AEG vs Jacksons (articles, reports, tabloids)

AEG lawyers win a round in Michael Jackson lawsuit KFWB Staff    

CNS) – Attorneys for AEG Live won a round in court today when a judge ordered Michael Jackson’s mother and his three children to answer more questions about their lawsuit accusing the entertainment conglomerate of negligently hiring Dr. Conrad Murray to care for the late King of Pop.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos also said AEG Live can continue taking Katherine Jackson’s deposition, which began last week but is still incomplete.

Jackson was set to perform a string of 50 shows in London for AEG Live, but he died June 25, 2009 of acute propofol intoxication in Los Angeles while rehearsing for the concert series.

The negligence suit was filed in September 2010 by Katherine Jackson on behalf of herself and her son’s three children, Michael Jr., Paris-Michael Katherine and Prince Michael, alleging the company was negligent in hiring Murray.

The complaint also alleges AEG Live is responsible for the medical decisions made by Murray, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s death and was sentenced Tuesday to four years in prison.

AEG Live attorney Marvin Putnam said he was pleased with the ruling, because the judge ordered everything the defense wanted except for monetary sanctions covering the cost of bringing the motion. He said Katherine Jackson’s lawyers cannot make “heinous” allegations in a lawsuit, then refuse to show proof.

Putnam has called the lawsuit a “shakedown” of AEG Live. However, plaintiffs’ attorney Kevin Boyle said the AEG Live motion was “typical defense gamesmanship.”

During the hearing, Boyle claimed some of the questions AEG Live posed to Jackson’s children were highly personal, including whether they had anything in their diary indicating their father “was going to kill himself.”

AEG Live lawyers maintain the firm was not Murray’s employer. They say Katherine Jackson has not provided all the information she has to show that AEG hired Murray to be her late son’s exclusive doctor as he prepared for the tour.

But Boyle said his side provided an extensive response, including statements from two AEG Live executives that Murray was given the job as the singer’s physician.

Attorney Jessica Stebbins, also representing AEG Live, said many of the responses the plaintiffs provided only arrived in her office Monday. Boyle replied that some of the answers took significant time to obtain, but he declined to elaborate, citing attorney-client privilege.

Boyle said he also may move later to amend the complaint further and to ask Palazuelos to appoint a third-party “discovery referee.” The referee, typically a retired judge, would sort out the materials exchanged between boh sides and make recommendations to the judge.

Stebbins said she was not sure a discovery referee is necessary, but would agree to have one if both sides concur on the person serving the role. She also said she may ask Palazuelos to postpone the trial date, now set for Sept. 10, because of the delays in getting the information needed in preparing AEG Live’s defense.

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Concert Promoter AEG is on the defensive after the Los Angeles Times recently published confidential emails about AEG’s role in Michael Jackson’s final days. The New York Daily News revealed more of the emails in a second article this weekend.

Together, the emails paint a picture of AEG demanding that the concert tour go on, despite knowing the extremely fragile state Michael Jackson was in at the time.

But what does it all mean, legally? Should AEG be found liable for Michael Jackson’s death?

Katherine Jackson and other family members sued AEG, blaming them for controlling and failing to supervise Dr. Conrad Murray, thereby causing Jackson’s death. AEG denies it controlled or supervised Murray at all. They say he was Jackson’s personal physician and he alone was responsible.

Whether that’s true or not, AEG was clearly involved in some manner. The Daily News revealed the most telling of the emails that have been publicly disclosed so far, about AEG’s role in Jackson’s final days:

Kenny Ortega sent a panicked email in the predawn hours of June 20, 2009, telling promoter Randy Phillips, the head of AEG Live, that Jackson appeared too “weak and fatigued” to rehearse the previous night, “trembling, rambling and obsessing” to the point Ortega recommended a psychological exam.

When Phillips didn’t immediately address his fears, Ortega fired off another email 11 hours later, the Daily News has learned.

