Michael Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe has pulled out of plans to attend the King of Pop's memorial in Los Angeles on Tuesday - because she fears her presence will be too much of a distraction.
Rowe, who is the mother of Jackson's two eldest children, was planning to join Jackson family members, friends and fans at the Staples Center tribute after securing VIP seats, but she has now decided to stay away.
EDITOR'S NOTE: JAM! will have live coverage right here of Michael Jackson's public memorial at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California today @ 1 p.m.
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The former nurse's attorney Marta Almli states, "Although Debbie had originally planned to attend tomorrow's Staples Center memorial service, we have concluded with Debbie that she will not be attending.
"The onslaught of media attention has made it clear her attendance would be an unnecessary distraction to an event that should focus exclusively on Michael's legacy. Debbie will continue to celebrate Michael's memory privately."
Jackson's reclusive ex still hasn't decided whether or not she'll contest custody of her kids. The late singer's mother has been granted temporary guardianship of Prince Michael and Paris and their brother Prince Michael II. Permanent custody will be decided next week.
The pop superstar insisted his mother should have custody of his kids in the event of his untimely death.
Meanwhile, the pressure of the media attention has taken its toll on Rowe - she lashed out at paparazzi who followed her to a grocery store.
As she waded through a scrum of photographers, one tapped her on the shoulder prompting Rowe to snap, "Do not touch me... You just did." And when the paparazzo asked her if she was ready to fight for her children, she scolded, "Are you ready to get your butt kicked?"
The encounter was captured on video camera and offered to media networks.
