AGE trial thread

Katherine Jackson vs AEG - Day 1 - April 29 2013 – Reports





DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Opening statements began Monday in the Michael Jackson wrongful death trial filed against concert promoter AEG.

Members of the Jackson family arrived at the downtown Los Angeles court house as the late pop star's life and death rose to the spotlight once again. Jackson's mother, Katherine, wants a jury to hold concert promoter AEG responsible for her son's death.

The singer's struggle against drug addiction was put on display Monday in the wrongful death case.

Brian Panish, the attorney for Katherine Jackson and Michael's children, told the jury about evidence that AEG officials knew for decades about Jackson's struggles with meds, but instead of helping him, they hired Dr. Conrad Murray. Murray was not a pain management specialist but a cardiologist whose home was in foreclosure, owed child support and allegedly was denied privileges at Houston hospital for patient care issues.

While AEG could have hired someone else, the plaintiffs say that only money-strapped Murray would provide Jackson with the drugs the pop start demanded.

AEG lawyer Marvin Putnam used the defense that Jackon was an addict.

"No one knew about Propofol, not his mother, not his children, not the staff working at his house, certainly not the tour promoters," he said.

Putnam went on to portray the case as one of personal choice, that Jackson was responsible for his own death.

"MJ fooled everybody. He made sure no one, nobody, knew his deepest dark secret," he said.

The trial, which will last for months, is expected to reveal details of Jackson's private life and his medical history including his prescription drug abuse. Information from his medical records have remained sealed until now.

Jackson's past legal troubles are also expected to take center stage.

Tom Mesereau represented Jackson in his 2004-2005 child sex abuse trial. Mesereau says if he is called to the witness stand, he will testify that Jackson was exonerated from all molestation charges and that those charges did not diminish Jackson's reputation.

"They want to try and say his reputation was diminished," said Edwards. "If that's true, why did they enter into a business contract with him? And why did they invest $30 million in him before the concerts even began?"

Katherine Jackson and her three children are suing AEG for billions of dollars, alleging that AEG was negligent when hiring Conrad Murray as Jackson's personal physician.

Katherine Jackson alleges that AEG failed to properly investigate Murray and also put pressure on him to perform.

Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death. Murray had administered drugs to Jackson repeatedly to help him sleep as the singer prepared for the concerts.

AEG contends that it did not hire Murray and could not have foreseen the singer's death. The trial will address issues about Jackson's health and finances, which were not factors in Murray's criminal trial.

Mesereau says he believes the defense has an uphill battle.

"If you look at those emails where they acknowledge they're paying his doctor, they acknowledge that he better perform even if he's not well," said Mesereau. "I think the defense has a real uphill battle. I think that sympathy is going to be with Katherine and Michael's three children."

Other legal analysts say that proving the allegations made by Katherine Jackson may be difficult.

"Dr. Murray was a doctor that Michael Jackson had a prior relationship with and that Michael Jackson was the one that was instrumental in getting Dr. Murray hired by AEG or in essence really paid by AEG," said Edwards.


Katherine Jackson and the singer's three children are suing AEG in excess of $50 million each for general damages and $10 million each for special damages, making a possible payout in the billions.

Lawyers for Katherine Jackson argue that if Michael Jackson had lived he could potentially have earned that much.

The first witness is expected to take the stand Tuesday. Jackson's two oldest children, Paris and Prince, may testify. Celebrities, such as Diana Ross, Spike Lee and Quincy Jones, are also listed as potential witnesses. It is unclear who will take the stand first.


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Opening statements begin in Michael Jackson death trial



LOS ANGELES — An attorney for Michael Jackson’s mother says AEG Live owed it to the pop superstar to properly investigate the doctor held criminally responsible for his death.

The comments by Brian Panish came Monday during opening statements in Katherine Jackson’s lawsuit against concert giant AEG Live, which she says should be held civilly liable for her son’s 2009 death.

Panish says AEG is the only entity that claims it didn’t know about Jackson’s addiction to prescription drugs.

AEG officials have denied any wrongdoing, and its lawyers have said company executives could not have foreseen the circumstances that led to a physician giving Jackson doses of the anesthetic propofol as a sleep aid.

A jury of six men and six women will determine whether AEG is liable and any damages award.

Concert giant AEG Live owed a duty to properly investigate the doctor who treated Michael Jackson, an attorney for the singer’s mother told a jury Monday morning.

“His stirring voice, his musical genius, his creativity and his generosity and his huge heart was extinguished forever,” attorney Brian Panish said in opening statements of a civil lawsuit filed over Jackson’s June 2009 death. Katherine Jackson is suing AEG claiming it failed to properly investigate the doctor convicted of involuntary manslaughter over Jackson’s death.

“You’re going to hear the whole story about what happened in the death of Michael Jackson,” Panish said.

Panish made his remarks in an opening presentation filled with slides detailing the case against AEG, which was promoting Jackson’s planned comeback concerts, “This Is It.”

Jackson’s mother, brother Randy and sister Rebbie sat in the front row of the courtroom as Panish detailed aspects of Jackson’s life.

An attorney for AEG is expected to begin addressing the panel later Monday.

Millions, and possibly billions, of dollars are at stake. A jury of six men and six women will determine any damage award.

Katherine Jackson sued the company in September 2010, claiming it failed to properly investigate former physician Conrad Murray before allowing him to serve as Jackson’s tour doctor. She is also suing on behalf of her son’s three children, Prince, Paris and Blanket.

AEG denies it hired Murray and its attorneys have said they could not have foreseen the circumstances that led to Jackson’s death at age 50. A jury convicted Murray of giving Jackson a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol in 2011. The hospital-grade anesthetic was being administered as a sleep aid.

Panish told jurors they would be putting together a puzzle, with three pieces being Jackson, Murray and AEG Live.

He told the panel that Jackson suffered from addiction to prescription medications and Demerol at times during his life, and the problem increased when he was keeping up a rigorous schedule. Panish cited a 1984 accident that injured Jackson during a Pepsi commercial suit as causing the singer tremendous physical pain throughout his life.

“Over the years Michael family’s and people who knew him believed he had a problem with prescription medication,” Panish told jurors. He said the only group that would claim they didn’t know about Jackson’s addiction issues were AEG and its executives.

The lawyer showed a brief clip of Jackson rehearing for the “This Is It” shows and a clip of the singer dancing in the early stages of his presentation. He also showed footage of 1999 show in Munich in which Jackson was performing when a bridge dropped 50 feet with the singer on it. Despite pain, Jackson continued performing, Panish said.

Panish said Jackson turned to Demerol to relieve his pain.

Katherine Jackson and her two oldest grandchildren, Prince and Paris, are listed as possible witnesses. An AEG attorney said Monday that the company intends to call Murray as a witness in the case as well.

Murray did not testify at his criminal trial.

Panish told jurors they would have to determine who was responsible for Jackson’s death.

“Michael paid the ultimate price. He died,” Panish said. “Michael has taken responsibility.”

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Michael Jackson civil case details life, addictions in opening statements


An attorney for Michael Jackson's mother says AEG Live owed it to the pop superstar to properly investigate the doctor held criminally responsible for his death.

The comments by Brian Panish came Monday during opening statements in Katherine Jackson's lawsuit against concert giant AEG Live, which she says should be held civilly liable for her son's 2009 death.

Timeline: Michael Jackson's career, recent developments with his estate
Panish says AEG is the only entity that claims it didn't know about Jackson's addiction to prescription drugs.

AEG officials have denied any wrongdoing, and its lawyers have said company executives could not have foreseen the circumstances that led to a physician giving Jackson doses of the anesthetic propofol as a sleep aid.

A jury of six men and six women will determine whether AEG is liable and any damages award.

Concert giant AEG Live owed a duty to properly investigate the doctor who treated Michael Jackson, an attorney for the singer's mother told a jury Monday morning.

'You're going to hear the whole story about what happened in the death of Michael Jackson
'

—attorney Brian Panish
"His stirring voice, his musical genius, his creativity and his generosity and his huge heart was extinguished forever," attorney Brian Panish said in opening statements of a civil lawsuit filed over Jackson's June 2009 death. Katherine Jackson is suing AEG claiming it failed to properly investigate the doctor convicted of involuntary manslaughter over Jackson's death.

"You're going to hear the whole story about what happened in the death of Michael Jackson," Panish said.

Panish made his remarks in an opening presentation filled with slides detailing the case against AEG, which was promoting Jackson's planned comeback concerts, This Is It.

Jackson's mother, brother Randy and sister Rebbie sat in the front row of the courtroom as Panish detailed aspects of Jackson's life.

An attorney for AEG is expected to begin addressing the panel later Monday.

Millions, and possibly billions, of dollars are at stake. A jury of six men and six women will determine any damage award.

Suit launched in 2010
Katherine Jackson sued the company in September 2010, claiming it failed to properly investigate former physician Conrad Murray before allowing him to serve as Jackson's tour doctor. She is also suing on behalf of her son's three children, Prince, Paris and Blanket.

Conrad Murray was convicted of manslaughter in Michael Jackson's death in 2011. (Paul Buck/Associated Press)
AEG denies it hired Murray and its attorneys have said they could not have foreseen the circumstances that led to Jackson's death at age 50. A jury convicted Murray of giving Jackson a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol in 2011. The hospital-grade anesthetic was being administered as a sleep aid.

Michael Jackson's doctor appeals manslaughter conviction
Panish told jurors they would be putting together a puzzle, with three pieces being Jackson, Murray and AEG Live.

He told the panel that Jackson suffered from addiction to prescription medications and Demerol at times during his life, and the problem increased when he was keeping up a rigorous schedule. Panish cited a 1984 accident that injured Jackson during a Pepsi commercial suit as causing the singer tremendous physical pain throughout his life.

"Over the years Michael family's and people who knew him believed he had a problem with prescription medication," Panish told jurors. He said the only group that would claim they didn't know about Jackson's addiction issues were AEG and its executives.

The lawyer showed a brief clip of Jackson rehearing for the This Is It shows and a clip of the singer dancing in the early stages of his presentation. He also showed footage of 1999 show in Munich in which Jackson was performing when a bridge dropped 50 feet with the singer on it. Despite pain, Jackson continued performing, Panish said.

Panish said Jackson turned to Demerol to relieve his pain.

Katherine Jackson and her two oldest grandchildren, Prince and Paris, are listed as possible witnesses. An AEG attorney said Monday that the company intends to call Murray as a witness in the case as well.

Murray did not testify at his criminal trial.

Panish told jurors they would have to determine who was responsible for Jackson's death.

"Michael paid the ultimate price. He died," Panish said. "Michael has taken responsibility."


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OPENING STATEMENTS BEGIN IN JACKSON DEATH TRIAL

By ANTHONY McCARTNEY


LOS ANGELES (AP) — An attorney for Michael Jackson's mother says AEG Live owed it to the pop superstar to properly investigate the doctor held criminally responsible for his death.

The comments by Brian Panish came Monday during opening statements in Katherine Jackson's lawsuit against concert giant AEG Live, which she says should be held civilly liable for her son's 2009 death.

Panish says AEG is the only entity that claims it didn't know about Jackson's addiction to prescription drugs.

AEG officials have denied any wrongdoing, and its lawyers have said company executives could not have foreseen the circumstances that led to a physician giving Jackson doses of the anesthetic propofol as a sleep aid.

A jury of six men and six women will determine whether AEG is liable and any damages award.

Concert giant AEG Live owed a duty to properly investigate the doctor who treated Michael Jackson, an attorney for the singer's mother told a jury Monday morning.

"His stirring voice, his musical genius, his creativity and his generosity and his huge heart was extinguished forever," attorney Brian Panish said in opening statements of a civil lawsuit filed over Jackson's June 2009 death. Katherine Jackson is suing AEG claiming it failed to properly investigate the doctor convicted of involuntary manslaughter over Jackson's death.

"You're going to hear the whole story about what happened in the death of Michael Jackson," Panish said.

Panish made his remarks in an opening presentation filled with slides detailing the case against AEG, which was promoting Jackson's planned comeback concerts, "This Is It."

Jackson's mother, brother Randy and sister Rebbie sat in the front row of the courtroom as Panish detailed aspects of Jackson's life.

An attorney for AEG is expected to begin addressing the panel later Monday.

Millions, and possibly billions, of dollars are at stake. A jury of six men and six women will determine any damage award.

Katherine Jackson sued the company in September 2010, claiming it failed to properly investigate former physician Conrad Murray before allowing him to serve as Jackson's tour doctor. She is also suing on behalf of her son's three children, Prince, Paris and Blanket.

AEG denies it hired Murray and its attorneys have said they could not have foreseen the circumstances that led to Jackson's death at age 50. A jury convicted Murray of giving Jackson a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol in 2011. The hospital-grade anesthetic was being administered as a sleep aid.

Panish told jurors they would be putting together a puzzle, with three pieces being Jackson, Murray and AEG Live.