“I honestly felt if I had encouraged or allowed him on stage last night he could have hurt himself,” Ortega wrote to Phillips in the confidential 1:20 p.m. missive obtained by The News.

Phillips responded within the hour, shooting down Ortega’s concerns with even more force than formerly exposed. “It is critical that neither you, me, or anyone around this show become amateur psychiatrists or physicians,” he wrote, adding that he was in touch with Jackson’s personal doctor, Conrad Murray, and had gained “immense respect” for the cardiologist who would later go to jail for involuntary manslaughter.

“(Murray) said that Michael is not only physically equipped to perform (but) that discouraging him to (perform) will hasten his decline instead of stopping it,” Phillips said.

“You cannot imagine the harm and ramifications of stopping the show now,” he wrote. “It would far outweigh ‘calling this game in the 7th inning.’ I am not just talking about AEG’s interests here, but the myriad of stuff and lawsuits swirling around MJ that I crisis manage every day and also his well-being.”

Among those revealed by the Times include Phillips’ accounts of Jackson as a “emotionally paralyzed mess riddled with self loathing and doubt.” Yet he also wrote that if Jackson did not deliver, “financial disaster awaits.”


You can read the full Daily News article here and the LA Times’ article here.

AEG says the emails paint an incomplete picture and they are only a select few out of hundreds of thousands of pages of documents produced in the court case. The company’s lawyers have actually gone on the offensive, attacking the Jackson family and blaming them for leaking these confidential emails to the media when court orders prohibited it.

Katherine Jackson and her legal team denied it. Instead, businessman Howard Mann — a business partner of Katherine Jackson — claimed responsibility for disclosing the emails to the media. He says he gathered them from a number of sources, including the Dr. Conrad Murray trial, not from Katherine Jackson. Interestingly, Howard Mann recently agreed to pay $2.5 million to the Michael Jackson Estate to settle a lawsuit against him and his companies for copyright violations.

AEG’s legal team isn’t buying that Mann is solely to blame. They claim he is nothing but an intermediary and the public revelation of the emails is a desperate reaction by the Jackson family to the realization that they are losing. AEG’s attorney said, “After months of discovery, plaintiffs now know what we have known all along — there is nothing to support their claims.”

The Jackson legal team disagrees. They claim to have even more damaging emails and feel very confident in their case against AEG.

Ultimately, the judge hearing the case will have to decide whether there is enough evidence to justify submitting the case to the jury. These emails would make for a very compelling case in front of a jury, but getting that far is the big question.

Knowing of Jackson’s condition and encouraging him to perform is not the same as being legally responsible for his death. Plus, as AEG attorneys point out, Phillips and others involved observed Michael giving strong rehearsal performances and were assured by Dr. Murray that he was able to perform.

Dr. Murray clearly was the central figure. The LA Times article reports that AEG never paid Dr. Murray, and while Jackson insisted that AEG pay Dr. Murray $150,000 per month to take care of Jackson, Dr. Murray’s contract was apparently not signed by the time Jackson died. So AEG may not be responsible for Dr. Murray’s actions.

But AEG could still be liable, at least in part, if the Jackson family can convince the judge that AEG controlled and pushed Dr. Murray into getting Jackson ready to perform at all costs. The publicly-revealed emails may not be enough to accomplish that. For example, there is no mention of Dr. Murray’s propofol treatment. Refusing to cancel a show is not the same as being responsible for Jackson’s death.

Where AEG is really in trouble is with the $17.5 million lawsuit by insurer Lloyds of London, which issued an insurance policy to protect AEG in case Jackson could not perform. Lloyds claims that AEG didn’t fully disclose Jackson’s medical condition in taking out the policy, and these emails certainly suggest that AEG knew more than it told Lloyds.

What do you think? Should AEG be forced to pay for contributing to the death of Michael Jackson?

