Jackson family disclaims knowledge of public funeral

Atlanta News.Net
Wednesday 1st July, 2009

Michael Jackson’s family has now ruled out private or public services at the estate of their son and brother.

A statement released by the family has said they have other plans for a public memorial for Michael Jackson but there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland ranch.

Initial reports that Jackson's body would be placed on public display at Neverland caused a frenzy of media and tourist activity to the small town of Los Olivos near Neverland.

Earlier, the Los Angeles Times had reported that the Jackson family's intended burying the singer at his sprawling estate north-west of Los Angeles.

It later reported red tape had stymied the plans because police officials would not have been able to clear roads leading to the ranch for the cortege.

But the state of Santa Barbara, in which the ranch is located, has insisted it never had any contact with Jackson family members.

Employees of the state said they had been trying to contact the Jackson family to help with arrangements.

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