26 Magazine » Celebrity News

Letterman scandal should be more scandalous

andrea — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:28:52 +0000

David Letterman has held the rating high for his late night talk show on CBS since 1993.

With his name in the tabloids this past week, Letterman appears to be benefiting from this sex scandal. Surprising?

No, that’s show-business!

On Thursday, Letterman announced that he is a “victim of extortion attempt over charges of sexual affairs with staff members,” according to the New York Times.

Letterman says that about three weeks ago he received a package from Robert “Joe” Halderman, a producer for the CBS documentary news program 48 Hours. Halderman was threatening a screenplay outlining the “terrible, terrible things” that Letterman had done. He also asked for $2 million.

These “terrible, terrible thing” that Halderman was talking about are the many affairs that Letterman had with his female co-workers. (Doesn’t he know that office romances are never a good idea?!)

Letterman went straight to Manhattan’s district attorney where he was advised to write a fraudent check to Halderman. Now, Halderman is facing attempted grand larceny charges.

———-
Who is the wrong here?

Sure, Halderman could have been bribing Letterman just for the money. But… I really doubt he needed the money. I’m assuming this whole attempt was just to raise awareness about how much of a creep Mr. Letterman is.

Letterman has been with (now) wife, Regina Lasko, for around 20 years and they have a six-year-old son. Undeniably, his actions are unacceptable. Letterman apologized to Lasko during a taping of his show on Monday.

He told People magazine that she is “hurt.”

What a surprise! He’s lucky that his son doesn’t understand what’s going on or else he would also be ashamed of his father.

The worst part of this story is that the American public seems to have no problem with the situation at all. The top story surrounding the David Letterman scandal reads, “David Letterman Scandal will help CBS“… scary.

According to the United Press International, a study was conducted by HCD Research using its MediaCurves.com Web site Oct. 1-2 to obtain viewers’ opinions of the late-night talk-show host. This study of about 500 viewers, 55 percent said that their views of Letterman were not changed whatsoever. 22 percent of respondents said yes, they have a more negative perception of him now, and 23 percent said yes, they have a more positive perception of him now.

Um… does this sound right?

Why is the question: “Where are America’s ethics?” considered a stupid question?

The shame that should be surrounding this scandal is nowhere to be found. Five minutes after Letterman admitted what should have ruined his career, he was making jokes and amusing the studio audience.

Maybe the shock was edited out.

Apparently we are a predictable nation. Adultery? Sure, no problem! We will get REALLY pissed off at you though if you’re not living a “Green” life.
Save your environment, but don’t worry about your dignity.

Halderman is facing up to 15 years for bringing this trashy situation into the limelight.

Although Letterman is laughing it off, we shouldn’t be.

Roman Polanski v. U.S. Government: Who is the ultimate fighter?

andrea — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:56:51 +0000

As for many artists, Roman Polanski included, a troubled past is a must. This comes in handy for their art as it all translates into masterpieces. Some of Polanski’s masterpieces include such famous films as Rosemary’s Baby and The Pianist.

This director, writer, producer and actor was on his way to Switzerland to accept an honorary award at the Zurich Film Festival when he was intercepted and forced to deal with a crime he committed back in 1977. This, brought to you by the U.S. Government.

Polanski’s life has been less than easy. Born in Paris in 1933, Polanski moved with his parents to Poland right in time for the Nazis to come barreling through. He escaped the concentration camps but his parents spent time in numerous camps. His father survived and his mother lost her life in Auschwitz.

At 21, Polanski began to exercise his acting skills and even directed his first feature-length film, Knife in the Water, in 1962. His career began to blossom and soon he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Film.

On Aug. 9, 1969, terror struck thanks to a little man named Charles Manson.

The Manson Family broke into Polanski’s rented home in the Hollywood Hills and brutally murdered his wife, Sharon Tate, their unborn baby and many more people. Polanski was at his home in England at the time of the brutality.

