Debbie Rowe Pulls Out of Ex-Husband's Memorial, Threatens Photographers

Debbie Rowe has not been in the media spotlight since she stood up for Michael Jackson at his child molestation trial in 2005, and it may be showing.

After first saying she would attend her ex-husband's memorial service Tuesday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Rowe abruptly pulled out of the invite-only event.

Former Jackson business associate Marc Schaffel said this morning on "Good Morning America" that Rowe, the mother of Jackson's two oldest children, was confirmed for VIP seats.

A few hours later, Rowe apparently changed her mind.

FULL COVERAGE: Click for complete FOX News coverage of Michael Jackson's death.

"Although Debbie had originally planned to attend tomorrow's Staples Center memorial service, we have concluded with Debbie that she will not be attending," her rep said in a statement. "The onslaught of media attention has made it clear her attendance would be an unnecessary distraction to an event that should focus exclusively on Michael's legacy. Debbie will continue to celebrate Michael's memory privately."

Part of the "onslaught" that may have changed her mind was an altercation with photographers on Sunday. Emerging from a Chinese restaurant near her house, Rowe yelled at the paparazzi outside: "Are you ready to get your butt kicked? Don't f***ing touch me."

PHOTOS: Go to x17online.com for more photos of Debbie Rowe's July 5 outburst.

Rowe, who married Jackson in 1996 and filed for divorce three years later, is fighting Jackson's mother Katherine for custody of the two children she bore for the late singer. Rowe told the NBC-LA she is willing to submit to DNA testing to prove maternity.

She also said she'll seek a restraining order to keep their grandfather, Joe Jackson, away from the children.

The initial custody hearing is scheduled for July 13.