Kids' mum left out of Jacko will

By Sima Kotecha
Newsbeat US reporter

Tributes have been left outside the gates at Jacko's former Neverland Ranch

Michael Jackson's will reveals his kids would have gone to singer Diana Ross if his mum Katherine had died before him.

The snub to Debbie Rowe, mother of two of Michael Jackson's children, screamed across the headlines of the New York Post.

It read: "Supreme Mom: Jackson's kids to go Diana Ross if My Mum's dead".

No surprise to New Yorkers enjoying the evening sunshine in the Big Apple.

Daniella is 31. She said: "She doesn't deserve anything. And anyway, Michael deserves to leave whatever he wants to whoever he wants in his will."

Plans are underway regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson, and we will announce those plans shortly Jackson family statement reveals the singer's body won't go on show at Neverland

Michael Jackson's will is now out in the open. Written seven years ago, it gives his entire estate to a family trust.

There's nothing for his former wife Debbie Rowe. His mother Katherine is in charge of the trust and the guardian of his three children.

At the time the will was written, his estate was said to be worth £300 million. Since then he'd piled up big debts, now probably offset by profits from music sales following his death.

In the five-page will, Jackson said: "I have intentionally omitted to provide for my former wife, Deborah Rowe Jackson."

Debbie Rowe married Jackson in 1996 but they divorced in 1999. She gave up custody rights to the children but has since tried unsuccessfully to get them back.

She is the biological mother of Jackson's eldest children, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr (known as Prince Michael, 12) and Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11.

Public memorial

The singer's youngest son, seven-year-old Prince Michael II, was born to a surrogate mother whose identity has never been revealed.

Long-time friend Diana Ross is also named as guardian for Jackson's children if his mum Katherine was unable to care for the kids.

Media gathered at Neverland ranch

Meanwhile, as news of the will broke, the Jackson family announced that Michael's body won't be going on public display at the Neverland ranch.

In a statement, they said: "Contrary to previous news reports, the Jackson family is officially stating that there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland.

"Plans are underway regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson, and we will announce those plans shortly."

Vehicles and workers have been going in and out of the Neverland property, fuelling rumours that preparations were underway for a big public event.

Members of the star's family have met police and the California Highway Patrol to discuss funeral arrangements.

Unconfirmed reports suggest Jackson's body may be flown to Gary, Indiana, where he was born.

It's claimed he could be buried there in a private ceremony with friends and family.