Mayor: 'LA will pay for Jackson memorial'

The mayor of Los Angeles has dismissed speculation that Michael Jackson's family and AEG Live should help cover the cost of his public memorial service.

More than 17,000 fans flocked to the Staples Centre last Tuesday to pay tribute to the 'Thriller' star in a spectacle that was estimated to cost $1.4 million.

Speaking yesterday, Antonio Villaraigosa said: "This is a world-class city, and we provide fire and police protection, period. The idea that we would charge the family for a funeral is nonsensical."

He went on to blast a website set up in his name to solicit donations from the public as "ridiculous", stressing that other major cities frequently hold public events without needing the taxpayer to help with costs.

His representative later admitted that the website, which has raised around $35,000 so far, was created by councillor Jan Perry, who had served as acting mayor while Villaraigosa was on vacation last week.

Councilman Dennis Zine, who previously criticised the scale of the event, agreed that it was wrong to solicit money, but added: "AEG and the Jackson family turned this memorial into a worldwide event. The taxpayers should not be responsible for what they did."