Despite being one of Michael Jackson’s closest friends while he was alive, Elizabeth Taylor has announced via Twitter that she won’t be attending his memorial service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles tomorrow.

She Tweeted a few hours ago:

I’ve been asked to speak at the Staples Center. I cannot be part of the public whoopla.

And I cannot guarantee that I would be coherent to say a word.

I just don’t believe that Michael would want me to share my grief with millions of others. How I feel is between us. Not a public event.

I said I wouldn’t go to the Staples Center and I certainly don’t want to become a part of it. I love him too much.

Based on how much of a media circus Michael Jackson’s memorial is increasingly becoming, I can see where Elizabeth Taylor is coming from.  If she feels that she can pay her respects better privately, good for her for sticking to that.