Jackson's ex weeps

Music

13:30 28 April 2005

Michael Jackson's ex-wife wept in court yesterday (27.04.05) as she defended the singer at his child abuse trial.

In a major blow to the prosecution, Debbie Rowe said she desperately wanted to "reconnect" with Jackson, the father of her two children.

She also denied she was forced by the eccentric star's aides to make a video praising him as a good parent in return for seeing Prince Michael, now eight, and Paris, seven.

The blonde 43-year-old said she never lived with Jackson and, after handing over custody to the star, she saw her children for just eight hours every 45 days.

She said the visits, usually in hotels, were "not comfortable", adding: "I would bring them things like colourings and the nanny was concerned that the children were getting dirty. "The environment was very sterile."

After a year-and-a-half Rowe gave up all parental rights.

Asked by the prosecution why she wanted to rekindle her friendship with Jackson, she tearfully replied: "He is my friend."

After 30 minutes on the stand she looked at the eccentric singer and broke into a broad grin.

Jackson denies all charges against him.

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