Deborah Rowe Jackson, whose testimony helped Michael Jackson at the pop star's recent child molestation trial, is close to a settlement with Jackson to regain visitation rights to the couple's two children.
Rowe was married to the pop star from 1996 to 1999 and has two children with him, a son, Prince Michael, 8, and a daughter named Paris, 7. She reportedly gave up her parental rights voluntarily in 2001 although that court order was later voided by a the judge in 2004. The 'King of Pop' has had custody of the children.
Rowe had asked for a change in circumstances because of the child molestation accusations against Jackson and because he was associated with the Nation of Islam, an organization that holds anti-Semitic views. Rowe is Jewish.
Michael Abrams, Jackson's attorney on this issue, told the Associated Press, 'I think I see it,' he said. 'A settlement is in sight.'
He also added, 'The resolution will be to everybody's satisfaction. I'm hoping everybody will go away very happy.'
Rowe testified during the molestation child that Jackson was a good father and told the jury that he was surrounded by 'opportunistic vultures' who were trying to make money off his troubles. She also referred to Jackson and the two children as 'my family' and said she hoped to resume a relationship with them.
During the original hearing in which she gave up her parental rights, Rowe testified, 'I'm absolutely around if ever Michael needs me, if the children need me for a liver, kidney, a hello, whatever, I will always be around for him,' she said. 'These are his children. I had the children for him. They wouldn't be on this planet if it wasn't for my love of him. I did it for him to become a father. Not for me to become a mother. You earn the title parent. I have done absolutely nothing to earn that title.'
Neither side would comment on rumors that Rowe will be regaining visitation and parental rights from Jackson in exchange for her helpful testimony at his criminal trial.
