THE Jackson clan were holding a summit meeting last night to decide whether Jacko's funeral should be private or public.

If they go for a private funeral, there is likely to be a later memorial service open to stars and some fans.

But the Jacksons are aware that a 'private' plan could be dashed by the huge public appetite to share in his final journey.

Any procession is likely to draw crowds rivalling the 250,000 that massed for Princess Diana. It will easily eclipse the 75,000 who lined the streets of Memphis for Elvis.

Rudy Clay, the mayor of Gary, Indiana - Michael's hometown - said: "We're trying to get the funeral here."

In the past Jacko has revealed that his own wishes were for a giant send-off.

In late-night phone calls to American housewife Glenda Stein in 1992, Michael said: "It's going to be the greatest show on earth.

"That's what I want. Fireworks and everything."

Although Jacko was raised a Jehovah's Witness, it is rumoured he converted to Islam.

A Muslim funeral would normally be held within two days but the coroner has warned that toxicology reports may delay matters for up to six weeks.

Why did docs dope him up?

BY DR HILARY JONES - NEWS OF THE WORLD GP

THERE is no doubt Michael Jackson's doctors have some serious questions to answer about his treatment, drug regime and why he died.

The suspicion will be that he was being given what he DEMANDED, rather than what he might have NEEDED.

When you start taking a number of different prescription drugs together you have a potentially lethal cocktail that could stop an elephant.

Michael was given a huge injection of painkiller Demerol. This powerful painkiller is so strong it is normally given in a hospital.

It's possible the injection was given into a vein by mistake rather than muscle. That would have very quickly stopped his breathing.

The other enduring question about Michael is whether he had vitiligo which turned his skin whiter. But vitiligo usually forms patches whereas his blanching was across his face and body. I believe he deliberately did it, through a bleaching process.

Kids may be split by court

JACKO'S three children could be a SPLIT UP in a battle over custody, US legal experts warned last night.

A court will face the agonising decision of where to send the distraught youngsters.

But the kids are said to share the view that their nanny Grace Rwaramba, 42, is best placed to raise them.

An insider said: "They desperately want Grace to look after them and hope to be allowed to give their opinions to the court."

The eldest two will be allowed a say, but they could yet be placed with their grandfather Joe-who Jacko accused of beating him when he was young.

The youngsters - Prince Michael Jnr, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II -are currently being looked after by elderly Joe and his wife Katherine in Los Angeles.

And last night their lawyer insisted Michael wanted mum Katherine to raise his kids if anything happened to him. "It was agreed she can best provide a stable, loving environment for them," said Debra Opri.

Other insiders claim the whole Jackson clan back this suggestion. Jacko's ex-wife Debbie Rowe, who gave birth to the eldest two, has a legal claim to them - but is thought unlikely to seek their custody.

He'll wipe debt beyond grave

EXPERTS last night said that Michael Jackson will be worth more dead than alive.

His sudden death has seen sales of Brand Jacko rocket - and a stash of over 100 secret songs could wipe out the star's massive debts.

Forbes magazine - which lists the top earners in showbiz - predicts that the King of Pop could go on to earn more than The King himself, Elvis.

Jerry Reisman, of the Hit Factory recording studio where Jacko recorded his record- breaking Thriller album, said: "Quite frankly, he may be worth more dead than alive."

Jackson's kids could also benefit from a secret stash of his songs never before heard by the public.

Jacko recorded over 100 tunes intended as personal legacy for his three children. Experts reckon releasing these could earn his family a fortune.

We can also reveal that discussions are in place to bring out Jacko's final recordings as a blockbuster £100 million album.

The songs will be a compilation of the material Jackson had been secretly working on in the studio before his death.

It was due to be released as his first studio album in eight years during the final leg of his tour at the O2 Arena in London.

• The King of Pop died facing £340m debt and financial ruin
• AUTOPSY NUMBER 2
• Children thought Jacko was playing a trick as he lay dying
• Jackson turned to plastic surgery to escape deep psychological problems
• 'Michael took me in his arm & hugged..then he kissed me on the lips'
• Jacko's untold secrets
• Horror story Michael Jackson wrote for kids
• 'Writing songs was natural..suddenly everyone wanted a piece of me'
• 'My father beat me up. He was very strict, very hard..just a look would terrify me'

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