 1, 2
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Michael Jackson's Kids Met With Attorney After Uncles, Aunt Attempt To Take Them From Their Home
Michael Jackson's children -- Prince, Paris, and Blanket -- met with their court-appointed attorney, Margaret Lodise, on Monday evening after Jermaine, Randy, and Janet Jackson attempted to take the kids to Arizona, and Lodise could be going to court on Tuesday to address concerns she has about the kids' well being and safety, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting.
The King of Pop's children were given their own attorney to represent their best interests after their father tragically died three years ago, and Margaret Lodise was appointed to be their guardian ad litem.
"Margaret went to the house on Monday evening as a meeting with the children was requested," a source close to the situation tells Radar. "This came after Jermaine, Randy and Janet tried to take them out of state. Katherine has now been out of the picture for over a week, and legal options are now being pursued in order to ensure that the children are safe.
"It's certainly extremely concerning to Margaret Lodise that Katherine has been out of town for over a week and that the children haven't spoken to her in that time. Katherine needs to get home quickly because there could be far reaching consequences as far as custody of the kids goes as it pertains to Katherine. It's very likely that Lodise will be going to court as early as Tuesday to express her concerns to the judge, as she has a legal obligation to do so.
"Paris got into a scuffle with her aunt Janet upon entering the house because she told Paris she had to stop posting family information on Twitter. Janet physically tried to take Paris' cell phone from her, but she wouldn't give it up. It was just a very, very unfortunate situation that didn't need to occur. If Katherine isn't physically capable of taking care of the kids anymore, then the Courts are going to get involved, and very quickly. The kids can't be caught in the middle of the ongoing drama of the Jackson family, period."
Meanwhile, as RadarOnline.com previously reported, Jermaine, Randy, and Janet Jackson have been barred from their mother Katherine's Calabasas home after attempting to remove the kids from the house on Monday. The situation adds to the ongoing drama with the Jackson family, as Katherine has been in Arizona for more than a week and hasn't spoken to her grandchildren, of whom she is the legal guardian. "It was just total chaos when Jermaine, Randy and Janet descended on the house," the source revealed.
"The plan to take the kids out of the house was going to be a publicity stunt. The kids were going to be paraded into the house in Arizona where Katherine is staying and those photos would be published on a website favored by Randy Jackson."
Paris posted on her Twitter: "8 days and counting . something is really off , this isn’t like her at all .. i wanna talk directly to my grandmother!!<|3"
Reports circulated on Monday night that Trent Jackson was manipulating Paris to post negative things about the family.
"That is absolutely laughable," the source says. "Prince, Paris and Blanket could all be hauled into court to tell the judge what is going on and Paris would reveal that no one forced her to do anything as far as her Twitter is concerned. In fact, the last thing the Jackson family would want is for those kids to testify under oath about what is really going on in the family. The kids are ready to go to court, as they feel the only thing that can bring their grandmother home," the source says.
Source - Radar Online
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Katherine Jackson’s Lawyers: “Plan in Place for Three Years to Remove Her From Her Home and Grandchildren”
07/24/12 (8:26am)
By Roger Friedman
Katherine Jackson’s lawyers have sent me a statement about what went on yesterday in Calabasas. All of it was witnessed by the attorneys. Here it is, exclusively:
"Yesterday afternoon certain Jackson family members ambushed Katherine Jackson’s home after their vehicle tore through security gates on the tails of the SUV containing Michael Jackson’s children. After exiting their vehicles, Jackson family members ran up to Michael’s children as they yelled and began to aggressively grab at the cell phones in their hands. Out of concern for the well being of Prince, Paris, and Blanket Jackson, the children were forced to temporarily leave their home and taken to a safe location. An altercation ensued shortly thereafter and law enforcement arrived at the scene.
"Following the incident, it was learned that one of the family members who was part of the ambush admitted that a plan has been in place for the last three years to remove Katherine Jackson from her home and her beloved grandchildren. Prince, Paris, and Blanket Jackson have not heard from their grandmother since she left their home nine days ago to attend a series of her sons’ concerts on their Unity Tour. She never made the shows. Despite efforts to interview Katherine Jackson at her current location in Arizona yesterday, Los Angeles County Sheriffs confirmed that they were denied access to Mrs. Jackson by security for one of her children."
Source - Showbiz411
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L.A. Sheriff probes charge Katherine Jackson is being emotionally and financially mistreated by family members, sheriff spokesman says
(Katherine Jackson -- second from left -- playing Uno with her daughter Rebbie, left, and other family members in Arizona yesterday, two days after she was reported missing.)
