Diana Ross urges privacy for Jackson's children

The turmoil involving Michael Jackson’s children and the appointment of a temporary guardian is a private matter and should not be playing out publicly, Diana Ross has said.

In a statement the 68-year-old singer said: “All interests are best served if it remains private”.

Ross was named in Jackson’s 2002 will as a potential guardian for his three children if his mother was not available to serve.

A judge suspended Katherine Jackson as the children’s guardian last week after a 10-day absence and instructed the temporary guardian, TJ Jackson, to notify Ross of the changes.

Court filings on Friday indicated that Ross’ lawyer had been given notice.

Ross and Jackson were long-time friends before his death in 2009 at the age of 50.

Meanwhile, Katherine Jackson says she is returning to her family's Indiana home town to celebrate what would have would have been Michael's 54th birthday.

An announcement by a representative of Mrs Jackson states the events in Gary will be attended by the singer’s three children as well.

A candlelight vigil is planned for August 29 outside the family’s home on Jackson’s 54th birthday.

The celebration is being dubbed “Goin’ Back to Indiana: Can You Feel It?”.

Details on the events, including a tribute concert and an event honouring Katherine Jackson are posted on a Facebook page for the event.

The Jackson family moved to Los Angeles as Michael and other siblings pursued their burgeoning music careers, but have kept connections to their home town.