By Danielle and Andy Mayoras, co-authors of Trial & Heirs: Famous Fortune Fights!, husband-and-wife legacy expert attorneys, and hosts of the national television special, Trial & Heirs: Protect Your Family Fortune! For the latest celebrity and high-profile cases, with tips to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your clients, click here to subscribe to The Trial & Heirs Update. You can “like” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

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AEG wants e-mails banned from Michael Jackson trial

Los Angeles (CNN) -- Michael Jackson's mother sat quietly in court on Wednesday watching as her lawyers fought loudly with attorneys for AEG, the concert promoter she accuses of contributing to the pop star's death.
They argued over who leaked e-mails to a reporter that revealed the promoter had doubts about Jackson's health and his ability to be ready for his "This Is It" concerts several months before his death.
"MJ is locked in his room drunk and despondent," AEG executive Randy Phillips wrote in a March 5, 2009, e-mail, the day Jackson announced the tour plans. "I (am) trying to sober him up."
The judge must decide if she will exclude those e-mails from the wrongful-death suit filed by Katherine Jackson and her son's three children against AEG.
AEG drops Michael Jackson insurance claim
Jackson died of an overdose of a surgical anesthesia in combination with sedatives on June 25, 2009, according the the Los Angeles County coroner. Dr. Conrad Murray, who was hired to be Jackson's personal physician as he prepared for the shows, was found guilty last year of involuntary manslaughter in his death.
The Jackson suit contends that AEG contributed to the pop star's death by pressuring him to prepare even though the promoters knew he was in a weak condition and by its hiring and supervision of Dr. Murray.
The judge overseeing the case sealed those documents. AEG filed a motion accusing the Jacksons and their lawyers of leaking them to Los Angeles Times reporter Harriett Ryan, who used them for a story she published in September.
"It is clear that only one entity could have done it," AEG lawyer Marvin Putnam said. The cache of e-mails, which the reporter shared with AEG, have "certain unique characteristics" that prove they were given to the Jackson lawyers by AEG as part of discovery in the wrongful-death lawsuit, Putnam said.
AEG asked Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos to punish the Jacksons by not allowing them to use those e-mails in next year's trial when they try to prove the promoter is liable for Michael Jackson's death.

"He has accused 10-year-old Blanket Jackson," Jackson lawyer Kevin Boyle said, pointing to Putnam. "What's the idea, that Blanket Jackson got some documents and copied them and somehow walked them from Calabasas to Harriet Ryan?"
Jackson lawyers denied anyone associated with their legal team or their clients leaked the e-mails, even suggesting AEG lawyers may have done it themselves as a set up.
Source of leaked Michael Jackson e-mails identified
"They could have easily disclosed all of these documents with zero punishment from the court," Boyle said.

Ryan has refused to disclose her sources, although Howard Mann -- who was once Katherine Jackson's former partner in a book venture -- has acknowledged that he gave the reporter a box of documents for her story.

Days after the e-mails were published, AEG dropped its claim against a Lloyds of London underwriter for a $17.5 million insurance policy for Michael Jackson.
The insurer contended AEG hid Jackson's health problems and failed to respond to repeated requests for his medical history when applying for insurance for the 50 shows scheduled for London's O2 Arena.

The Michael Jackson estate, which controls Michael Jackson Company LLC, is still pursuing the insurance payout.
Perry Sanders, who is Katherine Jackson's personal attorney, told the judge that the Jacksons had no motive to leak the e-mails.
"Like we would go and blow up our own case against Lloyds of London?" Sanders said. "Our client and all the plaintiffs in this case are actually the ones who would receive the money."

Sanders also noted that AEG had failed to disclose the e-mails to the Lloyds of London lawyers despite a legal requirement to do so.
While publication of the e-mails might have made AEG look bad, they were "extremely negative against Michael Jackson," painting him "as a basket case," Jackson lawyer Deborah Chang said.
"It's much more negative about Michael Jackson than it is about AEG, by far," Chang said.

