Joe Jackson Says He Won't Raise Michael's Children; Plus: An MJ Film?

Joe Jackson says he doesn't plan to raise Michael Jackson's three children.
"I have had a close family relationship with these grandchildren since their birth. I do visit the family residence from time to time and will continue to do so, however I will not be involved in raising the children," Joe wrote in a July 13 declaration filed in court Tuesday.

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The Jackson family patriarch, who resides in Las Vegas, voiced his support for wife Katherine Jackson's guardianship of Prince Michael I, 12, Paris Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II (aka "Blanket"), 7. On Monday, Katherine, 79, was granted custody of the children, who will live with her at the family compound outside of Los Angeles."I understand that all decision-making authority regarding the children will rest with Katherine Jackson," Joe continued. "Katherine Jackson is a wonderful caretaker and guardian, and has done an excellent job raising our children and other grandchildren." Joe had been estranged from the late singer, who had accused his father of beating him when he was younger.The court filing includes forms signed by Prince and Paris, consenting to their grandmother's guardianship, as well as a statement of consent from Debbie Rowe, the biological mother of the two older children. Katherine and Rowe reached a custody agreement last week, in which Rowe will have visitation rights scheduled by a child psychologist.

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The documents also detail a potential Jackson film comprised of the King of Pop's final rehearsal footage, a Los Angeles Superior Court spokeswoman told TVGuide.com. Columbia Pictures paid $60 million for rights to the footage from concert promoter AEG, which also reached a settlement with Jackson's estate. The film deal includes merchandising, product tie-ins, a director's cut and special editions.A judge would need to sign off on the deal at a hearing scheduled for Monday, where Katherine could voice any objections she may have. Katherine has been granted access to her son's AEG contract. Katherine withdrew her bid to control her son's estate, which will be overseen by attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain. The men are open to the idea of naming Katherine as a trustee of the estate, the Associated Press reports.