Debbie Rowe has been totally out of the spotlight ever since she stood up for Michael Jackson at his child molestation trial in 2005 (a glossed-over part of the late star’s past that was brought up by U.S. Rep. Peter King today).
How uncomfortable she is being back in it shows.
After first saying she would attend Jackson’s memorial service Tuesday at the Staples Center in L.A., Rowe abruptly pulled out of the invite-only event.
Her attorney, Marta Almli, said, “The onslaught of media attention has made it clear her attendance would be a distraction at an event that should focus exclusively on Michael’s legacy. Debbie will continue to celebrate Michael’s memory privately.”
Part of what changed her mind? An altercation with celebrity news photographers Sunday. Emerging from a Chinese restaurant near her house, Rowe yelled at the paparazzi: “You ready to get your butt kicked? Don’t f*%king touch me.”
GETTING INTO A ROWE: Debbie is far from pleased.
Debbie Rowe is the mother (supposedly) of his two eldest children, Prince, 12, and Paris, 11. The mother of Jackson’s third child, Prince II (Blanket), 7, is unknown.
Last week, Rowe said she wants custody of the kids, though her attorney the said later that she “has not reached a final decision concerning custody proceedings.”
Amid reports that she is not a biological parent of the children – nor is Jackson – Rowe told NBC that she is willing to submit to DNA testing to prove maternity.
A guardianship hearing has been postponed until July 13 at the request of attorneys for Rowe and Katherine Jackson, who remains their temporary guardian.
Click to enlarge more Debbie Rowe pictures from Sunday’s incident …
[Photos: Fame Pictures]