The battle over the cost of Michael Jackson's memorial has officially begun -- as an L.A. city councilman and the president of AEG traded licks today about who's responsible for the ceremony's hefty price tag.
Councilman Dennis Zine told KTTV today that taxpayers "are getting ripped off" because AEG made $50,000 by charging the media to use risers outside the venue. Zine said AEG should grow a pair and cough up some cash.
AEG President Tim Leiweke immediately swung back, saying Zine was out of line because the company helped secure funds for the L.A. Lakers championship parade last month.
So the question is...
Michael Jackson Memorial7/9/2009 7:00 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF
War Erupts over MJ's Memorial Cost
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Reader Comments
(Page 1 of 10) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments3.
Cough up the dough. Last month was last month and the lakers have nothing to do with MJ. I loved MJ and it was a beautiful memorial but the honest truth is....if it were anyone else our families would have to cough it up for our burial.
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4.
TMZ you need to add the Jackson family to that poll! Why aren't THEY contributing???
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5.
And I forgot to add. It's not like AEG can't afford it. Look at all the cash they will be making when they release the DVD of MJ's rehersals and stuff...come on quit beating the cash cow he's dead and cough it up and move on.
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uhhhhhhhhhhh shouldn't the JACKSON family pay for THIER sons funeral/memorial?
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8.
Thousands upon thousands of people came to and spent a lot of money in LA because of Michael. The bill has been paid.
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9.
I cannot believe that they are openingly arguing about payment .The world wanted it and either of them should be pleased to pay for all that he gave to America and the rest of the world.just let the family mourn in peace now, Jan UK
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10.
Ha Ha! California will end up paying the tab!! Bleeding heart Liberals--1 California--0. (Or 1.4 Million, but no matter which way you look at it, CALIFORNIA LOSES!!)
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11.
Wake up, people!
Forget about this money crap.
Michael Jackson's ghost has been spotted at Neverland ("Larry King Live" has FOOTAGE) and in the Colombian village of Malambo (where it hung around for quite some time, the villagers say, and smelled rather bad).
He is sending us messages!!!!!!! He is ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!! And he smells really, really bad!!!!!!
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12.
LA SHOULD FOOT THE BILL $10000000000000000000000000000000000%
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Don't forget all the extra revenue and sales tax for LA generated from all those expenses and all the extra visitors from out of town. Hotel rooms, food, shopping ...etc. all bring extra funds into the city.
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