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LA Mayor: Thanks, But We Can Pay for MJ Memorial

Mayor calls donation request 'ridiculous'

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 14, 2009 12:43 PM CDT

(Newser) – Imagine the surprise of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa when he returned from vacation to find his proxy asking for donations to fund the Michael Jackson memorial. “This is a world-class city, and we provide fire and police protection, period,” he says. “The idea that we would charge the family for a funeral is nonsensical.” The “ridiculous” donation website stopped accepting money after having accumulated about $35,000, E! reports. More:

  • ABC is being accused of paying for its exclusive interview with Joe Jackson airing tonight, but the network says it only paid for year-old footage, the Los Angeles Times reports. “We don’t pay for interviews, period,” says a spokesperson.
  • A heartbroken Elizabeth Taylor was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital yesterday after days of emotional exhaustion related to the death of her friend Jackson, the New York Post reports.
  • When Jackson’s tour kicked off—which would have been yesterday—he was planning to channel the dance moves of his idol, Fred Astaire, his dance instructor tells the New York Daily News. 

In this 1998 file photo, Elizabeth Taylor arrives with Michael Jackson at the Pantages Theater in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles for a birthday celebration for Taylor.
In this 1998 file photo, Elizabeth Taylor arrives with Michael Jackson at the Pantages Theater in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles for a birthday celebration for Taylor.   (AP Photo)
In this July 7, 2009, file photo, the rose-covered coffin holding the remains of Michael Jackson rests in the front of stage during Jackson's memorial service at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
In this July 7, 2009, file photo, the rose-covered coffin holding the remains of Michael Jackson rests in the front of stage during Jackson's memorial service at Staples Center in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo)
Police officers keep an eye on the crowd underneath a video display of Michael Jackson outside Staples Center in Los Angeles, July 6, 2009.
Police officers keep an eye on the crowd underneath a video display of Michael Jackson outside Staples Center in Los Angeles, July 6, 2009.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
jaguarj
Jul 14, 2009 8:26 AM CDT
Never understood Taylor's infatuation with MJ..other than raising moiney for AIDS. She always appeared to be a lost soul too! Never was very coherent in any interview I ever witnessed. Another one addicted to "Pain" killers.

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