Michael Jackson copyright dispute settled
The Jackson lawyers accused AEG of using the e-mail issue as a way to delay the wrongful-death trial.
"They've been very successful in tying us up completely and I am sure they are giggling about it back in the office," Boyle said.
AEG previously convinced the judge to delay the trial, which was set for last month, until next April.

"This case is so strong that we very stringently argued this case should have gone to trial in September," Sanders said. "The only people that seem to be trying to keep this case from going forward are the defendants."
The anger and passion between the six Jackson lawyers and AEG's Putnam was evident with personal charges of bad ethics flying from both sides in court Wednesday.

"I've never seen anything like it in my career," Jackson lawyer Brian Panish said. "They think they can just smirk around and make these defamatory statements without evidence."
The documents made public in the Times story are not the most damaging to AEG that were uncovered, Boyle told CNN.
"We can assure you that we are in possession of documents that make for an extremely compelling story in the wrongful-death case, and that completely support the plaintiffs' claims," he said.

It was unusual for the 82-year-old Katherine Jackson to attend such a hearing, suggesting the case is also very personal for her.
The revelations from the leaked e-mails including one written by Randy Phillips weeks after Jackson's death in which the president of AEG Live -- the concert-promotion branch of AEG -- called it "a terrible tragedy," but adding "but life must go on."
"AEG will make a fortune from merch sales, ticket retention, the touring exhibition and the film/dvd," Phillips wrote. In fact, AEG Live was allowed to sell Jackson tour merchandise and share in the profits from the documentary "This Is It," produced from rehearsal video.

Lawyer: Conrad Murray's suffering in jail a 'slow death'
The e-mails suggest AEG Live's president saw Jackson's problems first-hand the day the pop star was to appear at the O2 Arena to publicly announce the shows.
"MJ is locked in his room drunk and despondent," Phillips wrote in the March 5, 2009, e-mail to AEG Live's parent company, the paper reported. "I (am) trying to sober him up."
"I screamed at him so loud the walls are shaking," Phillips wrote. "He is an emotionally paralyzed mess riddled with self-loathing and doubt now that it is show time."
The promoter blamed London traffic when Jackson was 90 minutes late for the announcement that day.

"He's as healthy as he can be -- no health problems whatsoever," Phillips told CNN two months later to refute reports Jackson's health was threatening the concerts.
The Los Angeles Times story, however, said the e-mails indicated major doubts about Jackson's ability to perform.
"We cannot be forced into stopping this, which MJ will try to do because he is lazy and constantly changes his mind to fit his immediate wants," AEG Live executive Paul Gongaware e-mailed to Phillips.

Jackson's missed rehearsals in June triggered concerns in e-mails that he was slow in learning his dance routines and would have to lip-sync on stage, the newspaper reported.
"MJ is not in shape enough yet to sing this stuff live and dance at the same time," one e-mail from the show's music director read, the paper reported.

A production manager wrote: "He was a basket case. Doubt is pervasive."
A loud warning from show director Kenny Ortega, who worked closely with Jackson on previous tours, came in mid-June, just over a week before his death. Ortega wrote to Phillips that Jackson had "strong signs of paranoia, anxiety and obsessive-like behavior" and suggesting they bring a "top psychiatrist in to evaluate him ASAP."

"It is like there are two people there. One (deep inside) trying to hold on to what he was and still can be and not wanting us to quit him, the other in this weakened and troubled state," Ortega wrote. "I believe we need professional guidance in this matter."
Ortega testified at Murray's trial about his concerns about Jackson's frail condition and missed rehearsals. It resulted in a meeting six days before Jackson's death in which Murray assured the promoters he would have Jackson ready for rehearsals that next week.

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.

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KATHERINE JACKSON I Need Help from the Doc Who Killed My Son

Katherine Jackson is reaching out to the man who killed her son because she needs him badly for something ... TMZ has learned.

