Whitney’s Family Asks NJ to Cancel Public Memorial

TMZ.com is reporting that Whitney Houston’s family asked the city of New Jersey to cancel plans for a public memorial at a 18,000 seat arena. The family plans to hold a private viewing and invite-only funeral for family and friends on Saturday, Feb. 18, at New Hope Baptist Church.

A rep for the Mayor’s office tells TMZ, “The Houston family has no plans to set up a public viewing at the Prudential Center this Friday” — despite several reports claiming there was going to be a massive public ceremony … in addition to previously-scheduled private funeral arrangements.

The rep claims the family specifically asked the city NOT to plan a memorial event — adding, “In compliance with the family’s wishes the city is not moving forward with any public ceremony.”