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Jackson family divided by Michael's funeral
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Katherine Jackson & son Michael
Just days before Michael Jackson's planned memorial services and funeral, the Jackson family is reportedly divided over where the King of Pop should be laid to rest.
According to Michael's adviser Dr. Tohme Tohme, Jackson's father Joe and his brothers want the "You Are Not Alone" star to be buried at Neverland Ranch while is mother Katherine and sisters have overruled the idea and vetoed any plans for an open coffin.
"His brothers wanted the final resting place to be Neverland but the rest of the family didn't want him there for some reason that's not known to me," said Dr. Tohme Tohme.
He adds, "I tried with some members of the family to provide Neverland as his resting place and to turn it into something. I believe Michael Jackson deserved to be in Neverland - a grand place like Neverland."
However, Jackson's mother Katherine reportedly told the "Beat It" star's manager Frank DiLeo she wanted sole responsibility for the funeral arrangements.
According to an insider, Mr DiLeo said: "The brothers wanted Michael to be driven through the streets so fans could line up and throw flowers like they did with Princess Diana, but Katherine has ruled that out. She is the one who is pushing for a spiritual element to the funeral. If the brothers had their way, it would be the Jackson Five's greatest performance. Or rather, the Jackson Four's greatest performance."
As previously reported, the Jackson family will have a private funeral for Michael before the public memorial service at Staples Center on Tuesday, July 7.
In related news, the city of Los Angeles is reportedly beefing up security for Jackson's memorial service and reiterating to mourning fans: "If you don't have a ticket, please stay home".
According to TMZ.com, assistant Chief Jim McDonnell addressed the press on Sunday, July 5 and stressed the importance of people who didn't win the draw for tickets to the memorial (only 17,500 tickets will be issued), should just stay home and watch the historic event on TV.
In a bid to reduce costs, McDonnell said they would try and send as many cops home as quickly as possible, crowd size willing.
Unlike the Los Angeles Lakers celebration of the 2009 NBA championship win, McDonnell said no private entities have yet to step forward to help alleviate the cost of the massive security operation.
Did you get tickets to Michael Jackson's memorial or will you watch the event on television? Please leave a comment below.
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