Michael Jackson's funeral under way in Los Angeles (casket arrives) July 7 2009 Staples Centre

Michael's son debut http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/out-of-nothing-at-all-august/id381899628
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:

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• Jackson
• funeral
• staples
• centre
• gold
• casket
• memorial
• july
• 2009
• matt
• petrin
• bonnie
• tyler
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• out
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[mattpetrin]

please watch my video response above that features unsigned 16 yr ol brett boivin

hes amazing

[Sapphire98752]

He didnt hang his baby retard he was showing it to his fans cuz they chanted they wanted to see his child!

[5880missy]

yes the private service was a jehovah witness one.... and no MJ did not convert to muslim in '03 he had a catholic baptism for each one of his children! I think MJ was a non-denomonational christian!

[5880missy]

324582782-I respect your opinion,however the brothers have stated that Jermaine is the only one who has converted to Muslim none of the others including Michael ever converted. Michael was still a JW/Christian

[324582782]

@5880missy not really look at his brothers interview and youll see that Micheal Jackson was converting to islam but no one knows the truth

[iBeep2009]

1 million graves at forest lawns!

[Zecalran]

@fuckgd1 oh no they were using michael jackson to turn Elvis into the freak! that's how materialism works it's sad, shameful n pathetic!!

[vicious321]

God I want MJ back!!!

[AngeliSheryia727]

hi_ÄNÿ_gúÿs_wãNt_t0_chAt_wïth_­mÈ

[marekeno]

fu** u with this red banner!!!!!!

[Arzkaful]

@fuckgd1 äitis oli ku teki

[fuckgd1]

@Arzkaful ur the freak

r.i.p mj