Will Michael Jackson's Funeral Be Open Casket?
Posted on Mon Jul 6th, 2009 7:45am PDT By X17 Staff
Plans for Michael Jackson's memorial service at the Staples Center are emerging, as news that Michael's body COULD be on display at the sports arena is being reported by CNN. Jackson's family is reportedly still considering an open-casket viewing at the memorial tomorrow, an event which is expected to draw far more than the 17,500 people who will get their hands on tickets.
LAPD seems very concerned that they'll have a difficult time controlling the crowds, and they have already decided to set up a perimeter several blocks around the memorial site, which would make it impossible for anyone without a wristband and a ticket to get in. Concern has also been expressed over who will help fund the extra security measures for the event - city councilman Dennis Zine has suggested that Jackson's family and AEG Live pitch in, and he makes a pretty good argument. Zine tells The Guardian, "If the Jackson family's gonna spend $25,000 on a gold casket, I would think that AEG and the Jackson family could help defray the costs so it's a safe and secure environment for mourners that want to come."
As expected, tickets for the memorial service are already appearing on eBay and Craigslist - one eBay listing even asked for a Buy It Now price of $20,000!
Jennifer Hudson will perform at the event, and a live pool feed will be broadcast on all the major networks so those not fortunate enough to snag tix can watch from home (or work). Michael's ex-wife/babymama Debbie Rowe is also expected to attend.
Is a wristband and ticket REALLY going to work for admission and security purposes? We're not so sure...
LAPD seems very concerned that they'll have a difficult time controlling the crowds, and they have already decided to set up a perimeter several blocks around the memorial site, which would make it impossible for anyone without a wristband and a ticket to get in. Concern has also been expressed over who will help fund the extra security measures for the event - city councilman Dennis Zine has suggested that Jackson's family and AEG Live pitch in, and he makes a pretty good argument. Zine tells The Guardian, "If the Jackson family's gonna spend $25,000 on a gold casket, I would think that AEG and the Jackson family could help defray the costs so it's a safe and secure environment for mourners that want to come."
As expected, tickets for the memorial service are already appearing on eBay and Craigslist - one eBay listing even asked for a Buy It Now price of $20,000!
Jennifer Hudson will perform at the event, and a live pool feed will be broadcast on all the major networks so those not fortunate enough to snag tix can watch from home (or work). Michael's ex-wife/babymama Debbie Rowe is also expected to attend.