As the world said goodbye to the King of Pop in a very public way, his family organised a private funeral held on September 3, 2009, costing the estate almost US$1 million, court documents revealed.
In pictures: Michael Jackson’s memorial service
After Michael Jackson’s death in June, the family and AEG entertainment group organised a public memorial held at the Staples Center in July but waited until September to have his family funeral.
During this time the family was charged US$5000 ($5375) per month to hold Michael’s remains in a temporary vault, the Associated Press reported.
Jackson’s mother, Katherine had her attorneys file payment requests with estate administrators only three days before the funeral was planned to be held. Court documents showed that if payment was not received by the funeral home and the Glendale Police Department by September 1 “the funeral will not proceed”.
However, the administrators showed no opposition to the request, allowing the family $1 million for funeral expenses.
The final costs included US$855,730 ($919,120) to Forest Lawn-Glendale for cemetery and funeral charges, US$35,000 ($37,620) for Jackson’s lavish burial garments, US$15,000 ($16,120) for a funeral designer, US$30,000 ($32,235) for cars and security, US$16,000 ($17,190) for flowers, US$1975 ($2120) for wardrobe for the Jackson family, US$3682 ($3955) for the framing of a photo placed next to the casket, US$2000 ($2150) for ushers costumes, US$11,716 ($12,590) for invitations and programs. The family were also allowed to charge US$21,455 ($23,055) for the “funeral repast” at a restaurant after the ceremony, the Associated Press reported.
One of the Jackson estate’s lawyers, Howard Weitzman, said the funeral could have been done for less money but “it was Michael Jackson, who was larger than life. There’s no reason he should not have a funeral that’s larger than life”.
Your say: Do you think the Jackson family spent too much money on the funeral? Do you think the funeral was fitting for the King of Pop? What will you miss most about Michael Jackson? Tell us below.
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