CHARLENEM
LOS ANGELES (FinalCall.com) – Fans worldwide celebrated what would have been the 51st birthday of pop icon Michael Jackson, on Aug. 29 amid a myriad of lingering questions surrounding his recent death and his legacy.
Two months after the star succumbed to doses of propofol given to help him sleep, he had yet to be laid to rest.
At press time, Mr. Jackson’s burial service was scheduled for Sept. 3 at the Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Calif. It was originally set to take place on his birthday. Family spokesman Ken Sunshine gave no reason for the postponement, but said the service was reserved for family and close friends.
›Meanwhile, thousands of fans attended a free mega-bash hosted by film director and actor Spike Lee in New York’s Prospect Park. The party was originally to be held in Fort Green Park, but was moved to accommodate larger numbers of fans.
A Black Entertainment Television celebration included a look at Mr. Jackson’s career with the premiere of “Michael Jackson History: The King of Pop,” and “Michael Jackson: 10 Things You Didn’t Know.” According to Internet reports, fans in London held a party in Trafalgar Square. A celebration of the singer’s life was also held on Aug.29 in Gary, Ind., the childhood home for many members of the Jackson family.
A day before his birthday, the Los Angeles coroner announced Mr. Jackson died of acute propofol intoxication, and the effect of the anti-anxiety drug lorazepam. The coroner also revealed in a summary release that other prescription drugs found in Mr. Jackson’s system were midazolam, diazepam, lidocaine, and ephedrine.
Coroners ruled his death a homicide. In addition to the Los Angeles Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Agency is conducting a separate investigation into the superstar’s death.
The LAPD’s investigation, once complete, will be forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney, who will determine whether to file any charges Dr. Murray, who denied any wrongdoing in a YouTube video weeks ago. Dr. Murray gave the pop star propofol and other drugs.
In related news, the Internet news magazine TMZ reported Katherine Jackson, the star’s mother, filed a petition that would allow her to object to administrators without contesting her son’s will but the Aug. 28 court date was postponed. The will includes a no-contest clause which disinherits anyone who challenges it.
Also, Mrs. Jackson, who was granted custody of her son’s three children, Prince, Paris and Blanket, has lost a recent court battle over the opening of “This Is It.” The film is set to hit markets Oct. 28 and will feature the entertainer in preparation for his planned last tour of the same name.
According to reports, Ms. Jackson objected to concert promoter AEG’s plans to tour Mr. Jackson’s memorabilia in three cities leading up to the film’s release, but was overruled in court.
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