Liz Taylor boycotts Jackson's memorial

Rex Features

Elizabeth Taylor has revealed that she will not be attending the memorial service for her close friend Michael Jackson.

According to Sky News, the Oscar-winning actress was asked to speak at the service but declined the invitation.

Taylor, who referred to the service as "public whoopla", wrote on her Twitter page: "I certainly don't want to become a part of it. I love him too much."

She later wrote: "I just don't believe that Michael would want me to share my grief with millions of others. How I feel is between us. Not a public event. I cannot guarantee that I would be coherent to say a word."

Taylor, whose publicist confirmed that the quotes are genuine, offered the Jackson family her condolences, saying: "My love goes out to Katherine and Michael's beloved children."

It is believed that LA will go into lockdown as hundreds of millions of fans from around the world prepare to say farewell to the 'Thriller' singer.