He told the panel that Jackson suffered from addiction to prescription medications and Demerol at times during his life, and the problem increased when he was keeping up a rigorous schedule. Panish cited a 1984 accident that injured Jackson during a Pepsi commercial suit as causing the singer tremendous physical pain throughout his life.

"Over the years Michael family's and people who knew him believed he had a problem with prescription medication," Panish told jurors. He said the only group that would claim they didn't know about Jackson's addiction issues were AEG and its executives.

The lawyer showed a brief clip of Jackson rehearing for the "This Is It" shows and a clip of the singer dancing in the early stages of his presentation. He also showed footage of 1999 show in Munich in which Jackson was performing when a bridge dropped 50 feet with the singer on it. Despite pain, Jackson continued performing, Panish said.

Panish said Jackson turned to Demerol to relieve his pain.

Katherine Jackson and her two oldest grandchildren, Prince and Paris, are listed as possible witnesses. An AEG attorney said Monday that the company intends to call Murray as a witness in the case as well.

Murray did not testify at his criminal trial.

Panish told jurors they would have to determine who was responsible for Jackson's death.

"Michael paid the ultimate price. He died," Panish said. "Michael has taken responsibility."

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Michael Jackson jury hears concert promoter ignored health 'red flags'

Jury in Michael Jackson trial hears concert promoter ignored 'red flags'
Attorneys for singer's mother outline case in opening statements accusing concert promoter of contributing to singer's death

Lawyers for Michael Jackson's mother have accused the concert promoter AEG Live of contributing to his premature death in the opening salvo of what promises to a lengthy, celebrity-packed trial in Los Angeles.

Brian Panish, the lead attorney for Katherine Jackson, 82, outlined his case in opening statements on Monday in a cramped courtroom which will lay bare anew details of the performer's life and demise in a wrongful death lawsuit.

"His stirring voice, his musical genius, his creativity and his generosity and his huge heart was extinguished forever," Panish told a jury of six men and six women. "You're going to hear the whole story about what happened in the death of Michael Jackson."

Jackson died in Los Angeles in July 2009, aged 50, while preparing for This Is It comeback shows that were due to start in London. His physician, Conrad Murray, was convicted in 2011 of involuntary manslaughter for giving Jackson the surgical anesthetic propofol as a sleep aid.

Panish used slides to illustrate his case that AEG "hired and controlled" Murray and that it ignored "red flags" about Jackson's health to keep the concert schedule on track. "They didn't care who got lost in the wash."

He said three parties were at fault: "Michael Jackson, Dr Conrad Murray and AEG Live each played a part in the ultimate result, the death of Michael Jackson,"

Lawyers for AEG were due to make their own opening statements later on Monday. The company has said Jackson hired Murray, that the company could not have anticipated the doctor would blunder and that Jackson was responsible for his own demise. Its legal team has signalled it will revisit child molestation charges and other low points in Jackson's career to show his mental and physical state.

In the run-up to Monday's hearing AEG's lawyers said the Jackson family hoped to gouge $40bn from the company in supposed forfeited earnings and damages but Panish denied that, saying the figure was invented to prejudice the Jackson's case.

"We've never asked for $40bn," he said, speaking to reporters before the hearing. "The jury is going to decide what the loss is." The case was not about money, he added. "It's about getting the truth. We'd like to get out all the evidence. The evidence is going to speak for itself that AEG had a lot of involvement and they completely deny responsibility."

AEG Live is part of the Anschutz Entertainment Group, an entertainment industry giant which owns clubs and sports arenas around the world.

Panish said the singer's family and friends knew of his addiction to prescription drugs, especially Demerol, yet AEG professed ignorance when contracting him for a gruelling series of concerts.

He claimed the company felt under financial pressure to go ahead with the lucrative shows and that it contracted Murray, a Houston-based cardiologist under financial pressure himself, to ensure the frail, troubled singer attended rehearsals.

Panish cited what will be a key element in plaintiff's case: an email the promoter's co-CEO, Paul Gongaware, wrote to show director Kenny Ortega 11 days before Jackson's death. "We want to remind [Murray] that it is AEG, not MJ, who is paying his salary. We want to remind him what is expected of him."

Some jurors took notes as he spoke. Katherine Jackson, her youngest son Randy and oldest daughter Rebbie sat in the front row, a few feet away from jurors in the small LA county superior court.

Only 16 journalists and a few members of the public are to be allowed to attend because many of the 45 seats are reserved for parties involved in a trial with an extensive witness list including Diana Ross, Prince, Spike Lee, Quincy Jones, Jackson's own family, his ex-wives Lisa Marie Presley and Debbie Rowe, and other celebrities.

The judge, Yvette Palazuelos denied TV networks' requests to televise the trial, draining some of the circus-like atmosphere around proceedings. Even so, satellite trucks and fans thronged the pavement outside.

Observers predicted the trial will last months. Jurors will each earn $15 a day for their service.

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Jackson lawyers paint AEG as ruthless, greedy


By Corina Knoll and Jeff Gottlieb

April 29, 2013, 1:29 p.m.
The attorney for Michael Jackson’s family painted entertainment powerhouse Anschutz Entertainment Group as a gang of ruthless executives concerned only with becoming No. 1 in the concert business and caring nothing about the singer's well-being.

Attorney Brian Panish began his opening statement Monday in the Jackson-AEG suit by talking about Jackson’s addiction to prescription drugs.

He also mentioned Dr. Conrad Murray, the debt-ridden doctor who administered the fatal dose of propofol to Jackson and was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

But it was AEG, Panish said, that completed the puzzle in Jackson’s 2009 death.

“Michael had a problem, Dr. Murray had a problem and AEG had a problem,” Panish told the jury of six men and six women in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom Monday.

“You know what AEG’s problem was? They were not No. 1 in the concert business but they wanted to be.”

The attorney said the company wanted to exploit Jackson to catch up to their competitor in the concert business, Live Nation, at all costs.

“You don’t do that with white gloves,” Panish said. “You do what you gotta do if you want to be No. 1 in this rough business of concert promotions.”

The wrongful-death suit against AEG was filed by the singer’s mother, Katherine -- who was in the courtroom Monday along with Michael Jackson’s siblings Rebbie and Randy -- and his three children. Jackson died on the eve of what was to be a comeback series of concerts in 2009.

The suit accuses AEG of pushing Jackson beyond his limits and being responsible for hiring and controlling Murray.

“There were no rules,” Panish told the jury, when it came to furthering AEG’s success. “It didn’t matter what it took. … AEG had a problem and they wanted to fix it and they didn’t care who got lost in the wash.”

Using slides and photos, Panish quoted from emails among AEG executives that surfaced last year as evidence of the attitude. In one, AEG Live President and CEO Randy Phillips described screaming at Jackson, whom he called an “emotionally paralyzed mess,” before a news conference.

"Forget about helping Mr. Jackson,” Panish said. “The show must go on.”

Murray’s involvement only created a downward spiral for Jackson because the doctor’s “financial condition made him susceptible to pressure and created a conflict between his patient’ needs and AEG’s needs,” Panish said.

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Los Angeles (CNN) -- AEG Live's lawyer warned jurors that "we're going to show some ugly stuff" as he began the defense's opening statement in the Michael Jackson wrongful death trial Monday.
The concert promoter has no choice because it must defend itself from the accusation that it is responsible for Jackson's death, Marvin Putnam said.

Before Putnam began, a Jackson lawyer had played for the jury a sentimental song the pop icon wrote and recorded for his three children titled "You Are My Life."
"You are the sun, you make me shine more like the stars that twinkle at night,
You are the moon that glows in my heart,
You're my day time, my nighttime,
My world. You are my life."

Katherine Jackson, his mother, wiped tears from her face as her late son's soft voice filled the small courtroom.
And so begins what promises to be three months of dramatic revelations and legal fireworks in a trial that could last several months.
AEG Live executives are "ruthless guys" who ignored Michael Jackson's health problems and his doctor's ethical conflicts, which led to the pop icon's death, a Jackson family lawyer argued Monday.

Jurors earning $15 a day will decide whether one of the world's largest entertainment companies should pay Jackson's mother and three children billions of dollars for its liability in the pop icon's death.
Randy and Rebbie Jackson, Michael's siblings, were with their mother in the front row, just a few feet away from jurors.
"There will be no question in your mind that they were ruthless and they wanted to be No. 1 at all cost," Jackson lawyer Brian Panish said.

Will Jackson docs be released in trial?
AEG executives knew that Jackson was emotionally and physically weak, Panish told jurors.
Allred: Murray could be subpoenaed
Jackson was in an "obvious sharp decline" in the weeks after Murray began working as his personal doctor while he prepared for his comeback concerts.
How Michael Jackson's death unfolded
Another warning sign should have been that Murray asked for $5 million for the job and eventually agreed on $150,000 a month, Panish said. Another doctor had told AEG he would do the job for $40,000 a month as long as Jackson was "clean," meaning not on drugs, he said.

Panish played for the jury a video of an AEG expert who agreed that Murray's pay demand was "outrageous."
"That raised red flag because it was an enormous sum of money," defense expert Marty Hom said.
"AEG ignored the obvious red flags, and they hired Dr. Murray," Panish said.
Later in the trial, jurors will hear Michael's oldest son and daughter describe their father's last days. But they will also endure weeks of testimony from medical and financial experts offering opinions about the singer's health, addiction and career.

Only 16 journalists and a few members of the public will be allowed inside the courtroom because many of its 45 seats are reserved for parties involved in the trial, including the Jackson family. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos denied CNN's request to televise the trial.

Pretrial hearings have featured angry and personal exchanges between lawyers for the two sides, made more intense by the intimacy of the tiny courtroom.
Jurors chosen to decide Michael Jackson wrongful death case


The central issue

The central issue is simple: Did AEG Live, the company promoting Jackson's comeback concerts in 2009, hire or supervise Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's June 25, 2009, death?
Jackson died two weeks before his "This Is It" comeback concerts, organized by AEG Live, were to have debuted in London. The coroner ruled Jackson died from a fatal combination of sedatives and propofol, a surgical anesthetic that Murray told investigators he used to put Jackson to sleep almost every night in the month before his death.

The Jacksons argue that AEG executives knew about the star's weakened health and his past use of dangerous drugs while on tour. They're liable in his death because they pressured Jackson and the doctor to meet their ambitious schedule to prepare for the London shows despite that knowledge, their lawyers contend.
A cornerstone of their case is an e-mail AEG Live Co-CEO Paul Gongaware wrote 11 days before Jackson's death. The e-mail to show director Kenny Ortega addressed concerns that Murray had kept Jackson from a rehearsal the day before: "We want to remind (Murray) that it is AEG, not MJ, who is paying his salary. We want to remind him what is expected of him."

Jackson lawyers argue the e-mail is evidence that AEG Live used Murray's fear of losing his lucrative job as Jackson's personal physician to pressure him to have Jackson ready for rehearsals despite his fragile health.
"They put Dr. Murray in a position where if he said Michael can't go or can't play, if he said I can't give you those drugs, then he doesn't get paid," Panish told jurors Monday.
Gongaware, who managed two of Jackson's tours in the 1990s, knew that Jackson relied on addictive opiates during his concert tours, Panish said.
He played a video of one doctor who said he warned Gongaware about it in 1993.
"We felt that we needed to an intervention," Dr. Stuart Finkelstein said. "We needed to do detox."

AEG will defend itself by arguing that Jackson was responsible for his own demise, that he chose Murray to be his full-time doctor and that his drug addiction led him to a series of fatal choices. Murray was never an AEG employee but rather was chosen and paid by Jackson for nearly four years until Jackson died, AEG lawyers contend.
"I don't know how you can't look to Mr. Jackson's responsibility there," AEG lawyer Marvin Putnam told CNN. "He was a grown man."
Child molestation accusations against Jackson, for which he was acquitted after a trial, are relevant because they "resulted in an incredible increase in his drug intake," Putnam said.

"Mr. Jackson is a person who was known to doctor shop," Putnam said. "He was known to be someone who would tell one doctor one thing and another doctor something else."
When Palazuelos ruled in February that case warranted a jury trial, she found there was evidence to support the Jacksons' claim that AEG Live executives could have foreseen that Murray would use dangerous drugs in treating the singer.
Elvis' ghost haunts Michael Jackson death trial

Jackson's family seeks billions

Just before Monday's session began, the judge issued a series of rulings that will allow Jackson expert witnesses to testify but limit some of their opinions.
The lawsuit seeks a judgment against AEG Live equal to the money Jackson would have earned over the course of his remaining lifetime if he had not died in 2009. Jackson lawyers denied media reports that they were seeking $40 billion in damages if AEG Live is found liable, but it could cost the company several billion dollars, according to estimates of Jackson's income potential.

