Michael Jackson’s ex-wife Debbie Rowe has reportedly burned down her friend’s cottage.
The 58-year-old, the mother of Jackson’s eldest son Michael Joseph, known as Prince, and daughter Paris, had reportedly been staying at her friend’s property in Vermont while she was recovering from breast cancer treatment and together they had been refinishing crown moulding on the ceiling with linseed oil.
According to TMZ.com, Rowe took a break on Thursday (25May17) and returned to the main house, leaving a rag soaked in the oil in the living room of the cottage, which was built in 1937. The property subsequently erupted into flames, but Rowe was unaware of the disaster because the wind masked the noise.
Pictures obtained by the site show Debbie stood in a clearing in the woods surrounded by debris, including concrete blocks and what appears to be roof tiles. Another snap shows her handling a burned out stove.
Her pal has reportedly been very understanding about the situation and is “grateful” Rowe wasn’t hurt.
The property is covered by insurance.
Rowe, who was married to Jackson from 1996 to 1999, was diagnosed with breast cancer in July and it has brought her closer to Paris after years of estrangement.
