Michael Jackson Funeral - Leaving In A Gold Casket

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Michael Jackson's funeral under way in Los Angeles
Michael Jackson's funeral has begun with family gathered for a private service, before his body is taken to the Staples Center public memorial in Los Angeles.


By Nick Allen in Los Angeles
Published: 4:49PM BST 07 Jul 2009
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Michael Jackson funeral: mourners arrive at Forest Lawn Memorial Center in Los Angeles
Mourners arrive at the Forest Lawn Memorial Center Photo: AFP/Getty
Michael Jackson's body to be taken to memorial service at Staples Centre
Los Angeles Police Department chief Bill Bratton confirmed Jackson's body would be taken to the sports arena after family members paid tribute to the star. Photo: GETTY

His casket will occupy centre stage at the star-studded memorial show, where Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey and Lionel Richie will be among the performers.

It has been suggested that Jackson's body will be transported to the Staples Center by helicopter to avoid crowds thronging the streets, and a SWAT team from the Los Angeles Police Department will provide an escort.

A motorcade of black limousines and Range Rovers, accompanied by the California Highway Patrol, swept out of the Jackson family compound shortly before 8am. Sections of the freeway were shut down at the height of the Los Angeles rush hour to allow them to pass.

The family were taken to the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills for the private funeral service. Jackson's children, Paris Michael, 12 Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, were not seen, but his parents, Joe and Katherine, were filmed walking into the building, along with Jackson's siblings.

Los Angeles Police Department chief Bill Bratton confirmed Jackson's body would be taken to the sports arena after family members paid tribute to the star.

He said: "My understanding is that Mr Jackson's remains will be moved to the Staples Center but we're not giving any details at this juncture."

The news added to the Jackson fever currently gripping downtown Los Angeles. Police blocked off roads and warned those without tickets to stay away.

It was not clear where the body would be taken after the ceremony, although it is likely to be taken back to Forest Lawn for burial.

More than one billion people are expected to watch the memorial service.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Michael
• Jackson
• funeral
• staples
• centre
• gold
• casket
• memorial

[edalidajr]

goodbye michael.....rest in peace.

we will never forget you.....

[elderothjp]

i will miss you mj r.i.p go fly with the angels and teach them how to moon walk :) your forever in my heart,mat God rest your soul...

[123janise]

Rest in peace love mj

[WILDCATSBR]

@edalidajr  It's not just goodbye.

It's "goodbye...for now" - Neverland exit sign...

[MrsYoungFresh1]

THE MEDIA played right into his trap./..........the whole reason for him faking his death was to show the world that the media is not GOD what they say may not be the truth so its best to find out for yourself. The Media reporting his death and covering it and not knowing all the facts is what he wanted them to do and they did it and he's really not dead..... WE CANT PROVE NO ONE HAS SEEN HIS BODY NO ONE HAS PICS OF HIM IN HIS CASKET. BELIEVE ME MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON IS NOT DEAD....

[sandie247]

I would really like to know why the tabloid media insist on letting us constantly know that Michael is 'going to be in good company at Forest Lawn'. WTH?? Who cares if Bogart is down the hall or WC Fields is 'awaiting' him around the corner? THE MAN WAS KILLED. I'm certain he'd rather be here with his kids. Talk about SANITIZING the whole criminal affair with the unrelenting reminders that MJ is going to be 'resting with the stars'. How DUMB. S.T.O.P.

[San47di]

It wasn't about making anything a "circus." Katherine Jackson was waiting for assurance that the police and coroners had all they needed "prior" to his burial to avoid an exhumation later. She did the right thing. The dumb-ass media was only reporting speculative nonsense as to why Michael was not buried because NOBODY was talking to them and telling them anything! It was none of their damned business!!

[babepeace21]

he's not yet layed to rest<3

but i wish people would him alone. hes in a frezzer i dont mean it in a bad way but yeah, rip michael<3

[Za7a7aZ]

I do not entirely agree with you.....knowing MJ....for as far that is ofcourse.....he would have liked it that his fans could have the chance to say goodbye to him...and many fans over the world could this way....they had the chance to share their grief with the family and for themselves...it is a gift from the family and MJ. That is how this should be seen and appreciated.

[tombstoner79]

I wish they would just bury him and lay him to rest instead of making it a media circus.

[Spottedleaf0star]

It wasnt made of gold, it was bronze with plated gold.

[TSXboy26]

Gold Casket?!? Thats kinda tacky....