NO JACKSON PUBLIC VIEWING AT NEVERLAND
MICHAEL JACKSON’s family has confirmed reports a planned public viewing of the King of Pop’s remains at his former Neverland Ranch home has been scrapped.
The body of the late superstar was expected to arrive at the Santa Barbara County, California estate on Thursday, ahead of a planned memorial on Friday (03Jul09).
Some reports even suggested Jackson would be laid to rest at Neverland - the home he deserted after investigators raided it looking for evidence to use against the singer in his 2004 child molestation trial.
But now it seems the media members and fans who have booked out hotels all around Santa Barbara over the 4 July (09) weekend, in the hope of being part of the Thriller star’s big farewell, have wasted their money.
A new statement from the Jackson family reads, "Contrary to previous news reports… there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland.
"Plans are underway regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson." On Tuesday (30Jun09), the late pop star’s former business partner Thomas J. Barrack, Jr. sent an open letter to all Santa Barbara, California residents, urging them to get ready for an invasion of fans and media later this week (ends03Jul09).
The Colony Capital, LLC boss, who set up a joint venture with Jackson to take on ownership of Neverland, warned locals to be patient as the world descends on Santa Barbara County.
He wrote, "Prepare to accommodate Michael’s family’s wishes as they contemplate the location of his final resting place and their own return to the tranquil grounds of the Michael Jackson family compound." Barrack, Jr. went on to call Neverland a "temporary sanctuary" for Jackson fans who "will come, with or without permission or an invitation."
Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)
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