Jackson memorial set for Tuesday

Los Angeles — Michael Jackson’s memorial service has been set for Tuesday at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.

AEG Live, which owns the Staples Center and was Jackson’s promoter, called a press conference for Friday at 10 a.m. to announce details, according to a press release from the office of the Jackson family’s publicist.

Randy Phillips, AEG’s chief executive, said tickets would be free. He was not sure how they would be distributed.

But Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine said the Jackson family should consider delaying the public memorial to allow more time to plan. He also said the cash-strapped city can’t afford to pay police overtime.

“If you can imagine 100,000 people show up and you have 20,000 capacity (at the Staples Center), there is not sufficient room. Now you have a crowd-control problem,” Zine said. With the July Fourth holiday weekend “it’s the worst time … to work something out.”

AEG boss: Insurance covers overdose

Los Angeles — Concert promoter AEG Live’s chief executive said Thursday that insurance will help cover any losses on the now-canceled Michael Jackson concert series if the pop star died accidentally — including of a drug overdose — but not if he died of natural causes.

Randy Phillips said the company took out $17.5 million in insurance coverage through Lloyd’s of London.

That would fall short of the $25 million to $30 million Phillips said AEG Live spent on Jackson’s advance, producing the 50-date series at The O2 arena, covering some of Jackson’s debts, and paying his staff and rent on the Holmby Hills mansion where he lived.

Phillips added, however, that 40 percent to 50 percent of concert ticket-buyers have so far decided to receive tickets as memorabilia in lieu of a full refund, a pace that is on track to help the company at least break even on its expenses.

The sold-out concerts had garnered some $85 million in ticket sales, but AEG has offered full refunds on the face value and surcharges.

Ex-wife shows interest in custody of kids

Los Angeles — The future of Michael Jackson’s children was thrown into question Thursday when his ex-wife emerged and won a delay in a custody hearing while she decides whether she wants to raise her two offspring.

It was the first legal move from Deborah Rowe since the entertainer’s death. Jackson’s will asks for his mother, Katherine, to get permanent custody of all three of his children.

Rowe, who met Jackson as a receptionist in the office of his dermatologist, has characterized their relationship as strictly for the purpose of birthing Jackson children. She is the mother of his two oldest children and received $8.5 million in their divorce, according to court records. His youngest child was conceived with a surrogate.

She has spent very little time with her son Michael Joseph Jr., known as Prince Michael, 12; and daughter Paris Michael Katherine, 11. But Rowe also has opposed the idea of Katherine Jackson getting custody of her children when it came up in the past.

Rowe’s attorney, Eric M. George, said Thursday she had not decided whether to seek custody.

Expert: Asphyxia likely killed actor Carradine

Los Angeles — The private pathologist who conducted a second autopsy on David Carradine’s body said today that Thai authorities have determined the actor died of asphyxia and so far, he agrees.

“Thus far, the information we have gathered is consistent with that,” Dr. Michael Baden said. But he noted that he is waiting for key details from Thai authorities.

Those include results from toxicology tests, an analysis of items found in Carradine’s room, security surveillance footage and a log of room entries from the hotel’s key card system. The famed New York pathologist said he cannot yet determine whether Carradine’s death was accidental or a homicide.

Baden performed a second autopsy on Carradine’s body after it was returned to the United States. The actor was buried June 13 in Los Angeles.

His immediate conclusion was that the “Kill Bill” actor didn’t die of suicide.

Thai police initially said they suspected Carradine’s death was a suicide, but later conceded it could have been accidental. Their description — that the actor’s body was found nude, with ropes around his neck, wrist and genitals — fueled speculation that he was killed while engaging in a dangerous sex practice called autoerotic asphyxiation.

Baden said autoerotic asphyxiation remains a possible cause of death.

Holmes to showcase dance moves on show

New York — So Katie Holmes thinks she can dance — and in a few weeks, she’ll display her moves before a discriminating audience.

Nigel Lythgoe, who is the producer of Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance,” confirms the 30-year-old actress will perform for the reality contest’s 100th episode, airing July 23.

Holmes will pay homage to Judy Garland. In a taped number, she’ll sing and dance to the Garland classic “Get Happy.”

Holmes’ TV cameo is meant to promote the new foundation she launched with Lythgoe and “Dancing With the Stars” judge Carrie Ann Inaba.

The nonprofit, called Dizzy Feet, aims to support dance education and programs, and talented dancers who can’t afford training.