July 2, 2009

No Neverland Memorial Service for the King of Pop

By Jayson Rodriguez (MTV.com)

According to the family of the late Michael Jackson, memorial services will not be held at the Neverland Valley Ranch. This was confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday, July 1.

"Contrary to previous news reports, the Jackson family is officially stating that there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland," the statement reads. "Plans are underway regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson, and we will announce those plans shortly."

Neverland will forever be associated with Michael Jackson, the King of Pop having purchased the park in 1988. The vast property was once home to a zoo and amusement park.

Earlier accounts had stated that a public memorial for Jackson would be held at his former residence. However, there were several concerns from California officials regarding logistics, including coping with expected massive vehicular traffic in and around the compound.

The Los Angeles Times reported on Wednesday that the family ran into trouble obtaining a permit to bury Jackson on private grounds, despite Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger reportedly volunteering to cut through any bureaucratic clutter that could hinder the process.

In spite of this, officials in Santa Barbara County were unable to process the request in more timely fashion. "It's nobody's fault. Everybody in Santa Barbara feels bad about it," a Times source said.

At the moment, speculation is rife regarding possible sites where the memorial service will be held. UsMagazine.com said the public memorial may be moved to downtown Los Angeles at the Staples Center, home of the Los Angeles Lakers. Other sources speculate that the memorial service might, nevertheless, be conducted at Neverland, with the burial plans yet to be resolved.

William Boyer, spokesperson for Santa Barbara Count, said on Wednesday that the family has not made known any further plans.