July 12, 2009 10:12
LA council investigates Jackson memorial cost
Official reckons the city has been 'ripped off'
Photo Gallery: Michael Jackson
Photo: Pa Photos
The cost of Michael Jackson's memorial concert has 'ripped off' Los Angeles, say some city council officials.
Councilman Dennis Zine reckons the $1.4m (£864,000) bill, to which taxpayers are being asked to contribute, should be paid by the late singer's father or promoters AEG Live.
Although the costs of the production were paid for by the promoters, a large number of extra police officers were deployed to patrol the ten miles of closed-off roads on the route of Jackson's hearse and at the Staples Center itself.
According to BBC News, Zine asked on July 8 whether the promoters or organisers would provide "reimbursement to the city to replenish the public safety and other critical funds".
Some officials are now calling for an investigation.
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