AEG Live is a subsidiary of AEG, a global entertainment company that was up for sale recently with an $8 billion asking price.
Palazuelos reversed an earlier tentative decision Monday that would have limited the amount of damages the Jacksons could argue AEG should pay if found liable in the singer's death. The decision raises the potential damages by about $1 billion, bringing it to as much as $5 billion.

One of the Jacksons' experts, certified pubic accountant Arthur Erk, estimated that Michael Jackson could have earned $1.4 billion by taking his "This Is It" tour around the world for 260 shows. AEG executives discussed extending the tour beyond the 50 shows scheduled for London, Jackson lawyers said.
Jackson lawyer Perry Sanders, in arguing for the judge to allow Erk's testimony, said when "This Is It" tickets went on sale in March 2009, there was the "highest demand to see anyone in the history of the world. No one has ever come close."
"There was so much demand, they filled 2 million seats in hours," Sanders said, quoting an e-mail from AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips sent to AEG's owner.
"We would have had to do 100-plus shows to fill the demand" in London, he said Phillips wrote. Jackson could have packed the Tokyo Dome several times in a world tour, he said.

But AEG lawyer Sabrina Strong called it "very speculative" that Jackson would have even finished the 50 London shows before dying.
AEG lawyers argued that Jackson didn't perform 260 shows and make that much money even in his prime. "He never came anywhere close to that," Strong said. "No one other than Cher has ever done that."
Erk also calculated Jackson would have followed with four more world tours before he turned 65.

Palazuelos weighed in during a hearing on Thursday, noting that the Rolling Stones are still touring into their 70s.
The Jacksons will also try to convince jurors that he would have made a fortune off of a long series of Las Vegas shows, endorsements, a clothing line and movies.
Strong argued that Jackson had a history of failed projects and missed opportunities, calling Erk's projections "a hope, a dream, and not a basis for damages."
Erk, under the new ruling, will be able to tell jurors about the "loss of earning capacity" suffered by the family because of Jackson's death. This means the jury can consider the Jackson argument that he could have earned millions with a clothing line, endorsements and movies. The expert's estimate that Jackson would have completed five world tours before he was 65, if he had lived, can also be considered.
AEG can argue, however, that Jackson's past failures diminished the potential earnings.
None of the Jackson experts can offer an opinion on the question of whether Murray was hired by AEG.
If AEG is found liable, the company's lawyers want the judge to tell the jury to reduce any damages by the amount Jackson's estate earned from the documentary made from video the company shot of his rehearsals. "If there is a benefit in it, then that is deducted from a loss," Strong said.

Before Monday's opening statement, Jackson lawyer Panish compared giving AEG credit for the "This Is It" profits to being "like you murdered someone, wrote a book about them and gave them the money."
Panish has said he was not sure who his first witness will be Tuesday morning. He did tell the court he will show several videos of the depositions given by AEG's top executives in the first week.

The witness lists include many members of the Jackson family, including Katherine Jackson. Other celebrity witnesses on the list are Sharon Osbourne, Quincy Jones, Spike Lee, Ray Parker Jr., Lisa Marie Presley, Diana Ross and Lou Ferrigno.


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Katherine Jackson vs AEG - Day 2 - April 30 2013 – Reports



Jackson-AEG: Paramedic who tried to save pop star takes stand




A Los Angeles paramedic who responded to Michael Jackson’s home the day he died was called to the witness stand Tuesday morning as testimony opened in a wrongful death case that pits the legacy of the pop star against the entertainment conglomerate that was planning the singer’s comeback tour.

Richard Senneff was one of several paramedics who attempted in vain to revive an unresponsive Jackson, who died after receiving a lethal dose of the drug propofol.

Senneff was also called as a witness in the criminal trial of Jackson’s doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray. Murray, who administered the drug, is now serving time after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedic testified during that trial that when he arrived at Jackson’s mansion, Murray said he had been treating the entertainer for dehydration and exhaustion, but never mentioned propofol, a powerful anesthetic usually reserved for surgical settings.

Senneff testified during Murray’s trial that he arrived believing they had a good chance of reviving Jackson, given Murray's representation that the patient had "just" lost consciousness when the 911 call was made.

Yet by all indications -- his cold skin, dry eyes and dilated pupils -- Jackson was appeared already dead, the paramedic recalled.

The wrongful death suit against AEG was filed by the singer’s mother, Katherine -- who was in the courtroom Monday along with Michael Jackson’s siblings Rebbie and Randy -- and his three children.
The suit accuses AEG of pushing Jackson beyond his limits and being responsible for hiring and controlling Murray.

AEG’s attorneys have countered that it was Jackson was brought in Murray. The attorneys also vowed that “ugly stuff” will be brought to light during the trial, which could run through much of the summer.

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Murray lied about what medications ...

Murray lied about what medications Jackson had been taking on the day of his death, according to Richard Senneff, a firefighter and paramedic with the Los Angeles Fire Department who responded to the 911 call at the Jackson residence.
Senneff said Murray never mentioned propofol, the surgical anesthetic that led to Jackson's death, to him or his coworkers.

"When I first moved the patient, his skin was very cold to the touch," Senneff told prosecutors. "When I first looked at the patient, his eyes were open and dry, and he was flat lining."

Senneff repeatedly asked what medications or underlying conditions Jackson had, as evidenced by the IV stand and oxygen tank in the room.
According to Senneff, Murray told the paramedic, "'I just gave him a little bit of lorazepam [a mild sedative] to fall asleep,'" and that Jackson was being treated for dehydration and exhaustion.


The first paramedic to reach the scene, Mr Senneff accused Dr Murray of giving misleading information about his patient, claiming Jackson was "exhausted from rehearsals" and "dehydrated".

"It just didn't add up," Mr Senneff said, adding that based on his dilated pupils, dry eyes and cold skin, Jackson may have been dead for more than 20 minutes by the time the ambulance arrived at 12.25pm.

Like his colleague Mr Senneff, Mr Blount believes Jackson may have been dead for 20 minutes by the time paramedics arrived, based on the fact that the singer's hands and feet were already turning blue.


Richard Senneff, a Los Angeles firefighter and paramedic, testified in the manslaughter trial about reporting to Jackson's mansion after receiving a 911 call about a 50-year-old man in cardiac arrest.
...
Senneff said that he and his team of four others received the call at 12:22 p.m. and arrived at the rented mansion in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Bel Air, Calif., at 12:26 p.m. He said that he and his team never found any sign of life in the king of pop.
"When I first moved the patient, his skin was very cool to the touch. When I took a first glance at him, his eyes were open, they were dry and his pupils were dilated. When I hooked up the EKG machine, it was flatline consistently," Senneff said.
The paramedic said that Murray and a bodyguard were in the process of moving Jackson from his bed to the floor when he arrived. Jackson, wearing pajamas, appeared so thin that his ribs were visible, Senneff told jurors.
...
Senneff immediately approached Murray asking him a barrage of questions about his patient.
...
Senneff and his team began hooking Jackson up to an EKG machine, intubating him and giving him rounds of drugs to start his heart.
...
"I asked what his underlying health condition was, he [Conrad Murray] did not respond...I asked again..he did not respond…The third time he said nothing, nothing, he has nothing," Senneff said.

Senneff said that it appeared Jackson had been in cardiac arrest longer than the five minutes it took for paramedics to arrive after 911 was called.

Senneff and the UCLA Medical Center were prepared to declare Jackson dead at 12:57 p.m., but Murray insisted the king of pop be taken to the hospital and efforts to revive him continue.

"He has a bag in hand and he is picking up items from the floor …near the nightstand…on the far side of the bed," Senneff said.

Senneff said that he observed no heart monitoring machines in the Jackson bedroom when he arrived, something prosecutors argue shows reckless care and abandonment.
Senneff detailed multiple red ...

Senneff detailed multiple red flags that he noticed on the June 25, 2009 call, including Murray's responses to his questions.

Senneff testified that, when he asked Murray what Jackson's underlying heath issue was, Murray failed to respond the first two times he asked, and eventually responded that there was no underlying issue. "Simply, that did not add up to me -- doctors in the house, IV pole, IV hooked up to the patient -- it simply did not seem normal" that there would be no underlying condition, Senneff testified. As expected, Senneff also testified that, when he asked Murray what medications Jackson had been taking, he he didn't mention Propofol, which was found to contribute to the singer's death. "He said, 'No he's not taking anything,' then he followed that up by saying, 'I just gave him a little bit of Lorazepam to help him sleep," Senneff told the court.

Senneff also told the court that, the second time that paramedics attempted to administer starter drugs to Jackson, they weren't able to find a vein -- which suggested that blood circulation might have stopped earlier than expected.
...
Said Senneff of Jackson's condition, "When I first moved the patient, his skin was very cool to the touch."

Senneff further testified that, when he contacted the hospital at UCLA, they were prepared to call time of death at 12:57 p.m., due to the two unsuccessful efforts to resuscitate him with starter drugs.


Paramedic Richard Senneff, who answered the 911 call at Michael's home on the day of the his death, told the court Friday that the situation "did not seem normal" when he arrived at the scene. Senneff , of the Los Angeles Fire Department, detailed multiple red flags that he noticed on the June 25, 2009 call, including Murray's responses to his questions.

"Simply, that did not add up to me -- doctors in the house, IV pole, IV hooked up to the patient -- it simply did not seem normal" that there would be no underlying condition, Senneff testified. As expected, Senneff also testified that, when he asked Murray what medications Michael had been taking, he didn't mention Propofol, which was found to contribute to his death. "He said, 'No he's not taking anything,' then he followed that up by saying, 'I just gave him a little bit of Lorazepam to help him sleep," Senneff told the court. Eventually, Murray told Senneff that he'd been treating Michael for dehydration and exhaustion.

Senneff also told the court that, the second time that paramedics attempted to administer starter drugs to Michael, they weren't able to find a vein -- which suggested that blood circulation might have stopped earlier than expected.

Said Senneff of Michael's condition, "When I first moved the patient, his skin was very cool to the touch."

Senneff further testified that, when he contacted the hospital at UCLA, they were prepared to call time of death at 12:57 p.m., due to the two unsuccessful efforts to resuscitate him with starter drugs.


Senneff testified that Murray told him that Jackson wasn't being treated for any specific condition.



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____________________________________________

Detective describes massive debts facing Michael Jackson's doctor in civil trial




This March 5, 2009 file photo shows singer Michael Jackson announcing his concerts at the London O2 Arena. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan, file)

LOS ANGELES -- A police detective testified Wednesday about the depths of debt that Michael Jackson's doctor faced while giving the singer treatments of the powerful anesthetic that killed the pop superstar.

Los Angeles police Detective Orlando Martinez said in a case filed by Jackson's mother against concert giant AEG Live that Conrad Murray faced student loans, home loans, child support obligations and credit card payments that were in arrears in 2009. Plaintiff's attorney Brian Panish said the debts totalled nearly $1 million.
Martinez has said the debts may have led Murray to act inappropriately in his care of Jackson in order to ensure he received $150,000 a month payments from AEG Live LLC to serve as the singer's tour doctor.

Michael Jackson thrust back into spotlight as civil trial begins
Jury gets first glimpses into Michael Jackson's private life in civil trial
"He may break the rules, bend the rules, do whatever he needed to do to get paid," Martinez said Tuesday. "It might solve his money problems."

Murray's finances were not a factor in the criminal case that ended with his 2011 conviction for administering a fatal dose of propofol to Jackson.
The former cardiologist is not a party to Katherine Jackson's negligent hiring case against the concert promoter, but he is a key figure. The Jackson family matriarch contends AEG did not properly investigate Murray before allowing him to serve as Jackson's tour physician for the ill-fated "This Is It" shows planned for 2009.

Martinez testified he found most of the debts against Murray in public records.
Martinez's testimony Wednesday was bogged down by continuous objections from AEG attorneys and the detective spent most of an hour-long session authenticating public records. He testified briefly about Murray's phone records before court recessed for the day so that an alternate juror could attend a funeral.

AEG denies it hired Murray, and its attorney has noted that Jackson and his children had been treated by the doctor before the shows were planned.
Martinez is the second witness called in the case, which in its early stages will focus on Jackson's death. Potential witnesses later in the trial include stars such as Diana Ross, Quincy Jones and Spike Lee. Jackson's mother, several siblings and his two oldest children, Prince and Paris, are also listed as potential witnesses.

Millions and possibly billions of dollars are at stake in the trial, which may last 90 court days.

AEG attorneys said they intend to call Murray as a witness. He remains in a Los Angeles jail and is appealing his conviction.
AEG Live is a subsidiary of the Los Angeles-based Anschutz Entertainment Group.


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Katherine Jackson vs AEG - Day 3 – May 1 2013

Michael Jackson' doctor faced massive debts, detective testifies at trial

A police detective testified Wednesday about the depths of debt that Michael Jackson's doctor faced while giving the singer treatments of the powerful anesthetic that killed the pop superstar.

