While the drama regarding his estate, his kids and the circumstances of his death aren't likely to subside soon, it's time for Michael Jackson to...
While the drama regarding his estate, his kids and the circumstances of his death aren't likely to subside soon, it's time for Michael Jackson to...
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Both his private funeral and very public memorial event will be held today.
The star's close family members will gather at Forest Lawn Cemetery at 8 am (8.30 pm IST), where they will say their final farewells to MJ's body.
You are not alone: Michael Jackson fan Sherry Smith from Los Angeles wears buttons for sale outside the Staples Center, a day before his memorial service. Fans from around the world have swarmed the city since the pop star's death two weeks ago. |
The Jackson clan Joe, Katherine, Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Jermaine, Randy, LaToya, Rebbie and Janet Jackson will all be there.
Some serious star power will be turning out in the King of Pop's honour.
Singers Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer, Lionel Richie, Usher and Stevie Wonder will be performing at the service. Basketball stars Kobe Bryant, and Magic Johnson will also be attending.
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Police are warning fans not to show up at the downtown Staples Center arena unless they were among the lucky few with tickets.
The appeal came after 1.6 million people entered an online lottery hoping to be among 8,750 registrants to win tickets for the service.
Fans from around the world have been arriving in LA and there have been fears of logistical chaos if hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets.
Mum removed
Meanwhile, a judge has removed Jackson's mother as administrator of his estate.
A judge had named Katherine, who was close to her son throughout his life, as temporary executor of his estate shortly after the pop icon died on June 25.
But in line with Jackson's will, which emerged last week, a Los Angeles court handed the estate over to lawyer John Branca and music executive John McClain.