Katherine is in the throes of a wrongful death lawsuit against AEG, claiming the company negligently hired Dr. Conrad Murray and failed to properly supervise him.

Here's the problem. She needs Murray on the record, explaining how the arrangement went down, so she's subpoenaed the jailed Doc. Katherine wants Murray to acknowledge AEG masterminded the plan to bring him on board.

It's ironic, to say the least, but Katherine is dealing with some bad options. She can go after Murray, but he doesn't have a pot to piss in. Or, she can try to bring him into the fold in order to go after the deep pockets -- AEG.

Now the real problem -- Murray's not cooperating. His lawyers, Valerie Wass and J. Michael Flanagan, are fighting the subpoena, trying to get it tossed on technical grounds.

So Katherine can persist ... and a judge could order Murray to tell all. But she doesn't want to unnecessarily antagonize the Doc, because a hostile witness is often a bad witness.


TMZ

Jermaine 'Jacksun' is scaring his siblings by trying to rip off Michael’s act

Los Angeles (CNN) -- The lawsuit filed by Michael Jackson's three children and mother that accuses a concert promoter of contributing to the pop icon's death can go to trial, a Los Angeles judge tentatively ruled Monday.
The trial for the wrongful death lawsuit against AEG Live, filed by Jackson matriarch Katherine Jackson and his children, Prince, Paris and Blanket Jackson, is set for April. A final order on Monday's decision has not been issued yet.
Photos: Michael Jackson, King of Pop
The judge has ordered Dr. Conrad Murray, who the suit contends was hired and supervised by AEG Live executives, to meet with Jackson lawyers next month for a deposition. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's 2009 death.

2012: Jackson aide accuses promoter in death
The judge's decision would allow the suit to move ahead on the contention that AEG Live was negligent in hiring Murray.

Murray was working as Jackson's full-time personal physician as the star prepared for his 2009 comeback concerts promoted by AEG Live.
Murray lawyer Valerie Wass said she would advise Murray to invoke his Fifth Amendment right to not answer questions.

"But Dr. Murray has a mind of his own," Wass said. "If he decided to answer a question, those parties don't know what he's going to say."
Murray's video-recorded deposition is set to take place on March 18 in the Los Angeles County Jail where he has been serving a four-year prison sentence since November 2011. He could be released on parole later this year.

Murray has never been questioned under oath about Jackson's death. He did not testify at his own trial that ended with his conviction in November 2011.

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Murray ordered to testify in MJ Wrongful Death Suit Today at 5:43 pm

Katherine Jackson is getting her way ... a judge just ordered Dr. Conrad Murray to spill the beans in her wrongful death lawsuit against AEG.

According to legal docs, Mrs. Jackson wants Murray to testify about comments he made in his documentary, in which Murray said an AEG honcho told him, Jackson was on "death skid row" and AEG owned "the toilet paper he wipes his ass with" and "the f**kin' popsicles that his children are sucking on" and "if he doesn't get the show done he's over."

Mrs. Jackson thinks Murray's comments will help convince a jury AEG played fast and loose with her son's life, and that they happily hired the reckless doctor to care for him.

Murray fought the subpoena for his depo, but now he'll have to take the oath next month.

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Shamed doc stays silent on Michael Jackson's death


Conrad Murray will plead his right to silence to avoid speaking at a lawsuit over Michael Jackson's wrongful death.

Although the shamed doctor has been called to take the stand at Jackson's mother Katherine's civil case against AEG Live - which accuses the company of being responsible for negligently hiring Murray to care for Michael - he will not answer questions because the responses could affect his appeal, according to TMZ.

The medic has already served a year and a half in prison after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter following Jackson's death, but his lawyer Valerie Wass is set to file documents saying she is appealing his conviction.

Her documents argue whatever Murray says in Katherine's lawsuit could be used against him in future appeals and plead the Fifth Amendment, which gives Murray the right to stay silent.