On Monday (July 23), Los Angeles County sheriff's detectives closed a missing persons case opened for Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, who was found to be with daughter Rebbie in Arizona.
"Katherine Jackson has been located and she is fine and with family," Whitmore said. "Our missing persons case is closed." Deputies talked to two family members and were satisfied, he said.
A lawyer for Katherine Jackson is not satisfied, saying the sheriff's deputies who tried to talk to her in Arizona Monday were blocked from seeing her.
Because the 82-year-old matriarch of the Jackson music dynasty was taken across state lines, Katherine Jackson attorney Sandra Ribera said earlier, she hopes the FBI will investigate the circumstances of what she called her disappearance.
Jermaine Jackson, in a statement posted on Twitter Sunday night, said his mother "is safe and well in Arizona with her daughter and our sister, Rebbie, resting up on doctor's advice."
Dr. Allen Metzger -- both Michael and Janet Jackson's former physician -- reportedly visited Katherine Jackson on July 14, under "false pretenses." Metzger is not Katherine Jackson's primary physician and her regular doctor wasn't aware the his house call until concerns about Katherine Jackson's whereabouts were raised, Ribera said.
But Michael Jackson's three children still have not heard from their grandmother eight days after she left them at home, Ribera said.
Jermaine Jackson's statement insisted the children were not "being 'blocked' from speaking with Mother."
"She is merely an 82-year-old woman following doctor's orders to rest up and de-stress, away from phones and computers," he tweeted.
His statement did not explain why Paris was rebuffed during several attempts to reach her grandmother on the phone. That led to Paris posting messages on Twitter early Sunday pleading for help in finding her.
"Yes, my grandmother is missing," Paris tweeted. "I haven't spoken with her in a week i want her home now."
It is the latest chapter in a messy dispute between several of Jackson's children and her advisers.
Whitmore confirmed that the sheriff's department is investigating allegations that Jackson was being "emotionally and financially mistreated by family members."
Katherine Jackson has custody of Michael Jackson's children and a 20% share in her son's huge estate. Her husband, Joe Jackson, and her eight surviving children were completely left out of Michael Jackson's will.
The abuse probe began when "a business associate of the Jackson family" reported the allegation to a sheriff's official in April, Whitmore said.
"Investigators contacted Katherine Jackson and she emphatically denied any and all of them," Whitmore said. When investigators met with Jackson she was "in good health and voiced no complaints," he said.
"Out an abundance of caution, we have continued to interview legal representatives of the family about the possibility of financial abuses," he said. "That investigation remains open."
Katherine Jackson's lawyer and business manager decline to immediately comment.
Late Monday afternoon, Michael Jackson's siblings responded to rumors that their mother Katherine was "missing" by publishing a photograph (above) of her playing cards with family, allegedly in Arizona.
The matriarch, 82, can be seen smiling as she sits around a table with daughter Rebbie, granddaughter Stacy, great-grandson London, and Janet Jackson's bodyguard, Joey, while playing a playing the card game Uno.
"Not pictured: MJ's children . . . who Katherine abandoned in L.A. during her getaway," wrote TMZ.
Source - CNN
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Michael Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe "extremely concerned" about his mom Katherine & kids
Michael Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, the mother of his children Prince and Paris, is extremely concerned for Katherine Jackson, and she’s vigorously monitoring the situation, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting.
"Debbie is actively monitoring the situation and is extremely concerned for Katherine. She has tremendous respect and love for Katherine and is also concerned for the children and is angry that Paris has been unable to talk to Katherine for the past week," a source close to the situation tells Radar.
As we previously reported, Katherine Jackson, 82, was reported missing to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department after her grandchildren, Paris, Prince, and Blanket were unable to reach her all week.
"While Debbie hasn't been a strong presence in the children's lives, she loves them tremendously and is concerned for their well being," the insider says. "Debbie and Katherine were able to reach an out of court custody agreement in the months after Michael died. Debbie had no interest in fighting Katherine for custody of the children. However, if Katherine has suffered a health setback, this could very easily end up back in court because Debbie has very strong feelings about Michael's siblings having any role in caring for the children."
Calls seeking comment to Rowe's attorney weren't immediately returned.
Michael Jackson's 14-year-old daughter Paris previously expressed her affection for Rowe on Twitter, wishing her a happy Mother's Day in May.
"#iLoveMyMomBecause she gave my father love (: <3" the teenager wrote.