Los Angeles police Detective Orlando Martinez said in a case filed by Jackson's mother against concert giant AEG Live that Conrad Murray faced student loans, home loans, child support obligations and credit card payments that were in arrears in 2009. Plaintiff's attorney Brian Panish said the debts totalled nearly $1 million US.

Timeline: Michael Jackson's career, recent developments with his estate
Martinez has said the debts may have led Murray to act inappropriately in his care of Jackson in order to ensure he received $150,000 US a month payments from AEG Live to serve as the singer's tour doctor.

"He may break the rules, bend the rules, do whatever he needed to do to get paid," Martinez said Tuesday. "It might solve his money problems."

Murray's finances were not a factor in the criminal case that ended with his 2011 conviction for administering a fatal dose of propofol to Jackson.

The former cardiologist is not a party to Katherine Jackson's negligent hiring case against the concert promoter, but he is a key figure. The Jackson family matriarch contends AEG did not properly investigate Murray before allowing him to serve as Jackson's tour physician for the ill-fated This Is It shows planned for 2009.

Martinez testified he found most of the debts against Murray in public records.

Martinez's testimony Wednesday was bogged down by continuous objections from AEG attorneys and the detective spent most of an hour-long session authenticating public records. He testified briefly about Murray's phone records before court recessed for the day so that an alternate juror could attend a funeral.

AEG denies it hired Murray, and its attorney has noted that Jackson and his children had been treated by the doctor before the shows were planned.

Martinez is the second witness called in the case, which in its early stages will focus on Jackson's death. Potential witnesses later in the trial include stars such as Diana Ross, Quincy Jones and Spike Lee. Jackson's mother, several siblings and his two oldest children, Prince and Paris, are also listed as potential witnesses.

Millions and possibly billions of dollars are at stake in the trial, which may last 90 court days.

AEG attorneys said they intend to call Murray as a witness. He remains in a Los Angeles jail and is appealing his conviction.

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________

Katherine Jackson vs AEG - Day 4 – May 2 2013


This post has been corrected. See note at bottom for details.

Michael Jackson’s family tried over and over to talk with the pop singer about his drug abuse and attempted one intervention at his Neverland retreat, a Los Angeles police detective who interviewed Michael Jackson’s mother testified Thursday.

Det. Orlando Martinez said that when he interviewed Katherine Jackson on Dec. 9, 2009 — months after Jackson’s death — she told him she had never met nor known about Dr. Conrad Murray until her son died. Murray, who gave the singer a lethal dose of propofol, is now serving a jail sentence for involuntary manslaughter.

The detective, under questioning from the attorney representing the Jackson family in a wrongful death case against concert promoter AEG, also verified that he wrote the following summary about that discussion:

“Mrs. Jackson stated that she last spoke with Michael at his residence on Carolwood approximately one and a half weeks prior to his death. When asked if Mrs. Jackson had ever met Dr. Murray she stated that she had not and didn’t even know who he was until after Michael’s death.

“Mrs. Jackson was asked if she or any other family members ever attempted to do an intervention with Michael as it relates to painkillers or any other drugs. She stated that there had been one attempted intervention at Neverland on behalf of Janet, however Michael didn’t want to participate.

“Mrs. Jackson stated that she had been informed Michael had been taking drugs, however she had no idea which drugs, and she had never seen Michael take any drugs. Mrs. Jackson stated that the family attempted several times to help Michael however he would have nothing to do with it. She further stated that she had asked Michael if he was taking any drugs and Michael denied it.

“When asked if Michael had any chronic medical conditions that she was aware of, Mrs. Jackson stated that he had problems sleeping and that his back frequently bothered him. She stated she thought the back pain was a result of falling off of a stage during a performance.”

Katherine Jackson has been present at the trial since it began Monday, stepping out of the courtroom only when a paramedic described finding the singer on his bed.

Jackson’s mother and the singer's three children are accusing the entertainment company of pushing the singer beyond his physical abilities and of negligently hiring and controlling Murray, who gave Jackson a fatal dose of propofol.

On Thursday, defense attorneys objected to Katherine Jackson being accompanied by her daughter Rebbie, who, like many of her siblings, is on the witness list.

Judge Yvette Palazuelos overruled the objection. “I think Mrs. Jackson should have at least one support person in the courtroom,” the judge said.

For the record, 4:15 p.m., May 2: An earlier version of this post said that Katherine Jackson and her three children sued AEG. Katherine Jackson and Michael Jackson's three children sued AEG.


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Michael Jackson days before death: 'God keeps talking to me'


Los Angeles (CNN) -- Michael Jackson told his tour director days before he died he was hearing God's voice, a producer testified Wednesday.
"God keeps talking to me,"Jackson said.

Those words spoken to Kenny Ortega and Jackson's frail appearance were so disturbing that it caused Ortega and associate producer Alif Sankey to burst into tears at a rehearsal, Sankey said Wednesday in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Jackson's mother and three children.
Jackson, who was being fitted for his costumes, appeared "extremely thin" and "was not speaking normally" at the June 19, 2009, rehearsal, Sankey told jurors in a trial to determine if concert promoter AEG Live should be held liable in the pop icon's death.

Jurors saw a photo of Jackson at the costume fitting that showed an obviously thin and gaunt man.
Sankey testified that she and Ortega cried together after Jackson left. On her way home, Sankey stopped her car to call Ortega "because I had a very strong feeling that Michael was dying."
"I was screaming into the phone at that point," Sankey testified. "I said he needs to be put in the hospital now."

Sankey became emotional as she testified about the call.
"I kept saying that 'Michael is dying, he's dying, he's leaving us, he needs to be put in a hospital,'" Sankey said. "'Please do something. Please, please.' I kept saying that. I asked him why no one had seen what I had seen. He said he didn't know."
Ortega sent a series of e-mails early the next morning that resulted in a meeting at Jackson's house between Jackson, Dr. Conrad Murray, AEG Live President Randy Phillips and Ortega.

An e-mail from Phillips after that meeting said he had confidence in Murray, "who I am gaining immense respect for as I get to deal with him more."
"This doctor is extremely successful (we check everyone out) and does not need this gig, so he (is) totally unbiased and ethical," Phillips' e-mail said.
The lawsuit contends that Phillips and AEG never checked Murray out. Otherwise, they would have known he was deeply in debt and vulnerable to breaking the rules in treating Jackson to keep his job, it argues.
Jackson lawyers contend that AEG Live is liable for Jackson's death because the company negligently hired, retained or supervised Murray -- who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death.

Jackson's last rehearsal was at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles on June 24, 2009. Security camera video shown to the jury Wednesday showed him walking with a blanket wrapped around him as he passed Sankey.
"He didn't look good," she testified. "I asked him if he was cold, and he said 'Yes.'"
Jackson sang two songs that last night on stage: "Thriller" and "Earth Song," she said.
"He did it," Sankey said. "He went through it. He wasn't in full performance mode."
Sankey said she was standing next to Ortega at a rehearsal the next afternoon when Randy Phillips called to tell him Jackson was dead.
"Kenny collapsed in our arms," she said.

The lawsuit contends that AEG Live executives missed a series of red flags warning them that Jackson's life was at risk because of Murray, who was giving him nightly infusions of the surgical anesthetic propofol to treat his insomnia.
The coroner ruled Jackson had died from an overdose of propofol in combination with several sedatives on June 25, 2009.
Murray told investigators he used the drugs to help Jackson sleep so he could be rested for rehearsals.

AEG lawyers argue Jackson, not their company, chose and supervised Murray, and that their executives had no way of knowing what the doctor was doing to Jackson in the privacy of his bedroom.
Michael's creativity
In contrast to six days of testimony mostly about Jackson's death, jurors did hear about the pop icon's creativity during Sankey's testimony
"Michael's imagination was endless," Sankey said. "He would visualize it, and it happened. It was amazing."

Katherine Jackson dabbed tears from her eyes as her son's "Smooth Criminal" video was played in court.
Sankey first met Michael Jackson when she was a dancer in the 1987 video production.
"We got to see Michael's imagination come to life," Sankey said. "That was my first time as a dancer, as an artist, that I was completely inspired by his craft and inspired by his attention to every detail. He was so detailed and he never missed a thing."

Working with Jackson was "magical," she said.
"I dream still to this day that I will be able to create on that level of magic that Michael created," Sankey said. "It was like living a dream of working with an artist like that, and I will treasure it and have it in my memory forever."
Sankey's work as an associate producer and dancer for Jackson's "This Is It" tour put her on the witness list in this trial.
"He shared with me that he was excited to do the show," she said. "He was excited to show his kids, finally to show them who he was, what he was all about; he was very excited about that."

Jurors heard about Jackson's relationship with his three children and their love of their father. Sankey described how they would come with their father to the set each day in early June when he was filming video elements for the show.
"Paris had a purse, and inside her purse, she had all this candy in her purse she didn't want her daddy to know about," Sankey said. "She had these little pictures of her father in her purse that were in frames. She had, like, a lot of them. Her purse was full of candy and pictures of her daddy."
"They loved their daddy," she said.

The "This Is It" concert would have been "a pretty big show," Sankey told jurors.
"It was going to be huge and it was going to be innovative, different," she testified. "From working with Michael in my past, I knew it had to be something that no one's ever seen. It all had to be new and pioneering."

The next witness when court resumes Thursday morning will be Michael Jackson's longtime hair and make up artist, Karen Faye. She was quoted in interviews after Jackson's death saying that the pop star was in ill health weeks before he died.
Spectators in the small Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday morning included Judge Lance Ito, famous for presiding over the O.J. Simpson murder trial in 1995. Ito was there to watch his friend, Judge Yvette Palazuelos, preside over this trial and then go to lunch with her.


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Dancer who worked with Michael Jackson says she gave warnings about singer's health



LOS ANGELES – A dancer who worked with Michael Jackson throughout his career testified on Wednesday that she told the director of Jackson's ill-fated concert tour that she was worried about the singer's health.
Witness Alif Sankey told a jury deciding a lawsuit that the pop star appeared thin and unprepared in 2009 for the rigors of his planned comeback concerts known as "This Is It."

The singer showed up at one rehearsal with shoes that had holes in the soles, missed rehearsals and appeared much thinner than earlier in his career, Sankey testified.

Sankey showed jurors an email she wrote to tour director Kenny Ortega in early June 2009, urging him to try to improve Jackson's health and spirits. She never got a direct reply but testified that Ortega raised the concerns with concert promoter AEG Live.

"Please help me help you to get him back into that Magical Light, please let me help you help him find what was lost, his GRAIL," Sankey wrote to Ortega, who she had worked closely with for a number of years.

Testimony showed Ortega copied Sankey on several email messages that he sent to AEG executives about Jackson's condition and the need for him to receive physical therapy and better nutrition.

"He requires more attention and management," Ortega wrote in one email. "I truly believe he needs nourishment guidance and physical therapy (massage) for his fatigued muscles and injuries. He is not in great physical shape. I believe he's hurting."

Sankey met Jackson while working on his 1987 video for "Smooth Criminal" and was an associate producer and planned to dance onstage during "This Is It."
She was testifying at the trial of a negligent hiring lawsuit filed by Jackson's mother against AEG Live LLC. Katherine Jackson claims AEG failed to properly investigate the doctor who was caring for her son and later administered a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol to the singer in June 2009.

The promoter has denied wrongdoing and its attorneys have said the singer hid his addiction to propofol. Jackson's former physician, Conrad Murray, was convicted in 2011 of involuntary manslaughter.

Plaintiff's attorney Brian Panish asked Sankey about one message in which AEG executive Paul Gongaware told Ortega that he planned to talk to Murray.
"We want to remind him that it is AEG, not MJ who is paying his salary," the message said. "We want him to understand what is expected of him."
Sankey said she based some of her impressions of Jackson over the years on how he felt when they hugged.

"When I hugged him, he just felt like marble," Sankey said about Jackson early in his career. "But when I hugged, when I saw him briefly in 2006, he didn't feel like that anymore. He felt thin."
On cross-examination, Sankey acknowledged that her impressions were formed from brief interactions with the singer and she never had a long conversation with him.

She was, however, trusted enough to be around Jackson's children, whose privacy he fiercely protected.
Sankey testified that Paris Jackson once shared a secret, saying she didn't want her father to find out about candy stuffed inside her purse.
There were also several tiny pictures inside her purse -- all of her father.

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Autopsy reveals Michael Jackson's secrets


Los Angeles (CNN) -- Jurors hearing the Michael Jackson wrongful death trial got a stark look at the dead pop icon after a lawyer showed them an autopsy photo.
Jackson's unclothed corpse lying on a coroner's table looked nothing like the world's most famous entertainer.

The doctor who conducted Jackson's autopsy will return to the witness stand Wednesday. On Tuesday, jurors are hearing from another doctor in the trial to decide whether concert promoter AEG Live shares blame in Jackson's death with Dr. Conrad Murray.

