NEWS: AEG still target of handouts by LA over Memorial

Just 5 short months ago, the world watched Los Angeles host a Memorial of the world's most famous and beloved entertainer, and its most famous resident. Today brings a reminder some within the Los Angeles city government are conducting a criminal investigation surrounding Michael.

Not involving his death but his Memorial!

The Los Angeles Times is still following this controversy as councilwoman Jan Perry urges City Attorney Carmen Trutanich to move forward or drop the allegations there was "criminal wrongdoing" by AEG or others in the preparation of Michael's Memorial.

No open allegations have been published (that I've seen) but allegations were made known in a closed door session a few months back. What criminal activity? For a Memorial Service? Seriously? The longer Los Angeles drags this out, the worse the City of Angels appears in the looking glass.

Costs were reportedly $3.2 million and tax revenues from fans who arrived totalled over $4 million, meaning $800,000 in revenue. Who knows how much was added in the days from June 25th to July 7th when people flew from all over the world to stand vigil outside Neverland and the Encino compound. Add into this the $40,000 fans donated via Mayor Villaraigosa's office produced that bungled website that called upon the grief of Michael's fans to pay for his Memorial. There were so many hits the site crashed.

How much has been spent into investigating the costs of the Memorial? More importantly, let us remember Michael, the man, is dead and the doctor who has been named responsible still walks free. Honestly, what is a more important focus since your books have been cleared?

The conversation continues and we continue to watch with mouths agape.

Previous posts & LA Times articles about Memorial costs:
July 5
July 6
July 9
July 14
August 20
August 27
October 25
October 24
October 22
October 22
November 19
December 6
December 7

NEWS: AEG v. LA City Attorney over Memorial

Go back to early July. Michael's fans were welcomed with open arms by the millions to come publicly mourn the death of a beloved world-wide icon that sadly lost his life in their city-- the City of Angels. Right? smacks head Sorry, that was a dream not reality. Well, the saga continues with Los Angeles city government, AEG and Michael's memorial.

It was recently noted that the mourners who did go (and were welcomed outside Staples and Nokia by the boys in blue) brought with them over $4 million in an economic gift to LA. Michael's memorial costs were less than this figure (and would have been less had LA realized Michael's fans were in shock and not capable of damage, thus saving the city at least a million if not more).

Well, Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich has decided to recoup monies the city spent and they are going after AEG. Read the latest from AEG top dog Tim Leiweke and tomorrow there will be more links and background into this story.

MEMORIAL: Anything for Moeny

"Beware the man who shouts while standing on another man's casket," Tim Leiweke, AEG executive.

According to a LATimes article, Mr. Leiweke blasted the LA councilman for the manner in which Los Angeles officials handled the request for money to cover the city's costs of Michael Jackson's memorial service. Amen Mr. Leiweke.

Early on, as seen below, this blogger believes the manner in which LA handled themselves overall was horrifying. First to have councilwoman, and temporary mayor, Jan Berry, come out and tell the general public to stay home and not come to pay their last respects was assinine. Why? Let's take a look.

In 1997 when Princess Diana was tragically killed in a car accident, the world went into shock. An outpouring of grief just materialized. People came from all corners of the world. The front gates of Buckingham Palace were adorned with seas of flowers, messages, gifts. The crowds were peaceful, respectful and clearly mourning. Never did anyone hear "don't come."

Shops closed the day of her funeral out of respect. The media descended in masses. Likely fair to say that England saw an remarkable increase in tourist dollars spent in London in the weeks surrounding her death and funeral. And there was controversary around the Queens of Hearts, including a claim & belief that the monarchy was somehow involved in her death.

Thank you Los Angeles for showing the world that we are more worried about money than sending one of the greats off in style. What a bungled mess!

LA Times Article