Debbie Rowe

Despite early reports stating that Michael Jackson’s ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, would be in attendance at tomorrow’s Staples Center memorial in honor of the late singer, a rep for the former nurse says Rowe has decided to stay home instead.

During an interview on ABC’s Good Morning America on Monday, Marc Schaffel, a former business associate of Michael’s, said Rowe would be attending the public memorial and had been offered seats in the VIP section reserved for friends and family.

However, Rowe’s attorney released the following statement to the press this afternoon:

“Although Debbie had originally planned to attend tomorrow’s Staples Center memorial service, we have concluded with Debbie that she will not be attending. 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.”