Entertainment> Celebrities

Jackson's expensive funeral

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-11-12 09:33

Michael Jackson's funeral cost a staggering $1million.

The private ceremony for the late 'Thriller' star - who died of acute Propofol intoxication aged 50 in June - was paid with cash released by his estate's administrators and covered the burial at the Holly Terrace Grand Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills as well as flowers, cars, security and a post-funeral dinner.

Court documents show his family, including his mother Katherine Jackson, brother Randy and sister Janet, were involved in its planning and had approached the administrators ahead of the September 3 ceremony for financial help.

The administrators approved all costs - including reimbursing Janet Jackson with an advance payment of $49,000 to the cemetery for burial charges.

Costs also included $3,682 for framing a photograph of the 'Billie Jean' hitmaker next to the casket, $1,975 to pay for family outfits; $2,000 for usher costumes; $11,716 for invitations and programmes; $16,000 for flowers; $30,000 for cars and security and $15,000 for a funeral designer.

There was also a charge of $21,455 for the "funeral repast" at a nearby Italian restaurant after the ceremony.

250 family and close friends attended the hour-and-a-half funeral, which took place two months after a public memorial service.

Michael's long-time friends Elizabeth Taylor and Macaulay Culkin were among celebrity family and friends.

Music legends Gladys Knight and Clifton Davies sang at the "touching" ceremony while a number of friends stood up to talk about their time spent with the legendary pop star.