Jacko's Neverland memorial cancelled

The much awaited public viewing of ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson at his fantasy-themed abode Neverland has been cancelled.

The Jackson family released a statement on Wednesday night saying that neither the memorial service nor the burial will be held in Neverland ranch.

“Contrary to previous news reports, the Jackson family is officially stating that there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland,” said the statement. It added that the family was planning a public memorial service for the pop icon but did not divulge information regarding the venue for the same.

“Plans are under way regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson, and we will announce those plans shortly,” said the statement.

The changed plans have disappointed thousands of Jackson’s devotees, who had gathered near his California ranch expecting to pay their final goodbye to their idol.

The 5,800-acre property, which Jackson named after J M Barrie’s fictitious world of Peter Pan, is a symbol of Jackson’s success and excesses. It has become a makeshift memorial for fans, who have been coming from different parts of the world to pay tributes.

Funeral in Los Angeles on July 7
The last rites of pop legend Michael Jackson would be conducted in Los Angeles next Tuesday, says thesun.co.uk.
The funeral will be held at Los Angeles’ Staples Centre, which is owned by AEG Live, the event management company behind the singer’s comeback tour at London’s O2 arena.
AEG will put up gigantic screens outside the facility for the thousands of fans who will not be able to get inside to see the funeral proceedings.
Earlier reports suggested that Jackson’s family was opting for traditional Islamic burial rituals for the late pop legend.