The witness on the stand Tuesday is cardiologist Dr. Daniel Wohlgelernter, who is offering expert analysis of Murray's skills and decisions.
Murray was not the "appropriate physician" for AEG to hire as Jackson's tour doctor because he was a cardiologist and not trained to treat the singer's special needs, Wohlgelernter testified.

"Michael Jackson had a history of substance abuse, addiction to medications and sleep disturbance," he said, not heart or cardiovascular problems.
Murray's agreement to close down his Las Vegas clinic to work full time for Jackson created a conflict, he said. The agreement said Murray could lose his job if the tour was delayed or canceled.

"It meant that Dr. Murray was entirely dependent on the continuation of the tour for his income," he said.
Much of what jurors heard for the first time from Dr. Christopher Rogers Monday is a repeat of the scientific evidence presented in the trial of Murray, who is now serving a prison sentence for involuntary manslaughter. But some of what is in the coroner's report seems to give more insight into Michael Jackson's life rather than how he died.

Rogers noted in his autopsy report that Jackson's lips were tattooed pink, while his eyebrows were a dark tattoo. The front of his scalp was also tattooed black, apparently to blend his hairline in with the wigs he wore.

Who's who in Jackson trial

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The autopsy confirmed what Jackson told people who questioned why his skin tone became lighter in the 1980s. Jackson had "vitiligo, a skin pigmentation disease," Rogers said. "So, some areas of the skin appear light and others appear dark."
Debts, drugs, messy bedroom highlighted in Jackson trial
Jackson lawyer Michael Koskoff made sure the jury heard that, even though it had nothing to do with how he died.

Jackson's mother and three children are suing AEG Live, contending the company that was promoting his "This Is It" shows was liable for his death because of the negligent hiring, retention and supervision of Murray.
AEG Live argues that Jackson chose Murray as his tour doctor and that the company had no way of knowing he was using the surgical anesthetic propofol to put the singer to sleep each night.

Rogers concluded that a propofol overdose killed Jackson, although several sedatives Murray gave him that morning contributed to his death.
Los Angeles coroner's toxicologist Dan Anderson, who studied the drugs in Jackson's body, testified Monday that the level of propofol found in Jackson's body was "consistent with major surgery anesthesia."

Propofol is a dangerous drug when not used properly, he said.
Money woes may have led Murray to 'break the rules,' detective says
The Los Angeles coroner's office found 31 deaths in the last 14 years in which propofol was found in a body, including six suicides committed by medical personnel -- doctors, nurses and anesthesiologists -- who chose the drug to end their lives, Anderson said.
There have also been several homicides with propofol, including "a mercy killing" in a hospital, he testified.

If not for his death by propofol, Jackson's health appeared good enough for him to live a normal lifespan, Rogers testified.
"There was no indication from the autopsy that there was anything anatomically wrong with him that would lead to premature death," Rogers said.
He had no signs of being addicted to street drugs, such as needle marks or disease, he said.

That testimony is important for the Jackson case, because if the jury decides that AEG is liable in his death, his expected lifespan will be key to calculating damages. Jackson lawyers will contend that he would have made billions of dollars in his remaining years through several more world tours, merchandizing, recording and movies.

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Michael Jackson wrongful death trial: Producer 'had a very strong feeling' pop star was dying


An associate producer on Michael Jackson's doomed "This Is It" concert made a panicked phone call five days before the pop icon's fatal overdose, saying she feared he was on the verge of death.

Alif Sankey made the 1:30 a.m. call to tour director Kenny Ortega after Jackson appeared painfully thin, cold and disoriented at a costume fitting the evening of June 19, 2009, she testified Wednesday.

She said Jackson had been rambling on to Ortega about how "God was speaking to him, and he didn't understand why God was speaking to him."
She said the incident left Ortega in tears.

On her drive home from the rehearsal space that night, she pulled over and called Ortega to relay her dire feelings about Jackson's health.

"I had a very strong feeling that Michael was dying," she said she told Ortega. "I was very upset, and I was screaming into the phone at that point. … I said, 'He needs to be put in the hospital now.'"
Sankey took the witness stand on the seventh day of a negligence trial in Los



Angeles brought by the "Thriller" singer's mom and kids against concert promoter AEG Live.

Katherine Jackson, 82, sat in the front row Wednesday and showed little emotion when footage of her son dancing with Sankey in the 1987 "Smooth Criminal" video was played for jurors.


The stoic matriarch claims AEG should be held accountable for negligently hiring and poorly supervising the personal physician convicted of providing the surgery-strength anesthetic that killed her superstar son June 25, 2009.

AEG has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining it was Michael's choice to hire Dr. Conrad Murray and undergo risky infusions of propofol to treat his insomnia.
Murray is now serving four years for involuntary manslaughter.
Katherine's lawyer Brian Panish asked Sankey how Ortega reacted when she made her emotional phone call from her car.

"He kept listening to me because I kept going. … I kept saying, 'Michael's going. Michael's dying. He's leaving us. He needs to be put in the hospital. Please do something, please,'" she recalled.
Under cross examination by AEG, Sankey admitted that Michael returned for follow-up rehearsals closer to his death and appeared stronger and more coherent.
He even performed a rendition of "Thriller" that she called "great."


"I was hopeful, very hopeful," she testified.
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Earlier in her testimony, Sankey recalled several one-on-one "moments" with Michael and his three kids in the weeks before he took his last breath in a rented mansion.

"Did you ever notice that Mr. Jackson had a problem with his shoes?" Panish asked.
"Yes … I noticed the bottom of his shoes had holes in them, so I went to (his assistant) Brother Michael and (said), 'I think Michael needs shoes. He can't start rehearsing with holes in his shoes.'"

She also recalled Michael's daughter Paris attending a production shoot in Culver City, Calif., with a purse stuffed with candy and little framed pictures of her "daddy."
RELATED: COVER-UP BY MICHAEL JACKSON'S JAILED DOC?
The kids along with Michael, Ortega and Sankey later attended a showing of the animated film "Up" in Los Angeles.

"It was a covert operation," she said of the June 7, 2009, movie outing. "We got our popcorn and our drinks and our candy, and they let us in after the general public was let in to the theater. So no one knew Michael was there."
She said Michael was looking forward to his 50-date concert series in London because it would mark the first live tour his children could attend.

"He shared with me that he was excited to do the show. He was excited to show his kids finally who he was, what he was all about," Sankey testified. "He was very, very happy and excited about that."
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Michael Jackson wrongful death trial: Makeup artist recalls singer looked 'emaciated' and acted 'paranoid' in days before his death
Pro Karen Faye was so worried about Jackson

Karen Faye detailed Michael Jackson's difficulties with drug use during the eighth day of his wrongful death trial. On one occasion during the 1993 Dangerous tour, 'he stumbled and fell over into a tree,' she said.
An “emaciated” Michael Jackson had dry skin and dry eyes — and he was “paranoid” and repeating himself in the days before his overdose death, his longtime makeup artist told jurors Thursday.

Makeup pro Karen Faye tearfully testified for Katherine Jackson in the matriarch’s megabucks negligence lawsuit against concert promoter AEG Live in Los Angeles — recounting her dire concerns about the King of Pop as he rehearsed for his ill-fated “This Is It” tour.

She said Michael was cold as an “ice cube” on June 19, 2005, after a costume fitting.

"He couldn't get warm. I had a space heater, (and) I put it next to him and put him on the sofa and wrapped him in blankets and held him very close to me,” Faye said.


RELATED: CHOREOGRAPHER'S BREAKDOWN TRIGGERED MEMORIES OF JACKSON MOLESTATION, SAYS LAWYER
She said she watched tour director Kenny Ortega try to feed the ultra-skinny singer some chicken and pleaded with him to call a doctor.
The next day, Faye sent a frantic email to Jackson’s manager, Frank DiLeo. A fan who had a recent meeting with Jackson had contacted her with concerns, and she told DiLeo she agreed with the fan.

Jurors and Jackson's 82-year-old mom watched as the fan’s email was projected on a courtroom screen.
“(Michael) took his jacket off, and I saw something horrible. A skeleton. I watched his back. It was only bones. I am still in shock,” the fan said of her June 2009 meeting with the star, during which he tried on a jacket.


RELATED: MICHAEL JACKSON'S PRODUCER: I HAD A FEELING HE WAS DYING
“It is humanly impossible for a human being to be a skeleton and dance for two hours straight without any danger,” the fan wrote.
Faye said she forwarded the email to DiLeo and learned at Jackson’s funeral that AEG Live bigwig Randy Phillips saw it, too.
Katherine Jackson and the singer’s three kids are suing AEG for millions, claiming the concert promoter negligently hired Dr. Conrad Murray, the cardiologist now serving four years for Jackson’s overdose death on June 25, 2009.
AEG has denied any wrongdoing, saying it was Jackson’s “personal” choices that led to his premature death.

Faye, who worked with Jackson for almost three decades, said he changed into someone she didn’t recognize when he started rehearsing for his 50-date “This Is It” concert series.

“He would say things over and over again, repeating the same thing,” she testified. “He wanted to see me all the time. He would say, ‘Make sure I'm able to see you on the stage at all times.’ I’d go, ‘Okay,’ and he’d say it again.”
Her emotional testimony also touched on the superstar’s long struggle with substance abuse.

She said he was so wasted on pain medication during his “Dangerous” tour in the early 1990s that he was stumbling around a venue in Singapore and sparked a violent clash between her and a doctor.


“(Michael) had a very hard time walking. He was kind of glazed over. ... He stumbled and fell over into a tree,” she recalled of the encounter in his Singapore dressing room. “I said, ‘Michael can’t go on.’ He had to go into a toaster (a stage catapulting device). If his arm was out, it would be severed.”
She said she put protectively hugged Jackson and refused to let him leave to perform. That’s when one of Jackson’s personal doctors, Dr. David Forecast, forcefully intervened, she told jurors.

“He said, ‘Yes I can,’ ” she recalled. “He backed me up against a wall, put his hands around my neck and said, ‘You don’t know what you're doing,’ ” she recalled.
She said Forecast marched a disoriented Jackson to the stage, but the concert was canceled nonetheless.

Soon the rest of the tour would be canceled, too, with Elizabeth Taylor flying to Mexico to pick up Jackson and send him to rehab, she testified.
Faye said the singer suffered debilitating pain and migraines stemming from burns sustained on the set of his 1984 Pepsi commercial and surgery that involved the insertion of a skin-stretching balloon under his scalp.


She said his physical pain was later compounded by accusations of child molestation.
“Michael was under a lot of stress,” she said. “Michael had to go on stage every night knowing that the whole world thought he was a pedophile.”

Faye revealed she was the “mystery blond” photographed at Jackson’s side inside Manhattan’s Motown Café after Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce, she said.
“Lisa Marie Presley was calling Michael the day before (the photo) was shot, begging him not to divorce,” she testified. “So he promised her he wouldn’t file for divorce. But the next morning, it was all over the press she had gone ahead and filed. He was devastated.”

She and Jackson decided to hit the Motown Café on Jan. 25, 1996, to “give the press something to talk about,” she said.
And she described working with Jackson during the 2005 molestation trial that ended with his aquittal. She would go to Neverland Ranch each morning before daybreak to help him wash his hair and dress, she said.
Faye recalled praying, crying and laughing with him as they listened to classical music and watched “Three Stooges” videos.



“I wanted people to think he still looked good and was still strong,” she testified.
She said it was a particularly difficult time for the superstar.
“He was losing weight,” she said. “He couldn’t eat because he didn’t want to throw up because he had to watch all these people he loved and cared about tell all those lies.”

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Faye on Debbie Rowe-- AGE vs Katherine Jackson Trial 2013


ABC7 Court News ‏@ABC7Courts24m
Under Cross Examination Faye said he was released not fired from the HIStory Tour after the first leg.

ABC7 Court News ‏@ABC7Courts 5h
When Faye went back to work for MJ after the HIStory tour he made Debbie apologize to Faye for having a role in getting her fired.

ABC7 Court News ‏@ABC7Courts 5h
Faye said Rowe was jealous of their closeness.

ABC7 Court News ‏@ABC7Courts 5h
She said Debbie Rowe who was then MJ's wife had a role in her being removed from the tour. Debbie was pregnant and very in love with MJ

Jackson so thin 'I could see Michael's heartbeat,' costumer said

The costume designer who worked with Michael Jackson was alarmed by the music legend’s frail figure during his last days, a makeup artist testified Friday.

Michael Bush --who created much of the singer’s wardrobe for 25 years and wrote a book about the experience --appeared upset after he finished up a June 2009 fitting inside Jackson’s bathroom at Staples Center, Karen Faye said.

“He said 'Oh my god, Turkle. I could see Michael’s heartbeat through the skin in his chest,'” Faye recounted.

Turkle was Jackson’s nickname for Faye, who worked as his makeup artist off and on for nearly three decades.

