MICHAEL JACKSON’s children are being being shamelessly exploited by their grandfather, JOE JACKSON, who plans to trot them out for cash on the anniversary of his son’s death, charges a source close to the family.
In a heartless grab for money, Joe Jackson, who was cut out of his son’s will, intends to put Michael’s three grief-stricken children on display and charge the public up to $5,000 to gawk at them, say shocked insiders.
What’s more, the Jackson patriarch is desperately trying to reconcile with his estranged wife Katherine to get his hands on the superstar’s fortune, say pals of the late singer.
"I think Joe’s desperate to get at Michael’s money,and he intends to exploit the children and make peace with Katherine in order to cash in," a close family friend told The ENQUIRER.
To mark the June 25 anniversary, the family plans an official tribute at Forest Lawn cemetery where Jacko is entombed. The event is free to the public.
"But I am sure Joe smelled a potential fortune, so he spearheaded his own event," said another family insider.
"His plan is to trot out the kids at a separate VIP gala – and he wants to charge fans up to $5,000 to meet the children and pose with them for pictures. And I believe the proceeds will go to him."
Michael’s children – Prince, 13, Paris, 12, and Blanket, 8 – each inherited a staggering $33 million to be overseen by their grandmother.
Michael left nothing to his father, nothing to his brothers Jermaine, Jackie, Tito, Marlon and Randy, nothing to sisters Janet, La Toya and Rebbie and nothing to ex-wives Lisa Marie Presley and Debbie Rowe.
"Since Joe can’t touch the kids’ money, he wants to use them to raise cash," said the source.
"He personally cobbled together a June 26 ‘tribute’ and booked The Beverly Hilton hotel and plans to display some of Michael’s personal effects.
"Joe is confident he can charm Katherine, the youngsters’ legal guardian, into letting him take them to the gala – where he will be selling the opportunity to meet them."
Tickets to the event start at a hefty $150 – and Joe also stands to make thousands by selling the face-to-face meetings.
"It is shameless exploitation," fumed the source.
