Written by: Samm Taylor
Editor: Anathea Ruys
Patricia Glassop tells of the day she reported Paula Yates to the police... and her hears she may never see Tiger Lily again
She's been painted as the bitter mother-in-law who will stop at nothing to get her hands on the millions left by Michael Hutchence. But nothing could be further from the truth, argues Patricia Glassop, the late rock star's embattled mother. In fact, in an exclusive interview, Patricia reveals that the past months have been a nightmare as she's struggled to cope with the singer's death. Worse still, she fears she may never see her granddaughter Tiger Lily again.
Michael's lover Paula Yates and his mother Patricia were at public loggerheads within weeks of Michael's death in Sydney in November, 1997. Since then, there have been constant reports of family feuds, wrangles over Michael's will, rows over the singer's ashes and legal action against his executors.
Now, Patricia even confirms she took the astonishing move of reporting Paula to the police, claiming fears over the welfare of little Tiger. "When I made the call, I was assured the report would be confidential. the report was leaked, which was embarrassing to me and Paula. It should never have happened. How it did happen is being investigated," Patricia says.
"As Tiger Lily's grandmother, I obviously care about her very much. It's not true that I was looking to get custody of Tiger Lily. But I would love Tiger to live here. That's my greatest dream. Michael was happiest in Australia and he wanted Tiger to grow up here. He told me that. It may still happen. It's totally up to Paula. I have no intention of trying to take Tiger away. My only concern is for Tiger and her happiness. I don't want to lose her or for her to lose touch with her family here."
Patricia says she has no idea how the ill-feeling between Paula and herself started. "Over the past twelve months, Paula has had many mood swings," she claims. "I just happened to be in her line of fire. It made me ill when I was asked about Michael's ashes being divided. I felt it beneath my dignity to fight over my son's ashes.Paula has said some hurtful things but my focus is on picking up the pieces and getting on with my life. The pain will always be there. Paula can not hurt me anymore than I am hurting now."
"I look at that beautiful child, an extension of Michael, and I know I must come to terms with the fact that I may never have the chance of knowing her. Hopefully, Paula may one day be able to rationalise the situation and come to the conclusion that Michael wanted me to know his daughter."
And it's not just Patricia who is at odds with Paula. Michael's sister Tina has publically stated that Michael was actually trying to dump Paula at the time of his death. The splits can only widen, especially as Patricia has supported Tina's claims that Michael was not planning to marry Paula.
"Tina was setting the record straight. Everyone, including Paula, knew that Michael did not want to get married," Patricia says. "I doubt Tina's comments will effect Tiger Lily. By the time she grows up, marriage could possibly be a thing of the past. It certainly seems to be heading that way."
Patricia's thoughts will only add to the anguish already being suffered by Paula, who is in Britian fighting her own demons. Equally disturbing will be the new disclosures claiming that Paula was taking fertility treatment in 1994 in a bid to get pregnant so Michael would leave supermodel Helena Christensen for her.
Despite having checked out of the rehabilitation centre where she has been having treatment and grief counselling, Paula faces a tough few months. As well as coming to terms with losing her lover, she is engaged in a bitter ongoing custody battle with her former husband Sir Bob Geldof for her other three daughters, Fifi, Peaches and Pixie.
Although in the UK, mothers usually have an almost automatic claim on their children, Paula's case, which is due for final hearing and settlement next month, is far from clear cut. Sir Bob is regarded as a near saint in Britian after masterminding the Live Aid charity appeal. Paula is not quite so highly regarded. Among the arguments being used against her are claims that opium was found in the London home she shared with Michael.
Nothing was ever proved. She and Michael denied taking opium and claimed the drugs were planted. But Paula has a dubious history when it comes to drugs. In her autobiography, she tells of years of drug abuse and even how she used to take heroin with a boyfriend at the age of 12. Such revelations could well return to haunt her.
If Paula loses the final stage of her custody battle, the future looks bleak for Tiger. Not only will she lose her sisters but it could put the Hutchence family in a strong position should they ever choose to approach the police again about Paula's status as a fit mother. Either way, the chances of Patricia being able to stay in touch with the "family" Michael held so dear look minimal. And sadly, the tragic animosity between the two women who loved Michael so much, looks likely to continue.
Copyright 1998 - New Idea Australia