War Erupts over MJ's Memorial Cost

31. This expense does NOT fall on the Jackson family. It's not their faul the city of LA couldn't figure out how to get their website to take donations from the MULTITUDE of Jackson fans that were willing to donate. The city and State of California have made plenty of money off the Jackson family over the years. This is their responsibility, I'm sure the Jackson's have had to shell out plenty of money already.

TMZ, please stay on top of the Jackson news! Don't make me wait until CNN finally reports on something. They tend to be about three days behind you.

Posted at 7:45PM on Jul 9th 2009 by HeatherC.

32. LET,S WAIT A SECOND WHAT DID HE SAY AEG HELPED WITH THE LAKERS PARADE,,,,WHAT,S REALLY GOING HERE DID THEY JUST BLOW THERE COVER...???

Posted at 7:46PM on Jul 9th 2009 by BUSTAME

33. Everyone who sez that taxpayers should pay for this is not a tax payer them self but a low life sucking off the taxpayers. Calf is broke with crap like this and Octo mom.....millions for nothing.

Reward bad behavior is Americas past time. It would be nice to see people take personal responsabilty for their actions and stop wanting others to pay for their choices or blame others for their choices.

I just wonder how long the ones that say let the tax payers pay for it will say that when their food stamps are cut off because of it! YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW PEOPLE.....AND IT TO BAD YOUR LETTING A FAT CAT & FAMILY TAKE MONEY FROM YOU....SAD PART IS THESE ARE THE SAME PEOPLE WHO ARE BUYING THE CD'S AND CRAP...SUCKERS!!!!!

Posted at 7:46PM on Jul 9th 2009 by You have got to be kiding!

34. Let the family pay for this!!!! This is ridiculous!!! Cheap A$$ SOB's, so typical. AEG will make millions when selling the rehearsal CD they can can cough it up for sure.

Posted at 7:56PM on Jul 9th 2009 by engel

35. when MJ died, i remember AEG saying that they would lose money cos now MJ obviosly cant do the concerts, but they said it wasnt about money it was a risk they took and seemed to be upset at losing a friend.....so why were they charging the press if this memorial was for a friend? just goes to show that even MJs friends were using him for money....even in death.
what exactly has the jackson family paid out on......even the cars were hired for free.....they spent they whole life as free loaders, while michael earned most of the money.

whos making money from all the pictures of michaels kids being published?
michael didnt want his kids put on show, yet there in the middle of what michael called the media circus.

Posted at 7:47PM on Jul 9th 2009 by tootsam

36. If all of these "celebrities" are paying tribute and saying that MJ is the REASON they have this/that...why don't they all get together and help pay for the memorial...Lord knows they have the money!!

Posted at 7:41AM on Jul 10th 2009 by TxRhonda

37. You're kidding right? To all you yahoo's out there that thinks LA should pay for MJ's funeral. With what? WAKE UP you morons. California can't afford a Happy Meal. They're using IOU's to pay their debts as it is. I don't care how much money MJ paid in taxes, or how much money was spent by the tourists. Let the family pay for the funeral costs.

Posted at 7:54PM on Jul 9th 2009 by paulajustpaula

38. How long have these business men been doing business??? You don’t discuss after the event who is responsible for paying what. You get it straight from the start – if nothing has been agreed upon before the event takes place then the show just doesn’t happen. If no common ground has been met, it should then be up to the family to figure it out and they will have to determine how lavish the funeral will be according to the depth of their own pockets. Kind of like us not so privileged people do daily…

Posted at 7:54PM on Jul 9th 2009 by sunrayzzz

39. I think if AEG is to be held responsible for the costs, they should have been notified and agreed to do so PRIOR to the memorial.
1. With all the celebrities that were at the memorial, they could easily chip in some pocket cash and cover the costs of the memorial.
2. The record companies who are getting paid over the MILLION album sells in the last week can also kick down a little cash!
3. The City of LA made money from the increase in tourism, sales of merchandise, hotel rooms, taxi's, restaurants, etc. so quit playing the part like they got hosed!

Although it is customary for the family to pay the costs - it's not exactly normal for 11,000 PLUS people to attend and a $1.4M bill to be due! A little bit from everyone will help resolve this issue.

Posted at 7:53PM on Jul 9th 2009 by lenabenas

40. Here's a thought. I've heard many singers and entertainer's say that MJ paved the way for people of color. SO why don't these people get together in honor of MJ and perform a special concert to raise the money for the state that most of them live in. I don't live in Ca. and I won't pay the bill for a family and a man that owns millions of dollars. No one will pay for mine but myself and if I'm lucky my family will be able to get 200.00 from the state for a marker for me.

Posted at 7:55PM on Jul 9th 2009 by Yvonne

41. The Jackson family should pay.

Posted at 7:58PM on Jul 9th 2009 by Holland Girl

42. when MJ died, i remember AEG saying that ther would lose money now the concerts wont be going ahead, but he also said it wasnt about the money it was a risk worth taking and seemed upset that hed just lost a friend....so why were they charging the press anyway...this should of been done without charge for a friend.....just shows that MJ couldnt trust anyone they were just a friend to his bank account.
what have the Jackson family paid out on....even the cars were hired for free.....they spent there whole life as free loaders.....as michael earnt most of the money...
whos making money out of all the pictures of michaels kids thats now in all the magazines....yet michael wanted them out of the public eye....he didnt want them in the middle of what he called the media circus....so why arnt his own family respecting his wishes......again this boils down to money.

Posted at 7:59PM on Jul 9th 2009 by tootsam

43. No. 29:

I agree with you. The facts are that many before him paved the way for people of color. There must be some short memories. Sidney Potier, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis, Jr. , Duke Ellington, Della Reese. All performed and had to sit in the kitchen to eat and go in and out of the back door. That is breaking barriers. I am white but Jackson did not break the barriers. He did start trends in music and that is a fact. No one is saying he isn't talented-but too much is made out of this person.

Posted at 8:00PM on Jul 9th 2009 by Rochelle

44. I also believe the Jackson family should help pay for this expense. If it were you or I that had this elaborate celebration, our families would certainly have to pay.

Posted at 8:00PM on Jul 9th 2009 by lucretia49

45. LISTEN TINSEL TOWN!!! you want all the celebs to live their and they pay alot of property taxes and income taxes to your state.
IT IS AN AMERIACAN TRADITION TO HAVE A POLICE ESCORT FOR THE MEMORIAL!!!

vote new politicians in to office that will manage your money right!!!
liquidate the illegal aleins rather you make them legal or you deport them which ever

the city is not paying for the memorial its the crowd patrol and escorting the casket one way mind you!!!
CRY ME A RIVER CITY OF ANGELS............ NO PITY COMING FROM MISSOURI

Posted at 8:03PM on Jul 9th 2009 by MID MISSOURI