For years, speculation and suspicion have surrounded Michael Jackson’s two oldest children (Michael Joseph and Paris-Michael). Debbie Rowe, Jackson’s wife at the time, delivered the children after becoming impregnated via IVF. She has recently stepped forward to say she is, in fact, their biological mother - though she released custody and claim to these kids years ago in favor of pop Michael.

Yet, the question remains. If Debbie Rowe is the mother, who is the biological father? It seems unlikely, to say the least, that MJ himself could be the daddy (genetically speaking). The media has often speculated that Jackson’s DNA was not used to create the kids.

So…whose was?

A new rumor might just hold the answer - or, it might just be bunk. Only testing will prove the claim, but whether or not that’s actually in motion no one can say. Us Weekly is reporting that Dr. Arnold Klein offered up his genetic material (read: sperm) to create the offspring, which were carried and delivered by Debbie Rowe and subsequently handed over to Jackson.

Klein, by the way, is Jackson’s longtime dermatologist. Yes, he’s the one who treated Jackson’s “skin disorder.” And the plot thickens.

Legally - until the July court hearing, anyway - the kids are in custody of Michael’s mother Katherine Jackson. She’s been taking the children to visit their uncles (her every move is watched closely by the press), and possession is nine-tenths of the law. So far, neither Debbie Rowe nor any mystery fathers have stepped forward to refute this arrangement.

TMZ has reported that the LAPD wants to talk to Arnold Klein, perhaps about prescriptions he gave to the pop star. In preparation for whatever comes next, Klein has lawyered up.

There is also the issue of Blanket (Prince Michael), Jackson’s youngest child. This littlest Jackson baby did not come from Rowe. In fact, no one knows where the kid came from, as the name of the surrogate mother was never released or revealed (it’s not even on the birth certificate). When possible, courts don’t like to split up siblings in custody issues.

The genetic confusion raises a lot of issues. Legally, it seems that Michael Jackson indeed have custody and control of the kids. But if it is proven that he’s not the biological father, does the surviving Jackson family still have the right to tend to them? The problem is further exacerbated by the unknown status of Michael’s will. According to reports, the singer made no legal or guardianship provisions for his three tots.