Michael Jackson Ex-Wife Debbie Rowe Seeking $500,000 Over Custody Claim

Michael Jackson's former wife Debbie Rowe has sued a woman who claimed she was not interested in gaining custody of her children with the singer.

Rebecca White made the allegation during an interview on US TV show Extra earlier this year.

Described as a “close friend”, White said she and Rowe had discussed the custody of Prince Michael, 12, and Paris, 11, during a series of emails after Jackson's death in June.

White claimed that Rowe had stated to her that she wanted money instead of guardianship.

Rowe sued White for defamation and invasion-of-privacy in July but the Florida woman has yet to respond to the lawsuit.

Court papers filed last week stated that Jackson's former wife was seeking $490,000 in general and punitive damages.

The damages include recouping any money that White may have earned from the interview, which Rowe's lawyers estimate to be $100,000.

The 50-year-old is also seeking damages for emotional distress and attorney's fees.

A court hearing has been scheduled for November, according to the Associated Press.

Jackson died in Los Angeles on June 25.

In August, Rowe, who divorced from the singer in 1999, was granted visitation rights to see the former couple's children.

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