Jackson's son, Prince Michael, is expected to give evidence on conversations he had with his father about the concert promoter.


A source previously said: "Prince absolutely plans on testifying.

"Prince very much wants to take the stand and plans to tell jurors about specific conversations he had with his father about AEG. Prince will also testify about the fateful day his father died, as he was an eyewitness to the efforts that were made to save his life."

The 16-year-old's siblings, Paris, 15, and Blanket, 11, aren't expected to testify, however.
In the lawsuit, Katherine, 82, contends that AEG Live - which was behind the late singer's This Is It comeback concerts at The O2 arena in London - were responsible for Dr Murray and failed to properly vet the physician before hiring him.

The Thriller hitmaker died in June 2009 after being administered a lethal dose of Propofol by Murray.

The trial is set to begin on April 2.

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AEG Live full possible witness list

Dr. David Adams / Jeffrey Lee Adams / Marcel Avram / Irving Azoff / Tom Barrack / Michael Bearden / Daniel Beckerman / Martin Blount / John Branca / Ellen Brunn / Jeffrey Telle Cannon / Frank Cascio / Melissa Elias/ Dr. Alimorad Farshchian / Lou Ferrigno / Dr. Stuart Finkelstein / David Fournier / Kenneth Froelich / Paul Gongaware / Dr. Stephen Gordon / Dennis Hawk / Julie Hollander / Dorian Holley / Dr. Hosny Habashy / John “Bugz” Houghdahl / Janet Jackson / Jermaine Jackson / Joe Jackson / Katherine Jackson / Latoya Jackson/ Prince Jackson/ Paris Jackson / Randy Jackson / Rebbie Jackson / TJ Jackson / Tito Jackson/ Kathy Jorrie / Michael Kane/ Dr. Lawrence Koplin / Bruce Lang / Michael La Perruque / Cheryln Lee / Arlyne Lewiston / Joseph Marcus / John Meglen / Dr. Allan Metzger / Kim Moore-Mestas / Amy Morrison / Steven Lloyd Mortensen/ Roselyn Muhammad / Dr. Conrad Murray / Consuelo Ng / Sarah O’Leary Sinnorai / Kenny Ortega / Bob Parks / Travis Payne / Randy Phillips / Jeffre Phillips / Dr. Christine Quinn / Dr. Neil Ratner / Debbie Rowe / Dr. Gordon Sasaki / Dr. Scott David Saunders / Madeline Schilder / Richard Sherman / Barry Siegel / Dr. David Slavit / Janice Leigh Smith / Dr. Mark Tadrissi / Evvy Tavasci / Dr. Tohme Tohme / Shawn Trell / Anthony Urquidez / Dr. William Van Valin II / Dr. Carl Virgil / Stacy Walker / Frederick Webking / Bill Whitfield / Alan Whitman / Timm Woolley / Taunya Zilkie

Retained experts : William Ackerman / Eric Briggs / Arnold Dicke / Dr. Paul Earley / William Flynn/ Dr. Gary Green / Marty Hom / Dr. John R. Iacovino / Dr.Norman Elliott Lepor/ Dr. Petros Levounis / Mark Allen Roesler / Dr. Christine Nai-Mei Sang / Dr. Karl Williams / Rhoma Young

Katherine’s retained experts : Dr. Frederic Askin/ Richard Barnet / David Berman / Dr. Emery Brown/ Dr. Charles Czeisler / Arthur Erk/ Peter Formuzis/ Dr. Hendrikus Lemmens / Dr. Gordon Matheson / Barry Nadell/ Howard Rile/ Dr. Sidney Schnoll / Jean Seawright / Dr. Myer Shimelman/ Dr. Alon Steinberg / Dr. Barry Swerdlow / Dr. Daniel Wallace / Dr. Daniel Wohlgelernter

