A disgruntled taxpayer is suing Michael Jackson's estate for $3.3 million (£2 million) to cover the costs of the singer's memorial.The costs were incurred by the city of Los Angeles where Jose F Vallejos pays his tax. Mr Vallejos has filed a creditor's claim for the money, stating that he is entitled to seek reimbursement as a taxpayer.
Los Angeles paid out for costs including police overtime and sanitation when a memorial was held for the late singer in July at the Staples Center, a venue owned by entertainment giant AEG Live. Local politicians have wrangled for months over how to try to recoup some of the money but no resolution has been reached. Mr Vallejos claims the singer's estate benefited from the use of public resources that amounted to an illegal gift of public funds. His claim states that the money should be returned to the city treasury.
The Jackson estate is already facing millions of dollars in claims. They include several from Jackson's former collaborators, lawyers and those who sold the singer goods or services. A representative of the estate had no immediate comment.
There have been suggestions that Los Angeles may in fact have not lost any money by hosting the memorial.
According to one report it meant a $4 million (£2.4 million) boost for hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
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