In 1974, Polanski directed Chinatown, a film focusing on the land and water rights disputed in Los Angeles at the tale end of the 1930s. That year it won Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards. It was also nominated for: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Jack Nicholson), Best Actress (Faye Dunaway), Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing and Best Music Score.

Three years later, things got a little out-of-hand…again. This time it was Polanski’s own fault. And this is the thing that he’s still dealing with: his alleged sexual conduct with a minor.

Now, at the time of this situation, Polanski would have been just shy of 45 years old. Samantha Gailey Geimer, the girl who alleges the criminal relationship, was 13 at the time.

Geimer testified that Polanski offered her a photo shoot for the French edition of Vogue. While at the second shoot for the editorial, in the Los Angeles home of Jack Nicholas, Geimer states that Polanski inhibited her with champagne and Quaaludes and sexually took advantage of her.

His official charge is “engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor,” which mandated a psychiatric evaluation, which he completed. He then fled to France where he held citizenship and avoided extradition from the U.S. government. Basically, Polanski hasn’t wanted to deal with the situation. Geimer isn’t pushing for it either but the California government has wanted to prosecute him since it happened.

So, the U.S. sent out an international warrant in 2005 and finally someone decided to act on it. The Swiss got him this weekend and are holding him there. The Swiss Justice Ministry said in a statement that Polanski is in “provisional detention” as they wait on the pending extradition from the U.S. arrest warrant.

The fight is far from over. Polanski could fight the extradition and can definitely fight the lawsuit. Regardless, more news will follow on this story.

Does it matter that this is a crime from 30 years ago? Apparently not. I guess sometimes that the law likes to remind you that when you fight it, it will win.

Latest media crockery: Kayne West mess staged

Brittany — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:29:22 +0000

Oh yay. Another story that’s taken the news by storm… And is continuing to do so. This time, however, it’s not a dead pop king, but someone who claims to steal that title someday soon (because it’s his turn), just like a certain spotlight he stole this past weekend.

Kayne West is back, or should I say hasn’t left the news recently, ever since his brilliant act on MTV’s Video Music Awards this past Sunday. You know, of course. The whole Kayne West and Taylor Swift ordeal. All West’s senseless, insulting, and in my opinion disgusting demonstration of his true self. Rude, rude, rude Kayne West.

The latest on the rapping egomaniac is that his little “stunt” on stage might actually have been just that, an act, as reported by Pop Eater.

Honestly, it was the first thought to pop into my mind while watching the live performance. I mean, there wasn’t a whole lot else that was “lively” about the live show. I was bored out of my mind, just like the entire audience seemed for the portion of the show following the very beginning, after Madonna’s speech and Janet’s performance, both in honor of the true dead King of Pop.

So, perhaps, this was indeed a staged act, meant to garner some real attention, though highly negative as it was. I think I heard all of four “boos” while the thieving was going on. And if it was truly a staged event purposed for that reason, or simply to gain any attention whatsoever, I guess it worked, now that every media outlet and their mothers are covering the incident.

But then again, in reviewing some past Kayne Mess, ahem, West incidents, performances or whatever you’d like to refer to them as, I somehow doubt that theory.

Mr. West was once quoted as saying something along the lines of — since I’m pulling from memory and can’t find the exact wording — ‘The only thing in life I will regret is not being able to watch myself live in concert.’

Wow. Besides making you want to double over and laugh until your breakfast, brunch and lunch come spewing out of your mouth from sheer disbelief, awe and an otherwise dumbfounded “WTF” moment, can anyone say ego?

I think West has enough to share with the six-plus billion on our planet right now, though I doubt he’s willing to give any up.

No matter what these media mongrels are saying, I don’t think the act was staged. Just look at this guy’s ego’s record to see for yourself. (Yeah, its got its own record, and mugshot, if you really must know.) If that last quote, excuse me, unquote, didn’t give it away, what else do you need? The man’s all about himself and obviously believes he can do anything.