Katherine Jackson full possible Witness list

Katherine Jackson / Prince Jackson / Paris Jackson / Paul Gongaware / Randy Phillips / Jeffrey Adams / Dr. David Adams / Daniel Anderson/ Phillip Anschutz / Dr. Frederic Askin / Ramone Baines / Richard Barnet / Tom Barrack / Dan Beckerman / David Berman / John Branca / Dr. Emery Neal Brown / Ellen Brunn / Kai Chase / Patrick Cousins / Dr. Charles Czeisler / Jenna Daddario EMT / Kelly DiStefano / Melissa Elias / Arthur Erk/ Joyce Essex / Karen Faye / Dr. Stuart Finkelstein / Peter Formuzis / Maritza Glassman / Paramedic Mark Goodwin / Dr. Stephen Gordon / Hosny Habashy / Dennis Hawk / Reynold Henry EMT / Julie Hollander / Alejandra Jackson / Jackie Jackson/ Janet Jackson/ Jermaine Jackson / Marlon Jackson / Rebbie Jackson / Randy Jackson / Taj Jackson / Tarryl Jackson/ TJ Jackson / Tito Jackson / Trent Jackson / Quincy Jones / Kathy Jorrie / Michael Kane / Michael Laperruque / Cherilyn Lee / Spike Lee / Tim Leiweke / Hendrikus Lemmens / Carlos Letelier DDS / Arlyne Lewiston / Detective Orlando Martinez / Dr. Gordon Matheson/ Cindy Medina / John Meglen / Dr. Allan Metzger / Tom Miserendo / Amy Morrison / Roselyn Muhammad / Dr. Conrad Murray / Barry Nadell/ Prince Rogers Nelson / Kenny Ortega / Ray Parker Jr / Travis Payne / Lisa Marie Presley / Howard Rile / Dr. Christopher Rogers / Diana Ross / Debbie Rowe / Alif Sankey / Madeline Schilder / Dr. Sidney Schnoll / Jean Seawright / Paramedic Richard Seneff / Dr. Myer Shimelman / Barry Siegel / Dr. Alon Steinberg / Dr. Barry Swerdlow / Mark Tadrisi DDS / Evvy Tavasci / Shawn Trell / Anthony Urquidez / Carl Virgil / Daniel Wallace / Frederick Webking / Bill Whitfield / Debra Willis / Dr. Daniel Wohgelernter / Timm Woolley

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Michael Jackson’s Oldest Son Prince Plans On Testifying At Wrongful Death Lawsuit Trial
Mar 15, 2013 By Jen Heger


Michael Jackson‘s oldest son, Prince, plans on testifying at the wrongful death lawsuit trial of his superstar father, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting.

“Prince absolutely plans on testifying,” a family insider tells Radar. “His grandmother, Katherine, filed the lawsuit against AEG, which was the concert promoter for Michael’s comeback concerts that were scheduled to take place in London. Katherine contends that AEG was responsible for her son’s death because they were responsible for hiring Dr. Conrad Murray to be his physician.


“Prince very much wants to take the stand and plans to tell jurors about specific conversations he had with his father about AEG. Prince will also testify about the fateful day his father died, as he was an eyewitness to the efforts that were made to save his life. There are no plans for either Paris or Blanket to testify though.”

As RadarOnline.com previously reported, Katherine suffered a huge legal setback this past week when a California court dismissed all of her claims against AEG and its president, Tim Leiweke.


Additionally, all but one of her claims against the remaining defendants were dismissed and the California Court of Appeals ordered Michael’s medical records unsealed.

Those remaining defendants have filed legal documents with the Court of Appeal in California to dismiss the one claim, on the question of whether AEG Live negligently hired Murray, Jackson’s long time personal physician.


As RadarOnline.com has previously reported, Murray was convicted in 2011 for the involuntary manslaughter death of Michael after administering a fatal dose of propofol to help the pop singer sleep. Murray hadn’t formally signed his employment contract with AEG at the time of Michael’s death.