More recently, Paris posted an old photo of her father kissing Rowe's cheek, captioned with the words, "mommy and daddy <3"
Source
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PLUS: GMA airs video footage of Janet & Randy Jackson bum-rushing MJ's kids as they get out of their car -- then filming them (Monday):
UPDATE: "TJ Jackson, the 34-year-old son of Michael Jackson's brother Tito, is having his lawyer draft legal docs in a bid to become temporary guardian of MJ's 3 kids, TMZ has learned. [...] We're told TJ has often acted like a parent to the kids and they love him. Just 15 hours ago, TJ tweeted to Paris, 'I know it's completely unfair for them to do this to you and your brothers. We will keep trying. I love you.'"
SHIT JUST GOT REAL, YA'LL
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Michael Jackson Estate Executors Seek Guardianship of MJ's Kids
The executors of Michael Jackson's estate will go to court to seek an emergency guardianship of Michael's 3 kids ... alleging that Katherine has been effectively kidnapped by Michael's siblings and as a result his kids are in danger and without supervision.
Sources very familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... the executors feel responsible for protecting the kids ... since the kids are the primary beneficiaries of their father's estate.
As we previously reported, Katherine went off the radar more than a week ago leaving her grandkids behind as Janet, Jermaine, Randy, Rebbie, and Tito executed a long-standing plan to convince Katherine that Michael's will was a fraud and the executors had to go.
Sources tell us ... this plan has been in the works for months, but here's the problem ... Even if the will was invalidated, MJ's brothers and sisters would get zilch because the prior will also gives them nothing.
And, although we're told Randy wants to make a move to replace the executors, that would never happen. First of all, the executors will not be removed. And second, even if they were removed, the court would never appoint someone with no background in finances.
We're told the executors are drafting the guardianship papers now and they expect to file in the probate court in the next few days.
Just last night, the MJ estate issued an official statement online, saying, "We are acutely concerned about the welfare of Mrs. Jackson, and most particularly with Michael's minor children. We are concerned that we do what we can to protect them from undue influences, bullying, greed, and other unfortunate circumstances. While we do not have standing to directly intervene, we have monitored the situation and will continue to do so. We believe measures are being put in place that will help protect them from what they are having to deal with."
UPDATE: TJ Jackson, the 34-year-old son of Michael Jackson's brother Tito, is having his lawyer draft legal docs in a bid to become temporary guardian of MJ's 3 kids ... TMZ has learned.
People familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Paris, Prince and Blanket all want TJ to be their guardian because they believe Katherine -- their current guardian -- has effectively been kidnapped by MJ's siblings. The kids haven't seen Katherine in 9 days.
Under California law, a judge would not grant a temporary guardian for teenagers unless the kids were on board with the selection, and we're told all 3 kids are down with it. We're told TJ has often acted like a parent to the kids and they love him.
As we first reported ... the Michael Jackson Estate is standing by and will support TJ's bid to become the temporary guardian if asked by the Probate judge.
Just 15 hours ago, TJ tweeted to Paris, "I know it's completely unfair for them to do this to you and your brothers. We will keep trying. I love you."
Sources - 1, 2
________________________________________
Michael Jackson's Kids Met With Attorney After Uncles, Aunt Attempt To Take Them From Their Home
Michael Jackson's children -- Prince, Paris, and Blanket -- met with their court-appointed attorney, Margaret Lodise, on Monday evening after Jermaine, Randy, and Janet Jackson attempted to take the kids to Arizona, and Lodise could be going to court on Tuesday to address concerns she has about the kids' well being and safety, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting.
The King of Pop's children were given their own attorney to represent their best interests after their father tragically died three years ago, and Margaret Lodise was appointed to be their guardian ad litem.
"Margaret went to the house on Monday evening as a meeting with the children was requested," a source close to the situation tells Radar. "This came after Jermaine, Randy and Janet tried to take them out of state. Katherine has now been out of the picture for over a week, and legal options are now being pursued in order to ensure that the children are safe.
"It's certainly extremely concerning to Margaret Lodise that Katherine has been out of town for over a week and that the children haven't spoken to her in that time. Katherine needs to get home quickly because there could be far reaching consequences as far as custody of the kids goes as it pertains to Katherine. It's very likely that Lodise will be going to court as early as Tuesday to express her concerns to the judge, as she has a legal obligation to do so.