Well, he’s certainly provided the world with one more pointless story to cover as “news,” as I’m sure Kayne’s big mouth will continue to do in the future. I just hope this one doesn’t last as long as the true King of Pop’s, may he rest in peace, finally.

If the man was stranded on a desert island, I can just hear his only request: A mirror.

Presidential Donkey Punch

Awesome Rob — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:34:01 +0000

The MTV Video Music Awards started the week off in grand fashion, and as usual, it had nothing to do with the ‘greatness’ of the awards show.

MTV is a lover of controversy, and the VMA’s provided plenty of that in the form of Kanye West, or Kanye Mess if you want to follow popular Internet dialogue. When Kanye West stormed the stage and essentially ripped whatever joy Taylor Swift felt for being the first country star to win an MTV VMA award straight out of her heart and stomped it flat in front of millions with his proclamation that Beyonce made a better video.

Needless to say, the crowd, the fans, the celebrities, and even Kanye’s betters (yes Kanye, there are a lot of people who are better than you in both financial terms, entertainment terms and everyday importance) all rallied against the fool and filled the start of the week with attacks both politically correct and the more common unfiltered commentary.

Even the president had words to say about the matter.

It’s not every day Obama slams Kanye or anyone else with weighted words. Obama’s labeling Kanye a “jackass” has become the best news of the week, in a move I call the Obama Donkey Punch.

There is something a bit ridiculous about the whole situation now though, and that is the political nut jobs that have jumped up and screamed foul at the president’s comments, saying they were “un-presidential.”

Hey there pro-politically correct people! Your case here is as ridiculous as the Redskins being sued by Native Americans for defamation (you don’t see them suing Disney for Peter Pan now do you?)

Political correctness is a cancer that has been left to fester and spread through American society by those with unrealistic expectations and a wish to protect everyone and everything from feeling bad.

I’m sorry, life is about experiences and interactions, both good and bad, and between good and bad people. To say that something is unacceptable simply because it doesn’t sit well with you, yet it had not physically harmful (like murder) is a social crippling mechanism. You prevent people from ever communicating the truth and instead put them behind a blanket filter that sets the rules for what things are okay to feel and think.

What is the point of having a free will in a free country if we are unable to exercise it?

I am not an Obama fan. That is easy to discern from the commentary of many of my articles, but I will say that Obama had every right to say what he did about Kanye.

Kanye is a jackass and no one will disagree. Obama simply stated what was on everyone’s mind and what everyone said to begin with. I would rather have a President be candid in his commentary and run without a filter in the matters that don’t require political manipulation (such as healthcare). Obama’s the first President who was really in touch with the majority of things going on outside of the political spectrum, and I can respect that, even if I don’t agree with his policies.

Plus, the Obama Donkey Punch is just awesome.

The perfect mix: Live TV and idiots

andrea — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:33:58 +0000

The U.S. is full of wonderful things, ranging from food to liberties. However, if I would have to choose my current favorite things about the U.S., they would have to be First Amendment rights and live television coverage.

Those two things remind me of Oreos and milk. They’re great separately but even better when they’re together.

Live television has brought us many candid, hilarious, shocking and downright awkward situations. Nearly all of these moments have been brought to you by some of the most famous people in the world.

Take for example Michael Jackson who, after his 2004 molestation trial, left the courthouse and began dancing on the roof of his car. Arguably, this could be a popularity stunt but it was also a great candid moment.

That is what live TV junkies live for.

Then, there are other people who are an embarrassment to TV and entertainment in general. Before we get to the most popular of the bunch (clue: 2009 MTV VMAs… he didn’t win), let’s look at some other winners who are in the public eye.

This event in 2004, to me, is the best example of how serious live television can be. It took place on Feb. 1 at a little game called the Superbowl and involved, shall we say, a little peep show. Planned or not, that really got critics raging. To those of us who didn’t have children in the room, it was quite amusing.

There is truly nothing like the look on Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake’s faces after the “wardrobe malfunction” occurred.

Next, we’ll look at the concept of lip-syncing. It’s quite adorable in the car or at a concert… as long as you’re not supposed to be performing the concert. You can just ask Ashlee Simpson.

