Michael Jackson's funeral is today at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. TMZ is reporting that Michael Jackson's casket will be front and center during his star-studded memorial service today.
The possible physical presence of the remains of the King of Pop could make "crowd control even bigger issue," said "Today" host Meredith Vieira. Family spokesperson Ken Sunshine, interviewed by Viera, refused to confirm or deny the casket reports -- as did Al Sharpton, interviewed a short time later.
The 10 a.m. star-studded event will star Lionel Richie, John Mayer, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Brooke Shields and Martin Luther King III is covered live by all the major network news anchors.
Elizabeth Taylor announced to the world she's staying away today, because her grief is not a public event.
At least 16 domestic TV networks plan to cover the Jackson memorial live.
Los Angeles police are prepared for a mob scene even after warning that fans would not be able to get within blocks of the arena. Oversize murals and enormous screens have been set up outside as part of the Staples Center. Authorities were urging people to stay away from the venue and watch the memorial on TV.
Nearly 2 million people had registered in hopes of snagging some of the precious 20,000 seats at the Staples Center, of whom under 9,000 were picked to get two tickets each. About 9,000 seats in the arena have been set aside for Jackson family and friends.
This is going to be quite an event.
