Janet Jackson has a secret teenage daughter called RENEE, according to the singer's former brother-in-law.

YOUNG DeBARGE, whose brother James was married to Jackson from 1984 to 1985, claims Renee - now 18 - was sent away to live with the star's eldest sister REBBIE.

He said during an interview on Friday (21OCT05) with New York City urban radio station HOT 97, "James and the Jackson family kept everything real close, real tight.

"No one really knew how it was working out until things kind of surfaced. I think there's a little despondence.

"She hasn't really revealed that, but I'm sure that there's some feelings there. It's only natural that you wonder about what is and how it's come to be that way."

Jackson's spokeswoman PATTI WEBSTER refused to deny the allegations, telling The New York Post newspaper the singer wouldn't comment.