Simpson, who is now married to and has a child with Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, made an absolute fool of herself in 2004. (2004 was a magical year for live TV.) She was the closing act for “Saturday Night Live” and decided she wasn’t going to do anything live…other than a weird little jig once everyone figured out she wasn’t singing.

Cute, cute and classy. It’s apparently a genetic trait.

Enough of the past, let’s talk about our favorite small man who has been all over the news since the fiasco at MTV’s Video Music Awards on Sunday. You know who I’m talking about. He’s our favorite metrosexual rapper: Kanye West.

It’s difficult to imagine a world without Kanye West. There would be peace, harmony and far less autotune. It would be a world where Taylor Swift could proudly win what she deserves. It would be a world where Americans wouldn’t be ashamed of their musicians.

Ahhhh, just imagine it.

We would be free from his wild actions: like this and this.

But… This is America people. Wild people like Kanye West are what make the world go around. West is good at what he does: making music and being a jerk.

I’m sure we can expect many more awful/amusing things from Mr. West as well as other celebrities.

For now, only one song comes to mind: “Proud to be an American.”

Palin puts on a show

andrea — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 04:35:31 +0000

It seems like only yesterday when Rep. John McCain announced his running mate, GOP Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin. America went wild. God forbid we have a woman in the White House.

She irritated many and charmed few.

Today, it’s next to impossible to take the name Sarah Palin seriously, especially with the recent developments in her storyline.

When Palin emerged on the scene, she was a fresh face for Republicans to believe in. She had a different approach, seeing as she was a woman. Apparently, women are expected to be smart, sympathetic politicians. (It was also the first time in a very long time that Americans were reminded that Alaska does indeed exist.)

The Alaskan governor, as we all know, was not elected to office with her nearly-dead running mate. Thankfully, she just resigned. I’m not sure why we even need a senator of Alaska. What is there to rule over anyway?

Enough about her political career. Hopefully there will be no more additions to that part in her life. Onward to America’s favorite part of Palin’s life: her personal life.

Perhaps now she can focus on being the wild Alaskan woman she has always claimed to be.

Regardless of how you feel about her, it’s impossible to deny that she’s made some…interesting choices in her life in the public eye alone with the list only continuing to lengthen.

The latest installment in the Palin saga comes from her grand-baby daddy, Levi Johnston. (Johnston was the knight in shining armor who knocked up Palin’s oldest daughter Bristol.)

According to the Associated Press, Johnston said that Palin wanted to adopt their baby so that people wouldn’t know that her daughter was pregnant. You’d think that someone who had carried children would know that it’s quite difficult to hide a pregnancy, especially when you are constantly in the public eye.

Not only is it a stupid move. It’s also a lotta bit creepy. She’s not the senator of Alabama where children are always confused about who their real parents are. (Mom could be grandma, uncle, dad, etc.)

The Palins also have quite a knack for strange names: Bristol, Piper, Track, Willow and Trig. (Sure, it’s not as bad as Prince Michael. I’ll give them that.)

Bristol and Levi took a step in the Palin direction by naming their bouncing baby boy Tripp.

The good news is that this hot mess of a woman will be heading to Hong Kong to speak. (I thought Asians were smarter than this!)

According to a FOX News report, Palin will be speaking to a forum organized by CLSA, a Hong Kong-based brokerage firm, and will address the company’s clients and delegates at the 16th Investors’ Forum, held Sept. 21 through 25.

While she is speaking in Hong Kong, she has refused to speak at the National Federation of Republican Women’s 35th Convention in Orlando. I guess she thinks that people in China aren’t aware of how ridiculous she is.

Here we know exactly how ridiculous she is. I can’t wait for grand-baby’s daddy’s interview to be on the stands. Even more than that, Governor Palin is suspected to be working on memoirs, which will undoubtedly be just as wild as her public life.

Just be sure to pre-order that sucker.

