Arnold Klein, who had previously denied fathering Michael Jackson’s kids, was met by a few dropped jaws when he showed up to the kids’ custody hearing yesterday and asked the judge for visitation rights for Prince and Paris.

Now Arnold’s lawyer has released a statement explaining that his client only wanted to see the kids because he had promised Michael that he would look after the them if anything were to happen to him. The statement read:

We appeared on behalf of Dr Arnold Klein before Judge Mitchell Beckloff… to ask the Court to allow Dr Klein to have an opportunity to present evidence to the Court for its consideration in fashioning an appropriate guardianship order with specific protection and supervision in areas relating to Paris Katherine and Prince Michael’s upbringing that were of particular concern to Michael.

Dr Klein is not objecting to Katherine Jackson being the guardian nominee, but was acting on promises he made to Michael with respect to assuring the long term health and stability of the children and their ability to enjoy as normal of a life out of the spotlight as could be reasonably possible.

Dr Klein has always had a special relationship with Paris Katherine and Prince Michael, loves and cares deeply for these children and is looking out for their best interest. Dr Klein has been involved with the children in sharing holidays and other special events and wishes to have the ability to continue his involvement as a very close friend of their father and offers his guidance and protection forever.

The judge turned down Dr. Klein’s request, saying that he had no legal right to the kids.