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"Details are still to be finalized when I meet with the Jackson family this afternoon," Philips said. "Everything is in preliminary stages except the place and time."Representatives for the Jackson Family have yet to confirm the arrangements and had not responded to inquiries made by MTV News at press time.
On Thursday morning (July 2), preparations for the event were under way Chick Hearn Court, the street that runs in front of the Staples Center, had been closed down, and several police cars and television trucks were parked in front of the venue.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene confirmed to MTV News on Thursday (June 2) that someone has been sent to the tattoo parlor to investigate the incident. In a statement, the department said, "Only licensed tattoo artists can administer tattoos in the city according to the City's Health Code. We are sending someone to follow up on this."
TMZ reported that if the department decides to press charges against the pop star for tattooing someone without a license, she could face three misdemeanors for the offense. And each offense has its penalty with as much as $300 for the first offense, $500 for the second and $1,000 for the third offense. Additionally, sources told the Web site that in addition to Rihanna, East Side Ink could be facing fines as well if an investigation is opened.
Earlier on Thursday, MTV News spoke to East Side Ink owner Yadira, who said that the whole incident was well-intended when Rihanna tattooed her long-time tattoo artist, BangBang, as well as two other artists at the parlor. Rihanna was there with a few friends and a bodyguard for "a few hours, just hanging out and joking," she said, and BangBang decided that he wanted the pop star to give him a tattoo. Yadira added, "We had a blast. It was so funny and cute."
ABC News reports that sources close to the planning said that over 750,000 people from all over the world are expected to attend the memorial. According to the same report, over 2,500 police will be on hand to help with the huge crowds occupying the downtown area. A number of public and private travel partnerships have noted the upswing in arrivals into the Los Angeles airport and hotels, in addition to the already high number of holiday travelers into the city.
Previous reports suggested the services for the late King of Pop would take place anywhere from his Neverland Ranch to the Los Angeles Coliseum.
On Wednesday (July 1), however, police began to barricade Chick Hearn Court, the street located directly in front of the Staples Center. The move, along with reports by the Hollywood Reporter and CNN, confirmed that the services would in fact be held at the Staples Center. The venue is controlled by AEG, the company that also was promoting Jackson's upcoming 50-show run in London.