Janet Jackson's secret daughter

Showbiz

13:30 24 October 2005

Janet Jackson has a secret teenage daughter, her former brother-in-law has claimed.

Young DeBarge - whose brother James was briefly married to the singer in the 1980s - told a US radio station Janet has an 18-year-old daughter named Renee.

During an interview, 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."

When asked how Renee feels about her 39-year-old mother and her alleged refusal to acknowledge her, Young admitted: "I think there's a little despondence."

He added: "She hasn't really revealed that, but I'm sure that there's some feelings there. It's only natural that you wonder about what is and how it's come to be that way."

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

(c) BANG Media International