Joe Jackson Has Plans for 'Jackson 3'

Grandfather Joe Jackson has plans for Michael's children Prince, Paris, and Blanket to form a new 'Jackson 3.' According to FOX News via The Sun, Joe Jackson has already offered recording contracts to two of the 3 children and is working on getting them the best backing band. Joe Jackson wants the 3 children to go on a world tour in 2010.

Yet Joe Jackson may not have his way, as one of the family members is reportedly "livid" about the plans. He does not want Joe to exploit them the way he exploited Michael. Michael had been afraid of his father, recounting stories of being whipped and beaten if he made mistakes during rehearsal. Siblings Marlon and LaToya had also talked about their father and the "constant threat of violence." Marlon had previously recalled a time when Joe had hung Michael upside-down by the leg and repeatedly pummeled him.

While Joe Jackson is unquestionably capable as a talent mogul, he may not be the best father figure for Michael's 3 children. Pimping them for recording contracts and a world tour may also be too soon for the 3 children, as they recently lost their father Michael. If these kids have true talent and passion, then there are healthier ways to foster their careers.

Michael Jackson's will grants custody of the 3 kids to grandmother Katherine, or to singer Diana Ross if Katherine is unable. Ex-wife Debbie Rowe was left out of the will, but may legally challenge for custody should she choose to do so. From the memorial, it was quite clear that many family members wanted the 'Jackson 3' to remain with Katherine.

Joe Jackson Plans for 'Jackson 3:' High-profile custody battles

Like the Jackson custody battle, the Jon and Kate case will likely remain contentious. With public allegations of infidelity, internet mudslinging, and their recent separation, one has to wonder how sincere Jon and Kate really are when they talk about how they are putting family first and how they want to keep this as civil as possible. With their high-profile divorce proceedings, upcoming custody battles, high-profile lawyers' press conferences, and tearful appearances on Oprah, discretion does not seem to be a priority for Jon and Kate.

For Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin, their contentious custody battle became fodder for the tabloids when tapes leaked of Alec Baldwin calling his 11-year-old daughter a "thoughtless little pig." After he publicly apologized for the outburst, his visitation rights were temporarily restored.

In 2007, Britney Spears and Kevin Federline's came to an ignominious end when she lost custody for failing to follow court orders not to drive without a license and for failing to undergo drug testing and parental counseling. Other high-profile custody battles include Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen, Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, and Loni Anderson and Burt Reynolds.

Hopefully the 3 Jackson children will have the love and support needed to deal with losing their father, and that they will end up with the best care. If they truly have singing talent, they could make it, with or without Joe Jackson.

Sources:

Joe Jackson Wants Michael's Kids to Tour as 'Jackson 3,' FOX News via The Sun