Jacko’s family rule out public viewing at Neverland Ranch

LONDON - Late King of Pop Michael Jackson’s family have declared that they will not be having a public viewing of the superstar’s body at the Neverland Ranch.

The family’s publicist Ken Sunshine announced that there would be a public memorial for the fallen King of Pop, but it would not be held at his famed Ranch.

“Contrary to previous news reports, the Jackson family is officially stating that there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland,” British tabloid The Sun quoted the statement as saying.

It added: “Plans are underway regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson, and we will announce those plans shortly.”

The announcement ended days of furious speculation over whether Jackson’s fans would get to bid farewell to the pop legend at his sprawling fantasy ranch in Santa Barbara.

But online reports by Hollywood Reporter have suggested that a pubic viewing may be held next week at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

AEG Live, owner of the sports arena, posted on their Showbiz 411 blog that they would allow the facilities to be used for the service on July 7th.

The L.A. Times also cited sources saying that plans were underway for a massive law enforcement deployment for the same day.

But the Jackson family has not uttered a single word regarding this plan.

Jackson did not make provisions for his funeral and burial in his will, which was filed in court on Wednesday.

There were reports that Jackson would be driven by motorcade from Los Angeles to a public viewing at Neverland.

Besides, there was also talk that he would actually be buried at the ranch, but the L.A. Times reported that idea was abandoned because state rules bar interment outside a cemetery. (ANI)