Speculation grows about the whereabouts of Michael Jackson's body following the memorial service in LA yesterday
After family, fellow stars and fans paid their last respects to Michael Jackson at his memorial service at the Staples Center in LA yesterday, we all thought the story would be over.
But mystery now surrounds the whereabouts of the late singer's body. It was first thought that the star would be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills, where the family had a private ceremony early yesterday morning, but commentators were surprised when a coffin accompanied the family to the Staples Center for the public service.
But since the coffin has failed to return to the cemetery, there are two theories in circulation. One is that the body was buried as expected in the morning and then an empty coffin made its way to the public ceremony. The other, that the body will be taken back to the star's Neverland ranch later this week to become part of a Graceland-style permanent memorial.
Speculation is that the empty coffin could have been brought to the service because the family wanted to create a somber mood that wouldn't have been possible without the presence of the singer's remains in front of the stage.
A source said: "Despite the performances and the celebration of Michael’s work and life, the family were keen to make the event seem more like a public funeral than a party. They thought Michael’s presence would help set the tone.
"They wanted the motorcade and the service to have a thoughtful and sombre feel, reminiscent of Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997."
Jacksin died two weeks ago today, aged 50, from a heart attack brought on by suspected misuse of prescription drugs.
After family, fellow stars and fans paid their last respects to Michael Jackson at his memorial service at the Staples Center in LA yesterday, we all thought the story would be over.
But mystery now surrounds the whereabouts of the late singer's body. It was first thought that the star would be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills, where the family had a private ceremony early yesterday morning, but commentators were surprised when a coffin accompanied the family to the Staples Center for the public service.
But since the coffin has failed to return to the cemetery, there are two theories in circulation. One is that the body was buried as expected in the morning and then an empty coffin made its way to the public ceremony. The other, that the body will be taken back to the star's Neverland ranch later this week to become part of a Graceland-style permanent memorial.
Speculation is that the empty coffin could have been brought to the service because the family wanted to create a somber mood that wouldn't have been possible without the presence of the singer's remains in front of the stage.
A source said: "Despite the performances and the celebration of Michael’s work and life, the family were keen to make the event seem more like a public funeral than a party. They thought Michael’s presence would help set the tone.
"They wanted the motorcade and the service to have a thoughtful and sombre feel, reminiscent of Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997."
Jacksin died two weeks ago today, aged 50, from a heart attack brought on by suspected misuse of prescription drugs.
