Neverland Viewing Cancelled, Public Memorial on Monday

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New details in the memorial scheduled for Michael Jackson. A public viewing of the pop star will no longer happen at Neverland Ranch.

The Jackson family has released an official statement, saying, “Contrary to previous news reports, the Jackson family is officially stating that there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland.

"Plans are underway regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson, and we will announce those plans shortly.”

A source tells Access Hollywood that a public memorial will be held for Jackson in Los Angeles on Monday. Details are currently being worked out, the source said.

Jackson’s body is currently being held at the Forest Lawn Mortuary in LA. E! Online reports that Jackson will also be buried at Forest Lawn, which is where Ed McMahon was just buried a few days ago.

Forest Lawn spokesperson William Martin said they had no comment on the report, saying, “For the respect and privacy of families that we serve, we don’t comment.”

More details to follow...

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Reader Comments

7:32AM 07/02/09 AJ1952Chats

ruttprem--thanks for the insight into Michael's dad.

2:06AM 07/02/09 ruttprem

The County where Neverland lies won't allow them a big public funeral there plus it will be a logistical nightmare trying to accomodate so many people at Neverland. As I hosted many parties at the ranch in the past, it can become very challenging when you have a lot of guests and who knows exactly how many people to expect.

This is a response to the negative media coverage that Mr. Joseph Jackson, father of the late Michael Joseph Jackson has been receiving recently. By Rutt Premsrirut a close friend of Joe Jackson. To quote the late Michael Joseph Jackson in his autobiographical book Moonwalker: “Before you judge someone, walk two full moons with them.”. Mr. Joseph Jackson, known to us privately as “Joe” has always been the man of steel, the go to person during times of crisis. He deals with situations from a point of equanimity. Continuously compartmentalizing his inner emotions has become an everyday activity. When his dear mother and father past away, he never shed a tear. “I internalize my emotions, but they eat up on the inside over the years.” This has made him very effective during times of crisis. Each time he would rise to the occasion and function at the highest levels. When Michael Jackson collapsed at 11.30, the security guard's first instinct was to call Joe in Las Vegas to find out what to do. Joe screamed into the phone “Get yourself together and call 911, now now now !!!” That was him in action, no emotion. In 2003, as an arrest warrant was issued for Michael, we were all curled up behind the gates of the CMX Entertainment complex in Las Vegas with no idea what to do. When Joe walked in, you would see Michael's eyes light up. He was running the show with Michael listening to every word Joe was directing. I recall the family friend, Actor/ Comedian Eddie Griffin saying “You could tell, it was Papa Joe in charge! He made Michael feel so secure. He dumped the weight off his shoulders on his father Joe. As he knew that Joe was ready for war”. Michael repeatedly asked Joe “What do I do?” There was no one more capable to handle the crisis than Joe. He is like a professional billiard player; thinking two or three steps ahead. During the trial, with everyone focused on the court proceedings, Joe went from door to door in Santa Barbara, knocking on strangers' doors introducing himself, meeting as many locals as he could. He struggled to get the community on his son's side. He had dinner with people in the community, brought signed Jackson memorabilia as gifts, and did his best to get to know them on a personal basis. He knew too well that legal court proceedings are not decided only in the court room but also in the court of public opinion. Now most PR firms would be thinking of a national or international campaign. But for this trial, the public opinion that mattered most was a very small community in Santa Barbara. Many people questioned why Joe needed a lawyer during his son's trial. Even his family questioned his judgment and were upset. It was only later that some realized the wisdom behind his actions. Not only Michael's lawyers but the whole prosecution side were under a gag order not to talk at all. Joe's lawyer was attending everything and maximizing the media outlet for Michael's interests . Joe was always willing to go to war to protect Michael and his family. The media are disturbed that Joe once again has brought Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton into the Jackson family again. To refresh the memory of the media, during the trial they were also around. Joe called it his “Plan B”. Not only do they provide spiritual support and confidence but they were and are his political weight. Few remember the verbal attacks on Tom Sneddon by Jessie Jackson and Al. Sharpton, the large community rallies they organized, or the racist stuff they dug up on Sneddon. Jesse Jackson sits on the board of Yucalpa ( A 12 Billion dollar private Equity firm of Ron Burkle). He also sits on the board of Sony /ATV catalog representing Michael's interests. Keeping his emotions inside has taken its toll on Joe. The last few years has seen him visit the hospital frequently. He began to distance himself slowly from his son's problems. He knows he is up in age. “At 80, I can only do so much”. The day Michael died, for the first time in years, he said nothing, became sad, then angry, then began leading once again. His finest hour. The media commented negatively to the trucks going to Michael's L.A home. Joe's reply, “If the media will pick up the 100,000 USD per month rent, due next month I will very gladly leave the stuff there”. That is Joe dealing with reality. Before getting to Don Lemon of CNN on the BET red carpet he had done several interviews and was simply looking forward to watching the show. To avoid speaking, he made sure to have along with him, Michael Jackson's lawyer Londel McMillan, his long time publicist Angel Howanksy and his long time friend Marshall from the musical group “The Charlights”. As the CNN reporter kept bringing up questions on Michael and the family, you could see Joe became uncomfortable. He began giving one word answers, then struggled to change the subject and brought up his publicist to read a statement. As that did not work, he finally tried to push the spotlight on his friend

11:56PM 07/01/09 eva2009

No matter what happened,we love his songs and dances.There are many people in sugarmommamatch.com mourning him.That is a free premier Sugar Momma and Sugar Baby dating site,invovle many wealthy ladies and handsome guys.

6:30PM 07/01/09 StarryEyes87

I heard...

5:39PM 07/01/09 Chloe

To Vanessa: I don't think that Michael would want to be at Neverland. After the second trial, he said he never wanted to go back there. I agree, he put in a lot of time and hard effort in making the place a reality, but the beautiful place was torn apart and turned into a dirty place. He should rest in peace...not in public. Just my opinion. :)

4:07PM 07/01/09 myholly787

They has better hurry up! His poor, frail body...which havs been slit and cut hither and yon TWICE during the autopsies...is DISENTIGRATING rapidly! Let him be laid to rest immediately!!! No diprivan needed! Leave him IN PEACE!

3:52PM 07/01/09 Vanessa51760

Michael should be allowed to be laid to rest at NeverLand. His family and all the other in the business should get together and make this happen. Michael's Neverland like Elvis 's graceland this is the only place that would be fitting. As large as Neverland i am sure they can make memorial ground for him and make exceptions to what ever rules or laws needed. This is a man that should be honored and cherished as he did the children and the world. I really believe the family and others in the business should be on this and making it happen. Nothing less should be exceptable as Micheal resting place. I may never be able to get there, but it would be nice knowing if the time came i could, that Michaels belongings and legancy would be there for all to view and enjoy. Michael Jackson the King Of Pop deserves nothing less. Why are peopel gathering his belonging and wanting to auction them? Who actually looking out for Michael and not there own pockets?

3:30PM 07/01/09 girly987

oh boy. forest lawn is right here by my work.. i guess we'll watch from here.

3:13PM 07/01/09 Chloe

And here, I was planning on attending this Friday. May he rest in peace. <3