DJ AM: Another celebrity casualty we shouldn’t care about

Awesome Rob — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 04:20:21 +0000

The news has been slammed with former member of Crazy Town’s DJ AM and his death. Many people have spoken out and said his or her kind words of remembrance, many of those who had nothing to do with the individual.

DJ AM, who’s real name is Adam Goldstein, died of possible drug use, joining Michael Jackson as another celebrity who’s use and abuse of a drug has lead to their demise. But why all the sudden attention for the B-list celebrity? I suppose it isn’t that unheard of for people to idolize and still look up to rock stars and other musicians as role models, even with the rampant use of drugs for recreational purposes.

I can understand other DJ’s showing respect for one of their own, because it serves as a reminder to them as to what the future may hold if they let things go to far out of control and let themselves be too completely submerged in the night club culture and the drug subculture it has spawned. It is a reminder of mortality and one that DJ’s should be aware of.

I understand Travis Barker and other artists Goldstein has worked with giving public words of sorrow at his loss because outside of simply being a work associate, Goldstein was also friends with many of those he worked with as well as the few he dated like Nicole Richie and Mandy Moore (both of which he was engaged to for a time.)

But the public? DJ AM’s music was not anything deep and memorable. He made great club music that livened up the party and was a great performer for private get-togethers of the rich and famous. Unlike many of the DJ’s that come from the European club scene, DJ AM doesn’t have a huge list of his own material, since he provided tracks for those he worked with. He doesn’t have a song like Adagio for Strings, Lethal Industry or Just Be like DJ Tiesto. He also didn’t ride a solo release like Timberland, who is similar in practice, providing beats and riffs for singers and bands.

Yet several ‘fans’ have popped up stating their sorrow at his loss. I can bet that many of the people claiming to feel this sorrow had not even listened to the majority of his music, or even gone to a club with him performing. Honoring his death, if you can call it that, is the flavor of the week, and since all the “cool” people have made comment about it Friday (the day Goldstein was found dead) it only makes sense for them to repeat and relay the message to stay in the loop.

The man did nothing so special as to deserve the adoration he has received, even from the club culture. He made good dance mixes and if it weren’t for his relationships with Mandy Moore and Nicole Richie, he wouldn’t have had the same media exposure. Even with cheating death in a plane crash with Travis Barker and his involvement in the ultimate failure of the band Crazy Town, his relationships with the higher celebrity circle is ultimately what put him the tabloids for a time and got his name out there.

There are many local and underground DJ’s who put out mixes as good, if not better, yet without having a high profile meal ticket carry them to higher fame, their growth has to be earned through hard work, and through albums, not mix tapes.

High School Musical starlet naked…again

Brittany — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:58:47 +0000

The last time she did it, her movie made $42 million in its opening weekend, the highest gross for a musical debut, ever. High School Musical 3 was the film then, but this time, it’s her latest flick, Bandslam, that may have something to do with her risque repeat offense.

Two years ago made for Vanessa Hudgens’s first nude photo opp and chance to bring her latest film to the top by “gracing” the Internet with her goodies. Now, in 2009, she’s at it again, as more nude photos have surfaced. This time, however, it appears she may have purchased (and used) a razor before snapping any pics.

It’s the Vanessa Hudgens’ scandal 2009/Vanessa Hudgens’ scandal take II.

The first “leak” almost cost Hudgens her starring role in the third installation of the insanely popular Disney High School Musical series. Everything was all better, though, after Hudgens said a few words that included apology somewhere in between.

Last time I checked, Disney was one of the biggest family names on this green earth. I guess we’re all just supposed to understand that things like this happen sometimes and that we should just give the little chica another shot at stardom and at influencing our pre-teen and teenage daughters. That makes a lot of sense…NOT.

Before we all go getting our panties in a bunch — some of us still wear them — I should add that reports are saying that the latest nude photos of Hudgens are still in the allegation stage, meaning that the person in those photos might not actually be the Disney diva herself. (What a shocker!)

