Claims that Debbie Rowe isn't the biological mother of Michael Jackson's oldest kids are untrue, according to her attorney.
"We refuse to be drawn into addressing the various rumors and speculation swirling in the media. The vast majority of what is out there is untrue. Particular hurtful and insidious is the most recent rumor -- which is entirely false -- concerning the maternity of the children. Ms. Rowe is the biological mother of the two oldest children," Marta Almli, Rowe's lawyer, told Us Weekly.
Yesterday, TMZ reported that neither Jackson NOR Rowe are the biological parents. Citing "multiple sources deeply connected to the births," the site claims Michael Jr. and Paris were conceived in vitro, outside the womb, and that Michael was not the sperm donor.
Meanwhile, according to Us Weekly, the biological father of Prince and Paris is Jackson's dermatologist Arnold Klein, whose former employee is Rowe. "He is the dad," says a Jackson insider. "He and Debbie signed an agreement saying they would never reveal the truth."
Regardless, Rowe has been trying to get in touch with the late singer's family since his death.
"We've been trying to reach them at different numbers. But we don't know if who we've been leaving messages with have gotten the messages," Marc Schaffel, a business associate of the family who is friends with Rowe, tells PEOPLE.
Michael Jackson starred as the Scarecrow in the 1978 film 'The Wiz.'
Tom Zimberoff, Getty Images
Oprah Winfrey interviewed Jackson in February of 1993.
AP
Time showed off an Andy Warhol portrait on a 1984 cover at the height of his 'Thriller' popularity.
Time & Life Pictures / Getty Images
Michael Jackson is photographed with Brooke Shields in 1988.
Ron Galella, WireImage
Michael Jackson hit the court with Michael Jordan during the video shoot for 'Jam' in 1992.
FOX / AP
Jackson attends a Pepsi press conference on February 3, 1992. Jackson accepted the largest individual sponsorship deal in history from Pepsi-Cola in 1983.
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Jackson performs during the halftime show at the Super Bowl XXVII in Pasadena in 1993. The halftime show was a ratings smash.
Rusty Kennedy, AP
Jackson and his wife Lisa Marie Presley kiss on the stage of Radio City Music Hall at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards. "And they said he wouldn't last," Jackson joked.
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Wearing a black surgical mask, Jackson arrives with companion Debbie Rowe, mother to two of his children, at a performance of the play "Sisterella" in 1996.
Chris Pizzello, AP
Michael Jackson with baby son Prince and mother Debbie Rowe on cover of OK! Magazine in 1997.
OK! Magazine / AP
"In all fairness I wouldn't say they are avoiding her," Schaffel says. "Our understanding, though, is that the Jackson family does want to have contact with Debbie."
As for Rowe's reasons for trying to contact them? Schaffel explains that there are "several reasons" including "to offer her input into a venue where they could have a public memorial."
"Debbie was absolutely devastated by Michael's death. They had an incredible bond and friendship even prior to the marriage... Debbie was a very good friend to Michael during all those years," he adds.
According to the law, Rowe could get custody of the two children, even if she isn't the biological mother. However, Katherine Jackson -- Michael's mother -- has petitioned in court to be the legal guardian and was granted temporary custody.
In papers filed in court, Katherine claims that the kids "have no relationship with their biological mother" and "have a long established relationship" with their grandmother.
Jackson's youngest child, Prince Michael II, was born to an unknown surrogate.