"Paris got into a scuffle with her aunt Janet upon entering the house because she told Paris she had to stop posting family information on Twitter. Janet physically tried to take Paris' cell phone from her, but she wouldn't give it up. It was just a very, very unfortunate situation that didn't need to occur. If Katherine isn't physically capable of taking care of the kids anymore, then the Courts are going to get involved, and very quickly. The kids can't be caught in the middle of the ongoing drama of the Jackson family, period."
Meanwhile, as RadarOnline.com previously reported, Jermaine, Randy, and Janet Jackson have been barred from their mother Katherine's Calabasas home after attempting to remove the kids from the house on Monday. The situation adds to the ongoing drama with the Jackson family, as Katherine has been in Arizona for more than a week and hasn't spoken to her grandchildren, of whom she is the legal guardian. "It was just total chaos when Jermaine, Randy and Janet descended on the house," the source revealed.
"The plan to take the kids out of the house was going to be a publicity stunt. The kids were going to be paraded into the house in Arizona where Katherine is staying and those photos would be published on a website favored by Randy Jackson."
Paris posted on her Twitter: "8 days and counting . something is really off , this isn’t like her at all .. i wanna talk directly to my grandmother!!<|3"
Reports circulated on Monday night that Trent Jackson was manipulating Paris to post negative things about the family.
"That is absolutely laughable," the source says. "Prince, Paris and Blanket could all be hauled into court to tell the judge what is going on and Paris would reveal that no one forced her to do anything as far as her Twitter is concerned. In fact, the last thing the Jackson family would want is for those kids to testify under oath about what is really going on in the family. The kids are ready to go to court, as they feel the only thing that can bring their grandmother home," the source says.
Source - Radar Online
________________________________________
Katherine Jackson’s Lawyers: “Plan in Place for Three Years to Remove Her From Her Home and Grandchildren”
07/24/12 (8:26am)
By Roger Friedman
Katherine Jackson’s lawyers have sent me a statement about what went on yesterday in Calabasas. All of it was witnessed by the attorneys. Here it is, exclusively:
"Yesterday afternoon certain Jackson family members ambushed Katherine Jackson’s home after their vehicle tore through security gates on the tails of the SUV containing Michael Jackson’s children. After exiting their vehicles, Jackson family members ran up to Michael’s children as they yelled and began to aggressively grab at the cell phones in their hands. Out of concern for the well being of Prince, Paris, and Blanket Jackson, the children were forced to temporarily leave their home and taken to a safe location. An altercation ensued shortly thereafter and law enforcement arrived at the scene.
"Following the incident, it was learned that one of the family members who was part of the ambush admitted that a plan has been in place for the last three years to remove Katherine Jackson from her home and her beloved grandchildren. Prince, Paris, and Blanket Jackson have not heard from their grandmother since she left their home nine days ago to attend a series of her sons’ concerts on their Unity Tour. She never made the shows. Despite efforts to interview Katherine Jackson at her current location in Arizona yesterday, Los Angeles County Sheriffs confirmed that they were denied access to Mrs. Jackson by security for one of her children."
Source - Showbiz411
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L.A. Sheriff probes charge Katherine Jackson is being emotionally and financially mistreated by family members, sheriff spokesman says
(Katherine Jackson -- second from left -- playing Uno with her daughter Rebbie, left, and other family members in Arizona yesterday, two days after she was reported missing.)
On Monday (July 23), Los Angeles County sheriff's detectives closed a missing persons case opened for Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, who was found to be with daughter Rebbie in Arizona.
"Katherine Jackson has been located and she is fine and with family," Whitmore said. "Our missing persons case is closed." Deputies talked to two family members and were satisfied, he said.
A lawyer for Katherine Jackson is not satisfied, saying the sheriff's deputies who tried to talk to her in Arizona Monday were blocked from seeing her.
Because the 82-year-old matriarch of the Jackson music dynasty was taken across state lines, Katherine Jackson attorney Sandra Ribera said earlier, she hopes the FBI will investigate the circumstances of what she called her disappearance.
Jermaine Jackson, in a statement posted on Twitter Sunday night, said his mother "is safe and well in Arizona with her daughter and our sister, Rebbie, resting up on doctor's advice."
Dr. Allen Metzger -- both Michael and Janet Jackson's former physician -- reportedly visited Katherine Jackson on July 14, under "false pretenses." Metzger is not Katherine Jackson's primary physician and her regular doctor wasn't aware the his house call until concerns about Katherine Jackson's whereabouts were raised, Ribera said.
But Michael Jackson's three children still have not heard from their grandmother eight days after she left them at home, Ribera said.
