Michael Jackson's children caught in the middle of custody fight

In a show of unity her children Jermaine, Janet and Rebbie stood close around their mother Katherine Jackson as dispelled rumours that she had been kidnapped.

The 82 year old read out a prepared statement at the luxury resort where she has been staying.

Earlier the Jackson family matriarch had lost custody of her late son Michael's three children after a judge awarded temporary guardianship of the trio to their cousin TJ.

Prince, 15, Paris, 14, and Blanket, 10 will be cared for by their 34-year-old cousin who had been staying with them in their grandmother's absence.

Katherine said: 'I am devastated that while I've been away, my grandchildren have been taken away from me and I'm coming home.'

And she claimed the move was 'based on a bunch of lies.'

But she failed to explain why she hadn't notified her three wards of her intention to take a 'short vacation and rest'.

'One reason I didn't call is I just gave up my phone and I didn't want to have any phone calls while I was here,' she said.

Katherine also confirmed that she had left her grandson TJ in charge.

The film crew were told they were not to ask Katherine any questions as she read the statement.

At one stage Janet and Jermaine exchanged glances and whispered.

Katherine also explained that her assistant had been in contact with her grandson Prince.

'He said everything was going fine back home,' she said. 'Still I think about the children... worry about them but they're fine.'

She then confirmed reports that she had spoken to her grandchildren after ten days without contact.

'I told them I would come home today and they're waiting for me to come,' she said.