Faye, in her second day on the stand, was emotional as she described the moment.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos then asked Faye about Bush's tone of voice at the time.

“It was like, 'Oh my god,'” Faye said. “He was pretty much in shock.”

Around the same time, Faye said she tried to warn Jackson’s manager, Frank DiLeo, about Jackson’s healt.

“[Frank] was saying pretty much, 'I got it under control, don’t worry about it,'” Faye said.

“I said, ‘But he’s losing weight rapidly.’ … I said, ‘Why don’t you ask Michael Bush to verify taking in his pants and how much weight he’s actually losing?’”

Faye said DiLeo went to speak to Bush and she overheard the manager say, “Get him a bucket of chicken.”

“It was such a cold response,” Faye said. “I mean, it broke my heart.”

The 2-week-old civil trial pits AEG against Jackson’s mother and three children who accuse the concert promoter of negligently hiring and controlling Conrad Murray, the doctor who administered a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol to Jackson. Murray is now serving jail time for involuntary manslaughter.

Faye, who began working with Jackson in the early 1980s and did his hair and makeup for the "Thriller" album cover, said she felt the singer “did not have enough muscle mass to do a concert” as he was prepping for his “This Is It” comeback tour.

She said Jackson realized he didn't look good in a video that was filmed to be used on giant screens during the concert series. At his request, she said, she assisted technicians retouching the singer’s image on the footage.

But the makeup artist said that although she was asked, she did not help retouch the posthumous “This Is It” documentary.

“Everybody was lying after he died, sir, that Michael was well,” Faye said to the Jacksons’ attorney, Brian Panish. “And everybody knew he wasn’t. I felt retouching Michael was just a part of that lie.”

During cross-examination by an AEG attorney, Faye clarified and said she had been torn about working on the documentary.

“My initial feeling was that I didn’t want to lie, and the second, my other thing that was tugging at my heart, was that if this movie was going out, I wanted him to look good.”

Faye said she helped prepare Jackson’s body for his casket.

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Jackson witness: Answer to health was 'Get him a bucket of chicken'

By Corina Knoll
May 10, 2013, 3:01 p.m.
Michael Jackson’s makeup artist testified Friday that although the singer once asked her if she had painkillers, she never broached the subject of his addiction with him.

Karen Faye said that during Jackson’s 2005 molestation trial in Santa Maria she would spend a lot of time with the performer, arriving at 3 a.m. to help him get ready, and felt it was not appropriate to confront him about his misuse of prescription drugs.

“I was a place of safety for him, and peace,” Faye said. “And I didn’t want to bring up the allegations in my time with him. I wanted that to be a really safe place.”

Faye said it was her duty as Jackson’s longtime friend to keep him calm before he had to go to court.

“And no matter what he was doing, I could never blame him for that because of the pain,” Faye said, referring to the singer’s psychological pain over the charges as well as his physical pain from suffering injuries from a fire and a fall during a performance.

The makeup artist said she never saw Jackson use drugs and that there was only one instance when the singer asked her if she had painkillers.

Faye said she did request prescriptions in her name for Latisse, which is used to lengthen eyelashes, and the hair-growth drug Propecia so that she could give them to Jackson. She also inquired about Botox as a way to remedy Jackson’s onstage sweat that often caused problems with his hair extensions, but said she ultimately did not get that drug.

Since being hired to do Jackson's hair and makeup for his “Thriller” album cover, Faye said she worked with the pop star for nearly three decades, helping ready the star when he taped the 1993 statement about his decision to enter rehab following the Dangerous World Tour.

An audio recording of that announcement was played in court:

“My friends and doctors advised me to seek professional guidance immediately in order to eliminate what has become an addiction" Jackson said. "It is time for me to acknowledge my need for treatment in order to regain my health. I realize that completing the tour is no longer possible and I must cancel the remaining dates. I know I can overcome the problem and will be stronger from the experience.”

Now at the close of its second week, the civil trial pits AEG against Jackson’s mother and three children, who accuse the concert promoter of negligently hiring and controlling Conrad Murray. The doctor administered a fatal dose of propofol to Jackson in 2009 and is now serving jail time for involuntary manslaughter.

Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, who has been steadily attending the trial, was absent Friday.

Faye said she sometimes spoke about Jackson’s addiction with his siblings, Rebbie, Randy and LaToya. It was her understanding, she said, that the family had attempted additional interventions with Jackson that were unsuccessful.

The makeup artist said she parted ways with Jackson during the HIStory World Tour due to problems with the tour manager as well as with Debbie Rowe, Jackson’s wife at the time.

“[Debbie] told me that she was jealous of me being there as Michael’s makeup artist,” Faye said. “She thought that Michael liked me better than her.”

After a few years, Faye said she returned to working with Jackson and that Rowe apologized.

Hired for Jackson’s comeback concert series “This Is It,” Faye said she was worried about the singer’s frail body and alerted his manager Frank DiLeo.

“[Frank] was saying pretty much, 'I got it under control, don’t worry about it,’” Faye said.

“I said, 'But he’s losing weight rapidly.' … I said, 'Why don’t you ask [costume designer] Michael Bush to verify taking in his pants and how much weight he’s actually losing?’”

Faye said DiLeo went to speak to Bush and she overheard the manager say, “Get him a bucket of chicken.”

“It was such a cold response,” Faye said. “I mean, it broke my heart.”

Kevin Boyle, an attorney for the Jacksons, said plaintiffs have a court order for emails DiLeo wrote during preparation for “This Is It” but were informed by AEG’s attorneys that the manager’s computer had disappeared.

An attorney who previously worked with DiLeo -- who died in 2011 -- has copies of those emails and is willing to turn them over, Boyle said. Plaintiffs believe that the emails could include exchanges between DiLeo and AEG executives.

Despite emotional testimony from Faye, who at times clenched a tissue and wiped her eyes, the overall mood in the courtroom was kept light by her frequent quips.

During cross-examination, she sighed at questions and told AEG attorney Marvin Putnam, “I’m 60 years old, sir, and you’re talking about a 30-year span, I’m going to do the best I can. ... How old are you, sir?”

After jurors and observers laughed, Faye asked slyly, “Is that hearsay?” referring to multiple hearsay objections AEG.

“You go girl,” said one fan in the courtroom who gave her the thumbs-up sign.

Later, when an AEG attorney interrupted a line of questioning, Faye said, “Oh my god, are we objecting? Sidebar?”

When Putnam brought up Faye’s Twitter account and blog and asked her if she had posted unfavorable things about AEG, she stood firm.

“I’ve stated the truth as far as my experience,” she said.

Before court started Friday, Faye had tweeted to her 12,600 followers: “Another difficult day. Thank you for all the love and support. Michael’s fans are forever on his side and the side of Truth…LET’S DANCE.”

The trial ended for the day at noon to give jurors a break from testimony that is expected to take four months.

On Monday, AEG attorneys are expected to call their first witnesses, choreographers Stacy Walker and Travis Payne.

Because the two must leave for a show in Tokyo, Judge Yvette Palazuelos has allowed the defense to call them early. Faye will return afterward.


Jackson witness: Answer to health was 'Get him a bucket of chicken' - Page 2 - latimes.com

Katherine Jackson vs AEG Day 5 – May 6 2013

Autopsy reveals Michael Jackson's secrets

Los Angeles (CNN) -- Jurors hearing the Michael Jackson wrongful death trial got a stark look at the dead pop icon after a lawyer showed them an autopsy photo.
Jackson's unclothed corpse lying on a coroner's table looked nothing like the world's most famous entertainer.

The doctor who conducted Jackson's autopsy will return to the witness stand Wednesday. On Tuesday, jurors are hearing from another doctor in the trial to decide whether concert promoter AEG Live shares blame in Jackson's death with Dr. Conrad Murray.
The witness on the stand Tuesday is cardiologist Dr. Daniel Wohlgelernter, who is offering expert analysis of Murray's skills and decisions.
Murray was not the "appropriate physician" for AEG to hire as Jackson's tour doctor because he was a cardiologist and not trained to treat the singer's special needs, Wohlgelernter testified.

"Michael Jackson had a history of substance abuse, addiction to medications and sleep disturbance," he said, not heart or cardiovascular problems.
Murray's agreement to close down his Las Vegas clinic to work full time for Jackson created a conflict, he said. The agreement said Murray could lose his job if the tour was delayed or canceled.
"It meant that Dr. Murray was entirely dependent on the continuation of the tour for his income," he said.

Much of what jurors heard for the first time from Dr. Christopher Rogers Monday is a repeat of the scientific evidence presented in the trial of Murray, who is now serving a prison sentence for involuntary manslaughter. But some of what is in the coroner's report seems to give more insight into Michael Jackson's life rather than how he died.
Rogers noted in his autopsy report that Jackson's lips were tattooed pink, while his eyebrows were a dark tattoo. The front of his scalp was also tattooed black, apparently to blend his hairline in with the wigs he wore.
Who's who in Jackson trial

Van Halen on Michael Jackson: Sweet guy Jackson wrongful death trial under way Mesereau: AEG arguments may backfire Allred: Murray could be subpoenaed
The autopsy confirmed what Jackson told people who questioned why his skin tone became lighter in the 1980s. Jackson had "vitiligo, a skin pigmentation disease," Rogers said. "So, some areas of the skin appear light and others appear dark."
Debts, drugs, messy bedroom highlighted in Jackson trial
Jackson lawyer Michael Koskoff made sure the jury heard that, even though it had nothing to do with how he died.

Jackson's mother and three children are suing AEG Live, contending the company that was promoting his "This Is It" shows was liable for his death because of the negligent hiring, retention and supervision of Murray.
AEG Live argues that Jackson chose Murray as his tour doctor and that the company had no way of knowing he was using the surgical anesthetic propofol to put the singer to sleep each night.

Rogers concluded that a propofol overdose killed Jackson, although several sedatives Murray gave him that morning contributed to his death.
Los Angeles coroner's toxicologist Dan Anderson, who studied the drugs in Jackson's body, testified Monday that the level of propofol found in Jackson's body was "consistent with major surgery anesthesia."

Propofol is a dangerous drug when not used properly, he said.
Money woes may have led Murray to 'break the rules,' detective says
The Los Angeles coroner's office found 31 deaths in the last 14 years in which propofol was found in a body, including six suicides committed by medical personnel -- doctors, nurses and anesthesiologists -- who chose the drug to end their lives, Anderson said.
There have also been several homicides with propofol, including "a mercy killing" in a hospital, he testified.

If not for his death by propofol, Jackson's health appeared good enough for him to live a normal lifespan, Rogers testified.
"There was no indication from the autopsy that there was anything anatomically wrong with him that would lead to premature death," Rogers said.
He had no signs of being addicted to street drugs, such as needle marks or disease, he said.

That testimony is important for the Jackson case, because if the jury decides that AEG is liable in his death, his expected lifespan will be key to calculating damages. Jackson lawyers will contend that he would have made billions of dollars in his remaining years through several more world tours, merchandizing, recording and movies.


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Katherine Jacksons vs AEG Day 6 - May 7 2013


Michael Jackson doctor incompetent in some areas, expert testifies


DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An expert cardiologist testified Tuesday that Michael Jackson's doctor was unqualified to treat the pop star for insomnia or drug addiction.

Dr. Daniel Wohlgelernter, testifying for the singer's mother, told a jury he reached that conclusion after reviewing Conrad Murray's credentials. Murray was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Jackson in 2009.

Katherine Jackson is suing concert promoter AEG Live on claims that Murray was negligently hired by the company to care for the singer. AEG denies wrongdoing and says it was Michael Jackson who wanted Murray to work as his doctor while he prepared for a series of comeback shows.

Attorneys for both sides told the panel last week that Michael Jackson suffered from longstanding prescription drug addiction issues.

Wohlgelernter, a Santa Monica-based cardiologist, said Murray had no formal training on how to treat such problems, and the former cardiologist was not qualified to administer propofol, the powerful anesthetic that killed Jackson. The singer was using the drug as a sleep aid.

Wohlgelernter also told the jury that Murray botched resuscitation efforts by improperly focusing on Jackson's heart when the singer stopped breathing. Jackson had received propofol and other drugs on that day in June.

Under cross-examination by an AEG attorney, Wohlgelernter testified that Murray appeared to be a competent internal medicine physician. However, Wohlgelernter said the company should have asked why Jackson and Murray wanted to work with each other.

Murray had been expecting to receive $150,000 a month for his work on Jackson's tour, but the singer died before the contract was finalized.


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Katherine Jackson vs AEG - Day 7 - May 8 2013


Associate Producer Alif Sankey Testifies


“This doctor is extremely successful (we check everyone out) and does not need this gig, so he (is) totally unbiased and ethical,” Phillips’ e-mail said.

The lawsuit contends that Phillips and AEG never checked Murray out. Otherwise, they would have known he was deeply in debt and vulnerable to breaking the rules in treating Michael to keep his job, it argues.

