Jackson Family Issues Statement: No Viewing At Neverland

A public viewing of late pop star Michael Jackson will not happen at the singer’s former home, Neverland Ranch, the Jackson family announced on Wednesday afternoon.

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

In the days following the King of Pop’s death last week at the age of 50, reports surfaced that a memorial would be held for the star at the ranch, prompting hundreds of fans to descend upon the small community northeast of Santa Barbara.

According to a source who spoke to Access Hollywood, a public memorial may be held for Jackson in Los Angeles on Monday. Details are currently being worked out, the source said.

It is unknown if there are any plans for a separate, private family memorial.

Access has confirmed that Thomas Barrack, the billionaire that owns Neverland in conjunction with Jackson’s estate, sought an exemption to allow the pop star to be buried at the property. However, as of Wednesday, the pop star was not expected to be laid to rest on the grounds of his former home, which he vowed never to return to following his acquittal on child molestation charges in 2005.

E! Online has claimed that the pop star is expected be buried at Forest Lawn cemetery in Burbank, which is coincidentally the final resting place of Ed McMahon, who died just days before Michael.

When contacted by Access Hollywood, Forest Lawn spokesperson William Martin said they had no comment on the report.

“For the respect and privacy of families that we serve, we don’t comment,” he said.

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