I don’t know about you, but I took a look at the photos for myself and I see a rather striking resemblance between the bare-chested girl in the pictures and Ms. Hudgens. Granted, I’m not expert on photos fake-outs, as we all know the wonders of PhotoShop, but I think it just might be her, at least some of the pictures. Google it and see for yourself.

Even if it’s proven that the girl in the photos isn’t Hudgens, it’s still going to have an impact — IS having an impact — on how her latest film will be received. Hudgens is still benefiting from the press, as negative as it is at the moment.

Disney has yet to respond to the haze surrounding the mess that is one of its star children. I wonder how Disney will respond when the truth surfaces… “Oh, we knew all along it wasn’t her.” Smile. Wink. Nod. Or… “We’re sorely disappointed in our little High School Musical miss and will have to make sure she can’t sign on for High School Musical 4…” Again, smile. Wink. Nod.

And what about Hudgens’s long time boyfriend Zac Efron? How does Mr. Hudgens feel about all of this? He forgave her the first time, but what about now if the photos turn out to be her? And how would you like to be him right now anyway? Knowing that half the planet is canoodling naked pictures of your girlfriend?

All in all, Hudgens will probably get a slap on the wrist from Disney, enough attention to boost box office sales on her otherwise flop of flick to be released soon, and maybe a pat on the back from her boyfriend Mr. Efron.

What a strange and wonderful world we live in…(the NOT is implied here, just in case you didn’t get that vibe…wanted to make sure).

Debbie Rowe wants the Jackson Three

Brittany — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:00:09 +0000

I love how AOL News reported the latest on Debbie Rowe – M.J.’s ex-wife (1996-1999) and ex-nurse (he met her in a dermatologist office where she was a nurse) – as being “back in the spotlight.”

My question: when did the ex-Mrs. King of Pop, and more importantly, the mother of two of Jackson’s children, ever leave the spotlight? With M.J. dead, questions regarding custody of Jackson’s three children are flying high. I think that makes Ms. Rowe pretty spotlight worthy, at least at the moment.

According to the article on AOL News, Rowe popped out of her shell, rather, busted out of her shell on Sunday when leaving a restaurant in Lancaster, Calif. Rowe recoiled from questions and prodding about the custody of the Jackson kiddies from a reporter who repeatedly asked her “Are you ready to fight for your children?”

Rowe lashed back with an anything but meek response, “Are you ready to get your butt kicked? Don’t f—-in’ touch me!”

Gotta love it. At least the woman’s keeping this Jackson story interesting. I was beginning to get sick of the local radio stations playing his music more often than they used to, and the TV news every five seconds posting a picture or two of the recently deceased pop king.

As of last week, we weren’t really sure whether Rowe was going to step up to the plate and fight for her children, at least the two that are biologically hers: Michael Joseph Jr., 12, and Paris Michael Katherine, 11. I think now, after that little feisty display at the California restaurant, we know where Rowe stands, and if I inferred the context and tone correctly, that stance is pretty firm.

Let me not forget to mention that Rowe’s planning on getting a restraining order against M.J.’s father, Joe Jackson. I guess “pretty firm” was a bit understated.

Rowe told an NBCLA reporter last week, as AOL reported, “I am stepping up. I have to.”

Well, we all know she doesn’t absolutely have to. Sure, she’s the biological mother to two of the little Jackson’s, and we all know how deep a mother’s love runs, but the children could easily be supported by Michael’s parents and siblings. God knows they have the money to do it. Not to mention, what about splitting them up? Only two have biological ties to Rowe. Where would that leave Prince Michael II?

Apparently, Rowe’s planning on fighting for all three. Unless the judge is sympathetic to my last query and sympathetic to Rowe herself, I doubt she’ll get Prince Michael II, too.

As various news reports have said, Rowe, who is now 50, gave up her parental rights in her divorce from Jackson in 1999. No one heard her crying (or cussing at reporters outside of restaurants) then. I guess that nice $8.5 million settlement she received back in 2000 when the divorce became final shut her up pretty good. And AOL reports is wasn’t even six months later that she stopped visiting the children.

