LOS ANGELES - A LOS Angeles dermatologist who treated Michael Jackson for years has been reported by US media as the biological father of the superstar's elder son and daughter.

The US Weekly reports in its upcoming issue, which hits newsstands on Thursday, that Dr Arnold Klein is the man who fathered Prince and Paris. A source also told TMZ.com Jackson was not the biological father of any of his children and Debbie Rowe is not the biological mother either. TMZ said she was just a surrogate that was well paid for her services. Jackson has another son, Blanket, seven.

Reports said Dr Klein, 64, is wanted for questioning by the LAPD regarding drugs he may have prescribed to the late singer. Jackson was reportedly seen regularly at Dr Klein's Beverly Hills office in recent months.

'He is the dad,' says a Jackson insider to US Weekly magazine. 'He and Debbie signed an agreement saying they would never reveal the truth.'

According to published reports, Dr Klein's patients besides Jackson have included Cher, Elizabeth Taylor, and Dolly Parton. US Weekly said though neither Rowe nor Jackson ever confessed to their kids' true lineage, she did admit in 2002 that she carried his children as a personal favour (and would not confirm that the marriage was ever consummated).

In a statement, Dr. Klein's attorney Richard L. Charnley told Entertainment Tonight: 'Dr Klein is aware of media reports connecting him to Michael Jackson. Because of patient confidentiality Dr Klein will make no statement on any reports or allegations. Out of respect for his patients...Dr. Klein asks that the media not contact his patients nor interfere with their medical treatments. Like millions of Michael's fans around the world, Dr Klein is saddened by Michael's death and extends his condolences to Michael's family.'

A lawyer for Rowe said reports that she is not the biological mother are false.

'We refuse to be drawn into addressing the various rumors and speculation swirling in the media,' said Rowe's attorney Marta Almli. "The vast majority of what is out there is untrue. Particular hurtful and insidious is the most recent rumour - which is entirely false - concerning the maternity of the children. Ms. Rowe is the biological mother of the two oldest children.'

In his seven-year-old will filed on Wednesday in a Los Angeles court, Jackson gave his entire estate to a family trust and named his 79-year-old mother Katherine and his children as beneficiaries. The will also estimates the current value of his estate at more than US$500 million (S$724 million).

Katherine Jackson was appointed their guardian, with entertainer Diana Ross, a longtime friend of Michael Jackson, named successor guardian if something happens to his mother.