L.A. AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATE PROMOTER OVER JACKSON MEMORIAL

Last updated: Friday, July 31, 2009

L.A. AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATE PROMOTER OVER JACKSON MEMORIAL

Authorities in Los Angeles have launched an investigation into MICHAEL JACKSON's memorial concert - amid accusations promoter AEG broke a promise to donate ticket profits to charity.

Timothy J. Leiweke CEO of AEG speaking at the press conference at the Staples Center for Michael Jackson's memorial. Los Angeles, California - 03.07.09

The tribute was held at the city's Staples Center on 7 July (09) and featured performances from stars including Mariah Carey and Stevie Wonder as the world grieved the loss of the King of Pop.

Promotion company AEG, the firm in charge of Jackson's doomed comeback concerts in London, helped organise the memorial, and the majority of tickets were given away for free to Jackson's family, friends and fans - with devotees from around the world allocated seats in an online ballot.

But some attendees were given the chance to buy their way into the event - with the company selling 18 suites at the Staples Center for $5,000 (£3,300). AEG executives allegedly promised to donate the proceeds to the LA Police Foundation, but celebrity website TMZ.com reports that the City Attorney's office has been inundated with complaints that the money was never received.

A representative for AEG insists the company is still working out finances relating to the event, telling TMZ, "We have every intention of making this donation."

AEG organisers behind Jackson's memorial came under fire after the event from L.A. city chiefs who claimed the tribute cost the area $1.4 million (£934,000) to stage and urged the promoters to help cover the costs.

Source: WENN

| Friday, July 31, 2009

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L.A. AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATE PROMOTER OVER JACKSON MEMORIAL

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