The former Democratic governor has reportedly hired face painters, clowns and ponies to entertain his daughter Jacqueline, The (Newark) New Jersey Star-Ledger reported Thursday.

McGreevey's estranged wife, Dina Matos McGreevey, refused to let her daughter attend the party, saying the child was scheduled to be with her that weekend. The couple separated shortly after James McGreevey disclosed he is gay.

The court intervened and Union County Superior Court Judge Karen Cassidy ruled that Jacqueline could attend the party at her father's Plainfield home -- provided she is returned to her mother immediately afterward.

Dina Matos McGreevey, who said she was not aware of the party until two weeks ago, agreed with the compromise.

"The hatred they have for each other overrides everything, including their child," the judge told the parents.