Jackson family lawyers contend that AEG Live is liable for Michael’s death because the company negligently hired, retained or supervised Murray — who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Michael’s death.

Michael’s last rehearsal was at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles on June 24, 2009. Security camera video shown to the jury Wednesday showed him walking with a blanket wrapped around him as he passed Sankey.

“He didn’t look good,” she testified. “I asked him if he was cold, and he said ‘Yes.’”

Michael sang two songs that last night on stage: ‘Thriller,’ and ‘Earth Song,’ she said. “He did it,” Sankey said. “He went through it. He wasn’t in full performance mode.

Sankey said she was standing next to Ortega at a rehearsal the next afternoon when Randy Phillips called to tell him Michael was dead.

“Kenny collapsed in our arms,” she said.

The lawsuit contends that AEG Live executives missed a series of warnings that Michael’s life was at risk because of Murray, who was giving him nightly infusions of the surgical anesthetic propofol to treat his insomnia.

The coroner ruled Michael had died from an overdose of propofol in combination with several sedatives on June 25, 2009. Murray told investigators he used the drugs to help Michael sleep so he could be rested for rehearsals.

AEG lawyers argue Michael, not their company, chose and supervised Murray, and that their executives had no way of knowing what the doctor was doing to Jackson in the privacy of his bedroom.

In contrast to six days of testimony mostly about Michael’s death, jurors did hear about the pop icon’s creativity during Sankey’s testimony.

“Michael’s imagination was endless,” Sankey said. “He would visualize it, and it happened. It was amazing.” Katherine Jackson dabbed tears from her eyes as her son’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ video was played in court.

Sankey first met Michael Jackson when she was a dancer in the 1987 video production.

“We got to see Michael’s imagination come to life,” Sankey said. “That was my first time as a dancer, as an artist, that I was completely inspired by his craft and inspired by his attention to every detail. He was so detailed and he never missed a thing.”

Working with Michael was “magical,” she said. “I dream still to this day that I will be able to create on that level of magic that Michael created,” Sankey said. “It was like living a dream of working with an artist like that, and I will treasure it and have it in my memory forever.”

Sankey’s work as an associate producer and dancer for Michael’s ‘This Is It’ tour put her on the witness list in this trial.

“He shared with me that he was excited to do the show,” she said. “He was excited to show his kids, finally to show them who he was, what he was all about; he was very excited about that.”

Jurors heard about Michael’s relationship with his three children and their love of their father. Sankey described how they would come with their father to the set each day in early June when he was filming video elements for the show.

“Paris had a purse, and inside her purse, she had all this candy in her purse she didn’t want her daddy to know about,” Sankey said. “She had these little pictures of her father in her purse that were in frames. She had, like, a lot of them. Her purse was full of candy and pictures of her daddy.”

“They loved their daddy,” she said.

The ‘This Is It’ concert would have been “a pretty big show,” Sankey told jurors. “It was going to be huge and it was going to be innovative, different,” she testified. “From working with Michael in my past, I knew it had to be something that no one’s ever seen. It all had to be new and pioneering.”

The next witness when court resumes Thursday morning will be Michael’s longtime hair and make up artist, Karen Faye. She was quoted in interviews after Michael’s death saying that the pop star was in ill health weeks before he died.

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Katherine Jackson vs AEG -Day 8 - May 9 2013

Karen Faye Testimony


Karen Faye was Michael’s hair and make-up stylist for twenty- seven years. She gave evidence in Court calling him, “a gentle genius,” with unparalleled stamina

On Thursday, Karen Faye’s testimony was very emotional. Karen Faye worked with Michael for 27 years as both a makeup and hair artist, and considered him a brother. She spent about 90 minutes testifying about her close relationship with Michael, who hosted her wedding at his Neverland Ranch and enlisted her to travel around the world with him. She described Michael as “a gentle genius with unparalleled stamina!”

Karen described Michael’s meetings with Princess Diana and other dignitaries, his Super Bowl performance, and other larger-than-life moments from the singer’s life. Jurors and spectators laughed at times as a parade of photos and videos shot during Michael’s performances were played.

“I was from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I was just very normal,” she told jurors. “I found myself working with this magical person.”

Karen traced Michael’s struggle with painkillers to the famous Pepsi commercial shoot where his hair caught fire due to pyrotechnics going off too early – though Karen said she really didn’t grasp it until his ‘Dangerous’ tour in 1992-93. The shocking video of Michael’s hair catching on fire was played for jurors. Karen recalled that when Michael’s hair caught on fire he continued dancing down the stairs, having no idea he was burning. Finally, a friend of his ran onto the stage and wrestled him to the ground to put it out.

“I never saw anything like that in my life,” Karen Faye testified. “This was someone I knew and he was on fire. All his hair was gone and there was smoke coming out of his head.”

Michael suffered intense and devastating migraines while the burns were healing and necessary surgery had to be done that involved the insertion of a skin-stretching balloon under his scalp. But instead of suing Pepsi, Michael asked Pepsi to build a burn center at Brotman Medical Center in Culver City where he had been treated.

“Everybody thought he’d sue Pepsi because it was a mistake,” Karen said.

Brian Panish, an attorney for Michael’s mother and three children, also played a video of the singer falling several stories during a concert in Munich (Germany). Faye said Michael fell three or four stories when a prop he was standing on collapsed.

“When I saw what happen, I thought he could be dead,” Faye said.

But Michael, she said, pulled himself up and continued performing. “I can’t disappoint the audience,” she said he later told her. When he finished, he collapsed and security took him to the hospital, she said. The fall left Michael with back pain that flared, when he was under physical or emotional stress.

Faye also testified that over the years there was an increasing reliance on doctors, and that AEG’s co-CEO was aware of the singer’s mix of medications, which she said he began receiving nearly two decades before his death. She said his reliance on medications coincided with the first time he was accused of child molestation in the early 1990s.

“Michael had to go on stage every night knowing that the whole world thought he was a pedophile,” Karen said, shaking her head and crying.

During Michael’s ‘Dangerous’ tour that began in 1992, Karen said she refused a request from promoters to give Michael injections of pain medications. She said Paul Gongaware, who handled logistics on that tour, brought in doctors who treated Michael. There were always two doctors around Michael on that tour, willing and able to give him as many painkillers as necessary.

“I came to learn there was a balance of medication,” Faye said. “The medications had to be strong enough to overcome Michael’s pain but not so strong that he couldn’t perform.”

She said he was so wasted on pain medication during his ‘Dangerous’ tour that he was stumbling around a venue in Singapore and sparked a violent clash between her and a doctor.

“(Michael) had a very hard time walking. He was kind of glazed over. … He stumbled and fell over into a tree,” she recalled of the encounter in his Singapore dressing room. “I said, ‘Michael can’t go on.’ He had to go into a toaster (a stage catapulting device). If his arm was out, it would be severed.”

She said she protectively hugged Michael and refused to let him leave to perform. That’s when one of Michael’s personal doctors, Dr. David Forecast, forcefully intervened.

“He said, ‘Yes I can,’ ” she recalled. “He backed me up against a wall, put his hands around my neck and said, ‘You don’t know what you’re doing,’” she recalled.

She said Forecast marched a disoriented Michael to the stage, but the concert was cancelled nonetheless. Soon the rest of the ‘Dangerous’ tour would be cancelled, too, with Elizabeth Taylor flying to Mexico to pick up Michael and send him to receive treatment for his prescription drug addiction.

His condition worsened during his 2005 trial that ended with his acquittal of child molestation charges, Karen said. She would go to Neverland Ranch each morning, before daybreak, to help him wash his hair and dress. She recalled praying, crying and laughing with him as they listened to classical music and watched “Three Stooges” videos.

“I wanted people to think he still looked good and was still strong,” she testified.

She said it was a particularly difficult time for Michael:

“He was losing weight. He couldn’t eat because he didn’t want to throw up because he had to watch all these people he loved and cared about tell all those lies.” “He couldn’t eat. He was afraid. He was in pain. He got thinner. His physical pain, his back pain, it all kicked in.”

Faye also recalled an odd incident before Michael performed at Madison Square Garden in fall 2001. When she went to his hotel room to make up his face before a show, Faye claims that a doctor stopped her and said: “I just gave Michael a shot, he’s going to be asleep for the next five or six hours.” “I said that can’t be, he’s set to perform,” Karen told him. She eventually got into Michael’s room, woke him up and fed him bagels to keep him awake and ready to perform, the makeup artist testified.

Karen Faye also testified that in 2009 she overhead an executive for concert promoter AEG Live insist that the singer rehearse for the ‘This Is It’ concerts despite signs of Michael’s declining health. She became increasingly concerned about his health and thought he might die if he was pushed too hard in preparations for his “This Is It’ concerts. AEG executives continued to push Michael, Karen said. She testified she overheard a phone conversation in which AEG executive Paul Gongaware told Michael’s assistant to get him out of a locked bathroom and to a rehearsal. She described Gongaware, AEG Live’s co-CEO, as “angry and kind of desperate,” in the conversation. She testified Gongaware told the assistant to do “whatever it takes.” Karen said the only people she saw insist that Michael rehearse were Gongaware and tour director Kenny Ortega.

Karen said she informed Ortega, Michael’s manager and AEG Live co-CEO Randy Phillips about her concerns about his health during the preparations for the shows. She said Michael was frustrated and after a costume fitting days before his death repeatedly asked her, “Why can’t I choose?” She said that after he missed several rehearsals, Phillips told her to ignore Michael’s instructions.

Faye, choking back tears, read portions of an email from one of Michael’s fans who had a recent meeting with him and had contacted Faye with concerns. During the meeting in June 2009, Michael tried on a jacket. The fan’s e-mail was projected on a courtroom screen:

“(Michael) took his jacket off, and I saw something horrible. A skeleton. I watched his back. It was only bones. I am still in shock. If we do nothing, he will die. I know people who work for him cannot tell him anything. I know his own family tried to help him but he won’t listen. It is humanly impossible for a human being to be a skeleton and dance for two hours straight without any danger.”

Karen said she forwarded the e-mail to Frank DiLeo, Michael’s Manager, telling him that she agreed with the assessment:

“Please intervene … concerts are not worth jeopardizing his life for,” Karen wrote.

But Frank Dileo never responded in writing. Karen said she learned at Michael’s funeral that AEG Live’s Randy Phillips saw the e-mail, too.

By this point, Michael was “emaciated,” had dry skin and dry eyes and was often cold to the touch. She said Michael was cold as an “ice cube” on June 19, 2009, after a costume fitting.

“He couldn’t get warm. I had a space heater, I put it next to him and put him on the sofa and wrapped him in blankets and held him very close to me,” Karen said.

He also seemed to be repeating himself in the days before his death and was becoming increasingly paranoid. Faye said he became obsessed with her being within sight when he was rehearsing onstage. Karen said he changed into someone she didn’t recognize when he started rehearsing for his 50-date ‘This Is It’ concert series.

“He would say things over and over again, repeating the same thing,” she testified. “He wanted to see me all the time. He would say, ‘Make sure I’m able to see you on the stage at all times.’ I’d go, ‘Okay,’ and he’d say it again.”

Karen also described watching tour director Kenny Ortega try to feed the ultra-skinny singer some chicken and pleaded with him to call a doctor.

During her testimony Karen revealed she was the “mystery blond” photographed at Michael Jackson’s side inside Manhattan’s Motown Café after Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce, she said.

“Lisa Marie Presley was calling Michael the day before (the photo) was shot, begging him not to divorce. So he promised her he wouldn’t file for divorce. But the next morning, it was all over the press she had gone ahead and filed. He was devastated.”

She and Michael decided to hit the Motown Café on Jan. 25, 1996, to “give the press something to talk about,” she said.

Karen is due back in court Friday.

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Katherine Jackson vs AEG -Day 10 - May 13 2013

Stacy Walker Testifies

Choreographer, Stacy Walker testified on Monday for AEG Live, saying that she saw no signs of any problems with Michael’s health other than that he appeared thinner. She was the first witness called by AEG. She worked on Michael’s planned comeback concerts, and during her testimony today, said that she didn’t see any signs that he was ill or might die in the final days of his life.

“I just never in a million years thought he would leave us, or pass away,” Stacy Walker told jurors hearing a lawsuit filed by Katherine Jackson against concert promoter AEG Live LLC. “It just never crossed my mind.”

Ms Walker, who is testifying for AEG, said Michael appeared thinner than he had been in previous years and wore multiple layers of clothes while rehearing for his ‘This Is It’ shows, planned for London’s O2 arena. She said despite Michael missing multiple rehearsals, she was convinced based on his performances the last two days of his life, that he was ready for the series of shows.

Previous witnesses have testified that he was shivering and appeared unprepared. Ms Walker said she never saw any of that behavior, although she acknowledged that her job was to work with other dancers and not Michael directly.

