Jackson's secret child claims intensify

Music

13:30 26 October 2005

Janet Jackson's former mother-in-law claims she "always believed" the singer had a secret child.

Although Etterline DeBarge, whose son, James, was married to Janet in 1984, admits she has no proof she has a granddaughter, she says she was convinced Janet was pregnant.

She told America's New York Daily News newspaper: "I knew she was pregnant. She was heavy. I have an instinct. I can tell."

Earlier this week, Janet's former brother-in-law claimed she had a secret teenage daughter.

Young DeBarge told a US radio station Janet has an 18-year-old daughter named Renee.

Young claimed Renee was sent away to live with the eldest of the Jackson siblings, sister Rebbie.

He is quoted as saying: "James and the Jackson family kept everything real close, real tight."

Representatives for the singer have not denied the allegations, but have said the star does not wish to comment.

Jackson wed DeBarge in 1984 and their marriage was annulled a year later.

DeBarge's drug habit was cited as the reason for the split.

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