London, July 7 (IANS) Late pop icon Michael Jackson’s ex-wife Debbie Rowe has decided to skip the singer’s memorial service because she feels her presence could be a distraction for others who will gather there later Tuesday.
Jackson’s funeral will be held at Los Angeles’ Staples Center. Thesun.co.uk reports that the 49-year-old Rowe, who is also the mother of the two eldest Jackson kids, made her decision after the Jackson family gave her a VIP spot. She revealed that her presence would be a distraction and she will “celebrate Michael’s memory privately”.

Rowe filed for divorce three years after she wed Jacko in 1996. She is now battling for custody with the Jackson family for Prince Michael, 12, and Paris, 11.

Justin Timberlake will not perform at the funeral though Jackson’s brother Jermaine had asked him to perform. “Jermaine told Justin he was one of Michael’s favourite performers. But he decided to pay his respects privately,” said a source.