Tsk, tsk, tsk Ms. Rowe. Sounds like a big publicity deal to me. How can a mother want to see her children and suddenly not? Did Michael pay her off for the whole thing? We can’t forget to remember to the whole “Jackson is not the biological father” thing.

And what about that interview Rowe did with Fox back in 2003 when she admitted that the children don’t even think of her as their mother. She said her whole goal in giving birth to them was to give M.J. the chance at being a father. “I believe there are people who should be parents,” she said, “and he’s one of them.”

So Rowe takes several million dollars from Michael, ditches the kids, tells a reporter in an interview that she basically only had Jackson’s children because she wanted to make him a father, and now, all of a sudden, she wants to take them back. Something’s just not adding up here.

M.J.’s 2002 will specifically requests that his mother be named guardian of the children, and goes even further to state (more or less) that Rowe should not receive a dime in inheritance. “I have intentionally omitted to provide for my former wife, Deborah Jean Rowe Jackson,” Jackson’s will states.

A custody hearing has been set for July 13 to determine whether Jackson’s mommy will remain in custody of Jackson’s children…one, two, or all three.

More on Jackson memorial service mayhem

Brittany — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:00:08 +0000

Registration for the lottery for a chance at a ticket to see Michael Jackson’s memorial service at the downtown Staples Center arena in Los Angeles closed yesterday, along with many people’s hope at winning a ticket.

At the closing of the registration, 1.6 million people managed to get through the almost constant “server unavailable” messages that popped up after hitting “submit,” as reported by ABC News.

Only 17,500 tickets will be selected, and that’s going to mean a lot of unhappy fans, at least 1.5 million of them. And in case you happen to be in that bunch, the memorial service will be broadcast on ABC News live at 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 7.

Even bigger news might be the size of the crowd the Staples Center and the city of Los Angeles, really, is expecting. It might even be one of the most widely attended memorials in U.S. history, according to ABC News. The city is preparing for at least 700,000 people to show up. Of course, many people know they aren’t going to get a ticket, they’re just hoping to be able to get in or find a seat near enough to hear something when they arrive. Others just want to be as close to M.J. as they can get.

ABC News reported many hotels near the arena have already sold out of rooms, with some travelers planning a trip from as far as Europe to attend the service.

With all these people planning on being there, or just being around, this also presents a big problem for Los Angeles police as far as crowd control goes. With a place big enough to fit 20,000, and 700,000 show up, well, you can do the math. Sounds like it’s going to be more Jackson memorial service mayhem than anything else.

“It’s the family’s wish to create a service and a celebration that all of Michael’s fans around the world can be part of,” said Tim Leiweke, president and CEO of AEG, which owns the Staples Center.

Leiweke said it was the family’s idea to make sure at least 17,500 tickets were made available to Michael Jackson’s fans so that they could be “a part of the service.” The remaining 2,500 tickets will be given to family and close friends of the Jackson family at the family’s discretion.

As far as a funeral, well, there won’t be any preceding the event, and Leiweke did not answer questions about whether Jackson’s body would be displayed at the event. I guess he’s keeping the suspense going, ’cause I know we’re all wondering about that one.

Winners will be notified on Sunday, Leiweke said, between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. “Those who were randomly drawn will receive a code to go to Ticketmaster.com and will then be provided with the specifics of where to go.”

Leiweke also mentioned that wristbands would be given to the winners, in an effort to ensure that the system is “not taken advantage of.”

He also made sure to mention that “No tickets will be sold for this memorial.”

It might be interesting to show up and see how many scalpers are there. No offense to Michael, but we all know what lengths people will go to for money, and with an even as big as this one’s sure to be, you know it’s going to happen. Sad, but true.

With this in mind, Leiweke said, “I’m hoping that people have dignity, and that no one takes advantage of this particular process.”

We shall see. I’m just waiting for this whole mess to be over so that M.J. can start resting in peace, finally.