“I wasn’t looking for things at the time,” she said. “I wish I was.”

Ms Walker also stated that she was frustrated by the fact that Michael had missed some rehearsals, but said, that her concerns were swept away during the last two preparation sessions for his anticipated ‘This Is It’ comeback concerts, in London.

“I finally saw what I was looking to see,” said Stacy Walker.

Walker said she was so encouraged she told her mother to buy a ticket for opening night in London. “I was very excited and relieved and hopeful,” she testified.

Stacy Walker toured with Michael on the second leg of his ‘HIStory’ tour in 1997, and was well aware of Michael’s performance levels.

AEG is expected to call choreographer Travis Payne, who worked with Michael directly in preparation for the ‘This Is It’ shows, and tour director Kenny Ortega is also expected to testify.

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Christopher Rogers Testimony

Coroner: No Evidence Michael Jackson Self-Administered Lethal Dose of Propofol

Dr. Christopher Rogers, the coroner who conducted Michael Jackson’s autopsy, testified on Tuesday there was no evidence to support the theory that the singer self-administered a lethal dose of propofol, as Dr. Conrad Murray has contended.

Rather, Dr. Rogers believes the defendant gave Jackson too much of the anesthetic, which resulted in the King of Pop’s death.

RELATED – Michael Jackson Autopsy Photo (GRAPHIC)

“I think it would be easy under the circumstances for the doctor to estimate wrong and give too much propofol,” Rogers said in court.

Interestingly, Dr. Rogers testified that Jackson seemed to be in better shape than most men his age.

Dr. Murray has pled “not guilty” to involuntary manslaughter.


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Travis Payne Testimony


Travis Payne Resumes Testimony

“MJ told me he wanted to sing all the songs live,” Travis said. “He had not done that in the past.” Some songs were vocalist tracked 2 assist. Because there was inconsistency with MJ appearing at the rehearsal, production was concerned they would not meet their goals.

He testified that production wanted MJ to be more in attendance with all the cast, rather than just MJ rehearsing by himself at his house. “He seemed very tired, we all were,” Travis said.

‘Drill,’ was the last thing they worked together, Travis said. Michael had a great love for military precision. He said MJ’s dancing seemed fine to him. He said they were working on things created decades before to make them age appropriate, dynamic.

Travis said he had meals with MJ. He said MJ’s appetite depended on the day. “Customarily, we would see each other every day,” he said. Rehearsal with MJ was scheduled five days a week.

MJ told Travis he expected him to be in every show. He wanted him to take notes to make sure show was as perfect as possible.

Travis said they started rehearsing after the press conference, and stopped the day before MJ died. He spoke with MJ everyday. Bina showed an email Travis wrote. It said MJ was very persistent about having a torch, a concept that meant a lot to Michael.

They auditioned 5,000 dancers, MJ chose the final ones. Travis said MJ chose the band director also. He said “Everything started with Mr. Jackson, always. As his support team, we would contribute with ideas. MJ had the final word.”

‘This Is It’ was a partnership with AEG. Travis said this new way of doing business would revolutionize the way tours were done. He said he found out that his role would not include dancing, he would choreograph and would be the associate director in ‘This Is It.’

“He looked fine to me health wise, I thought he was thinner from what I have seen him in the past, but nothing alarming,” he recalled.

He said he knew MJ was excited about the tour and his children, to share this experience with them. He met with MJ in late March/2009. Payne didn’t personally meet with MJ until after the press conference announcement. He said he was excited to work with him again.

He said he worked with Kenny Ortega for many years. He and Ortega were in Vegas when MJ called Ortega asking him to work on a new project.

He said he never saw MJ take drugs, medication or alcohol. “Nothing.” Travis said he knew there were physicians tending to MJ, only ones he personally met were Dr. Klein and Debbie Rowe. Travis said: Michael had an incident, appeared to faint, we were asked to leave the theater and were told later the show was not going to happen.

He worked with MJ in the ‘One Night Only’ show, one time performance by MJ and dancers in New York. The show never happened. He said MJ rehearsed with the dancers and separately. Dancers would get up to speed in the beginning, MJ was good at giving space to learn.

Rehearsals for ‘HIStory’ tour were very extensive, Travis said. He was involved with selecting dancers, ideas for costumes and whatever needed.

He worked with MJ in ‘Ghost’ in 1995/96, then ‘HIStory’ tour, other TV shows and commercials and culminated with ‘This Is It.’

“In the ‘Dangerous’ tour I was ecstatic! I was working with my idol,” Travis described. During ‘Dangerous’ the relationship with MJ grew. Travis said all he knew pain was an on going issue for MJ since the Pepsi commercial accident.

The next time he worked with MJ was in the ‘Dangerous’ tour as dancer and choreographer. He worked with MJ first time in 1992 as a dancer in the short film ‘Remember The Time.’

He also worked with Paula Abdul, Brandy, Diana Ross, Mick Jagger, Marilyn Manson, MJ, among others.

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Katherine Jackson vs AEG - Day 11 - May 14 2013

Travis Payne Testimony

Choreographer: AEG considered 'pulling the plug' on Michael Jackson's comeback
By Alan Duke, CNN

Los Angeles (CNN) -- AEG Live considered "pulling the plug" on Michael Jackson's comeback concerts 11 days before the pop icon died, the show's choreographer testified Tuesday.
Travis Payne, who worked closely with Michael Jackson in his final days, earlier testified that in Jackson's last rehearsals before his death, he was "not at show standards but he was rehearsing, he was processing."

Payne was called as a witness by AEG Live to counter Jackson witnesses who testified in the ongoing wrongful death trial that Michael Jackson was emaciated, paranoid and so ill they feared for his life as rehearsals continued until shortly before his death on June 25, 2009.

The trial, in which Jackson's mother and three children contend AEG Live is liable in his death, is in its third week in a Los Angeles courtroom. The lawsuit accuses the concert promoter of negligently hiring Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death.
The Jacksons contend AEG Live executives ignored warning signs, including Jackson's weight loss, because they did not want to delay the premiere of the "This Is It" concerts set for July 2009.

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'Pulling the plug' on comeback
"It was 'We've got to get this together or the plug may be pulled,' " Payne testified under cross examination by a Jackson lawyer Tuesday.
Jackson was having trouble learning some of his dances in the final weeks, he said.
The jury saw an e-mail from show director Kenny Ortega saying Jackson had "been slow at grabbing hold of the work."

He also asked that a teleprompter be placed near the stage to help him remember song lyrics, something Jackson had never used before during a concert, he said.
An e-mail written by "This Is It" band director Michael Bearden to Ortega 11 days before Jackson's death was displayed in court.
"MJ is not in shape enough yet to sing this stuff live and dance at the same time," Bearden wrote. "He can use the ballads to sing live and get his stamina back up, Once he's healthy enough and have more strength I have full confidence he can sing the majority of the show live. His voice sounds amazing right now, he needs to build it back up. I still need all big dance numbers to be in the system so we can concentrate on choreography."

But Ortega sent Jackson home without performing at the next rehearsal three days later because he was ill.
"I don't have a dog in this race, so I don't want to be painted as a guy who's trying to mask anything," Payne said when Jackson lawyer Brian Panish suggested he was downplaying concerns about Jackson's health in the days before he died.
"Mr. Jackson just explained to me that he had trouble sleeping, that he was tired, and that satisfied me," Payne testified.

Witness: Jackson was paranoid, talking to himself in last days
He told Jackson, "You're looking thin," and Jackson responded, "Well, I'm getting down to my fighting weight," according to Payne, who added, "I didn't have a reason to doubt him."

"Sometimes in rehearsal Michael would appear a little loopy, under the influence of something, but mostly when he would come to the rehearsals from the dermatologist," Payne testified. That happened two to four times in the weeks before his death, he said.
"Michael was undergoing personal cosmetic procedures, so he could feel great and do a good job," Payne said.

Medical records showed Jackson visited his Beverly Hills dermatologist nearly two dozen times in the two months before his death, receiving injections of the powerful painkiller Demerol.

"Sometimes he was tired and lethargic and had to be, not convinced, but supported throughout rehearsals," Payne said.
Payne, though, said Jackson's rehearsals the last two nights were "impressive" when he "was able to do chunks of the show."
"He was not at show standards, but he was rehearsing, he was processing," he said. "I didn't expect him to be as if he was in front of a crowd. The last two days were pretty good."

Was he ready to perform for an audience? Panish asked.
"I thought he was on his way to the goals he had set for himself," Payne answered. "All I saw was improvement and getting closer to the goals."
One of those goals was for Jackson to be able to sing all of his songs, while dancing, without the aid of pre-recorded tracks, Payne testified Monday. Jackson had relied on recorded vocal tracks in previous tours, but he didn't want to use them in London, he said.

Days before death: 'God keeps talking to me'

Payne was often inside Jackson's home rehearsing with him during his final weeks. He got an intimate view of what he called "the beauty" of Jackson's relationship with his three children.

Payne saw "their loyalty to their father" and their father "enlightened them and taught them," he testified. "I was very proud to see Michael as such a loving father."
His description of the close relationship Paris, 15, and Prince, 16, had with their father four years ago could foreshadow the significance of the children's testimony later in the trial.
Paris, who was 11 at the time, was "a very retentive young lady who was very, very smart, very astute," Payne testified.

"She had full knowledge of the day-to-day operations, from the time of lunch and what it was going to be, she was hands on -- far beyond her age," he said. "She had a lot of responsibility, which I think she welcomed.

Payne said she was "the female of the house" and "a daddy's girl."
"She really loved her father," he said. "At that time, she was coming to find out his global successes and presence, so she would wear her Michael Jackson T-shirt, headband and bag," he said.
It was Paris who would bless the food when they were having lunch with their father at home, he said.

"She was always the most vocal of the three children and was very concerned about many of the details of the house, was the temperature correct, what do you want to eat," Payne testified. "She just handled a lot for her young age."
Jackson's relationship with son Prince, then 12, was "awesome," Payne said.
"It was great to see how they interacted," he said. "Prince wants to be a director, so Michael would share conversations with him about that process and point out things during our rehearsals."

Blanket, who was 7 his father died, liked to watch his father rehearsing his dances with Payne in the basement studio of their home, Payne said.
"He was quiet, but always right there with his dad," he said.

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Katherine Jackson vs AEG - Day 12 - May 16 2013

AEG paid Michael Jackson's manager $100,000 a month

The promoter and producer putting on Michael Jackson's ill-fated "This Is It" concert series was paying his manager $100,000 a month, the only time entertainment giant AEG made such an agreement, a company lawyer testified Monday.

Shawn Trell, senior vice president and general counsel for Anschutz Entertainment Group, testified in the Jackson family's wrongful-death lawsuit that the money was paid to Thome Thome.

The payments appear to be a potential conflict of interest, since a personal manager is supposed to represent the performer's interests.


FULL COVERAGE: AEG wrongful death trial

In addition, Trell was shown a report AEG sent Jackson's estate that included a request it be repaid $300,000 it had given Conrad Murray, the doctor who administered the fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol to Jackson.

"To me, it's a mistake," Trell said.

Previous testimony showed AEG never paid Murray.

Brian Panish, an attorney for Jackson's mother and children, who filed the lawsuit against AEG, said in court that the company had been seeking $30 million in advances from Jackson's estate.

PHOTOS: Michael Jackson | 1958-2009

Earlier in the day, an AEG executive testified that Murray's salary was never listed on a budget as an artist advance.

The Jacksons say in their suit that AEG negligently hired and supervised Murray, while the company says that Jackson wanted him hired and that any salary it was supposed to pay him were advances to the singer.

Julie Hollander, AEG's vice president and controller also testified that she didn't know of any other instance in which the firm had hired a doctor to go on a concert tour.

“I know in my experience it is not typical for the promoter and tour producer to hire a doctor,” she said.

She also testified that when Jackson died in June 2009, shortly before his 50 concerts were set to begin in London, the production was about $2.5 million over budget.

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Woman's statement to Jackson jurors prompt inquiry
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16 hours ago
Society

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge questioned two alternate jurors in the civil trial over Michael Jackson's death after a woman approached them and told them not to award the singer's family any money in the case.

Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos and attorneys on the case questioned the alternates, who said the woman approached them during a break Friday afternoon. Both said the woman told them not to award any money in the case against concert promoter AEG Live LLC.

The alternates said they told the woman she couldn't talk to them, but she persisted for several moments before finally leaving them alone. They described the woman but said they did not see her in the courtroom after testimony concluded Friday.

The alternate jurors said their interaction would not affect their judgment about the case. The judge told them to return to court Monday and report to bailiffs or court staffers if they saw the woman again.

Jackson family attorney Brian Panish said the interaction was jury tampering and is a felony.

Katherine Jackson mother is suing AEG Live over her son's death. The company denies wrongdoing.

The case has five alternate jurors remaining after one had to be dismissed because he is moving out of state.

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