While most networks are carrying live coverage of the Michael Jackson memorial, New Yorkers have a chance to watch it with other fans. According to WCBS 2, viewing locations include the Adam Clayton Powell state office building on West 125th Street (Manhattan), Chelsea Cinemas on West 23rd Street (Manhattan), and the Park Slope Pavilion 9 (Brooklyn). The memorial at the Staples Center, which features Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Kobe Bryant, Brooke Shields, Berry Gordy, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Usher and many more, starts at 1 p.m. EST, but coverage begins hours before then. Additionally, the LAPD just announced that Jackson's casket will be headed to the Staples Center (with SWAT team escort)—it's unclear whether the route will be announced.
As for Rep. Peter King, who has garnered much attention for his blistering video attack questioning all the media attention on "a pervert, a child molester...a pedophile," the Long Island Republican told WCBS 2 he stands by his remarks, adding, "Yes, he did violate young boys. He did put them in terribly inappropriate positions. And that's a terrible signal to be sending out to society -- that we're somehow condoning that behavior. And you are condoning it when you give him the type of --- when we give him the type of regal coverage! And millions of people fighting to get to this mega-memorial! I mean, this is --- this is wrong!"
King's fellow NY congressman, Rep. Charles Rangel (D-Harlem), who spoke at the Apollo about MJ last week, said, "It's unfortunate that it's been said. I hope he's sorry he said it, but talking about it is not going to help or ease the pain that he has caused." King added yesterday, "Listen, I feel a lot of sympathy for Michael Jackson. I mean this guy was a tortured person...So I said it yesterday. I'm speaking today. I will not be speaking tomorrow, on the day of his memorial. I mean, here's a guy who had so much; in the end, he really had very little."
