LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge appointed a temporary guardian for Michael Jackson’s children Wednesday amid a family feud over the late pop singer’s estate.
The judge also temporarily suspended Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, as the children’s guardian because she is in Arizona and hadn’t spoken with them in several days.
Tito Jackson’s son TJ appeared in court and sought the temporary appointment, but his attorney said he wasn’t trying to replace Katherine Jackson permanently. Tito Jackson is one of Michael’s brothers.
TJ Jackson said he spoke with Katherine Jackson on Tuesday, but she sounded strange. He said she was using words he had never heard her use, and her voice at times sounded slurred.
The appointment came after days of family turmoil, with a relative reporting Katherine Jackson missing before she was located safely with other family members in Arizona.
Katherine Jackson has been the court-appointed guardian of Michael’s three children, Prince, Paris and Blanket, since his death in June 2009.
The house where the children are staying was the scene of a family disturbance Monday that sheriff’s deputies continue to investigate.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.