Jermaine Jackson's statement insisted the children were not "being 'blocked' from speaking with Mother."
"She is merely an 82-year-old woman following doctor's orders to rest up and de-stress, away from phones and computers," he tweeted.
His statement did not explain why Paris was rebuffed during several attempts to reach her grandmother on the phone. That led to Paris posting messages on Twitter early Sunday pleading for help in finding her.
"Yes, my grandmother is missing," Paris tweeted. "I haven't spoken with her in a week i want her home now."
It is the latest chapter in a messy dispute between several of Jackson's children and her advisers.
Whitmore confirmed that the sheriff's department is investigating allegations that Jackson was being "emotionally and financially mistreated by family members."
Katherine Jackson has custody of Michael Jackson's children and a 20% share in her son's huge estate. Her husband, Joe Jackson, and her eight surviving children were completely left out of Michael Jackson's will.
The abuse probe began when "a business associate of the Jackson family" reported the allegation to a sheriff's official in April, Whitmore said.
"Investigators contacted Katherine Jackson and she emphatically denied any and all of them," Whitmore said. When investigators met with Jackson she was "in good health and voiced no complaints," he said.
"Out an abundance of caution, we have continued to interview legal representatives of the family about the possibility of financial abuses," he said. "That investigation remains open."
Katherine Jackson's lawyer and business manager decline to immediately comment.
Late Monday afternoon, Michael Jackson's siblings responded to rumors that their mother Katherine was "missing" by publishing a photograph (above) of her playing cards with family, allegedly in Arizona.
The matriarch, 82, can be seen smiling as she sits around a table with daughter Rebbie, granddaughter Stacy, great-grandson London, and Janet Jackson's bodyguard, Joey, while playing a playing the card game Uno.
"Not pictured: MJ's children . . . who Katherine abandoned in L.A. during her getaway," wrote TMZ.
Source - CNN
________________________________________
Michael Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe "extremely concerned" about his mom Katherine & kids
Michael Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, the mother of his children Prince and Paris, is extremely concerned for Katherine Jackson, and she’s vigorously monitoring the situation, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting.
"Debbie is actively monitoring the situation and is extremely concerned for Katherine. She has tremendous respect and love for Katherine and is also concerned for the children and is angry that Paris has been unable to talk to Katherine for the past week," a source close to the situation tells Radar.
As we previously reported, Katherine Jackson, 82, was reported missing to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department after her grandchildren, Paris, Prince, and Blanket were unable to reach her all week.
"While Debbie hasn't been a strong presence in the children's lives, she loves them tremendously and is concerned for their well being," the insider says. "Debbie and Katherine were able to reach an out of court custody agreement in the months after Michael died. Debbie had no interest in fighting Katherine for custody of the children. However, if Katherine has suffered a health setback, this could very easily end up back in court because Debbie has very strong feelings about Michael's siblings having any role in caring for the children."
Calls seeking comment to Rowe's attorney weren't immediately returned.
Michael Jackson's 14-year-old daughter Paris previously expressed her affection for Rowe on Twitter, wishing her a happy Mother's Day in May.
"#iLoveMyMomBecause she gave my father love (: <3" the teenager wrote.
More recently, Paris posted an old photo of her father kissing Rowe's cheek, captioned with the words, "mommy and daddy <3"
Source
________________________________________
PLUS: GMA airs video footage of Janet & Randy Jackson bum-rushing MJ's kids as they get out of their car -- then filming them (Monday):
UPDATE: "TJ Jackson, the 34-year-old son of Michael Jackson's brother Tito, is having his lawyer draft legal docs in a bid to become temporary guardian of MJ's 3 kids, TMZ has learned. [...] We're told TJ has often acted like a parent to the kids and they love him. Just 15 hours ago, TJ tweeted to Paris, 'I know it's completely unfair for them to do this to you and your brothers. We will keep trying. I love you.'"
Maybe Janet hears the distant death knoll, and realizes that her siblings can't continue to make petty cash by hawking MJ tell-all books and "tribute" perfumes forever . . . once Katherine dies, her share of MJ's estate goes back to his kids. The handouts are over and done with. Maybe Janet is afraid they'll start gunning for her.
Or, she really isn't doing that well financially. Read this article: http://www.showbiz411.com/2012/07/23/ja
Either way . . . Janet is shady and wrong as hell for co-signing that BS letter . . . and now all of THIS. =_=
me right now.
Edited at 2012-07-24 03:27 pm (UTC)
I can't even read anything because all I can think is "What? Why?"
and janet, i was rooting for you!