If the case proceeds to trial on April 1, “jurors will be very interested in what Prince has to say. He is a very well spoken and intelligent young man,” the source said.


“When Michael was alive, he treated his oldest son as an adult. Michael consulted Prince on business decisions. Prince is extremely mature and considerate young man.”

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Both parties have filed their motions to exclude certain topics to be mentioned during trial. The judge will hear the arguments and decide on these motions on March 21 (or later). The following are the summaries of both parties’ motions.

AEG Live

AEG Live states that the jury will decide on 4 narrow issues

1- Whether AEG Live hired Murray
2- Whether Murray was unfit
3- Whether AEG Live had a reason to believe an undue risk of harm would exist due to Murray
4- Whether harm occurred.

Based on this AEG Live asks the judge to exclude the following:

Speculative Damages

The $40 billion damages are now becoming clearer. Each plaintiff (Katherine, Prince, Paris, Blanket) is asking for $50 Million in general damages and $10 Billion in special damages (it brings it to $200 M total in general damages and $40 billion in special damages). It turns out Katherine’s side is speculating Michael’s possible future income and AEG wants this to be excluded as California law says the damages should be “reasonable certain to result in the future” and “possibility or probability” is not enough. AEG says all of these based on casual conversations and wishful thinking and hypothetical scenarios and nothing was certain.

The possible future income sources are
- Possible future tours after TII
- Possible future albums
- Possible future increased on royalties from already released albums
- Possible future film career
- Possible future clothing line
- Possible future appearances
- Possible future purchase of Marvel comics
- Redacted but based on something Tom Barrack said

Jacksons claim Michael would have earned $500 Million a year for the rest of his life and would give 40% of his earnings to Katherine and his kids. AEG states if you do the math to reach to the $40 billion number it would have required Michael to live 200 more years. ( Math : 40% of $500 M a year = $200 Million a year. $200 Million a year times 200 years gives $40 billion).

AEG also mentions that these numbers aren’t realistically possible as Michael’s popularity was down due to child molestation allegations and he hasn’t performed for years. AEG also mentions how Katherine stated during her deposition that Michael did not want to tour anymore but now also claiming lost income from future tours. AEG also lists details of Michael’s past movie projects that never happened, clothing endorsements that ended in lawsuits and so on to demonstrate that there is no certainty that any of these future business projects would have actually happened or be successful. AEG also mention that Marvel was sold for $4.2 billion (meaning Michael could not have afforded to buy it at all).

AEG has no objection to any lost income from TII to be considered in determining damages.

Irrelevant interactions between AEG and Michael

AEG Live states given the 4 issues to be considered at the trial the following is irrelevant: AEG and Michael’s financial bargaining power during negotiations and preparation of the tour, cash advances made to Michael, number of concerts scheduled and AEG firing nanny Grace on Michael’s request.

It turns out Katherine planned to introduce AEG’s and Michael’s financial bargaining power to show AEG had control over Michael. AEG states as the first claim is now dismissed, these matters are irrelevant to the remaining 1 claim and should be excluded. AEG also states that any mention of “control claims” should be excluded. This also includes a request for the exclusion of AEG emails that mention “has to perform or a financial disaster awaits”, “he has no choice, he has to do it he signed a contract” etc.

AEG says if Katherine is allowed to mention these control claims, AEG in return will show that it was Michael’s advisors that approached them for a tour, 3 business managers of Michael looked over and approved tour expenses, it was Michael’s requests that increased the tour expenses and so on.

We learn that during summary judgment Katherine stated that AEG used cash advances to “reel him in”. We also learn that Katherine’s lawyers especially asked questions about a $200,000 cash advance that Phillips took to Michael in a brown paper bag. It seems like Katherine’s side wants to portray these as under the table advances. AEG argues that advances are no longer relevant to the remaining issues and AEG Live states regardless of how they have given Michael advances he has signed receipts for them and they are all properly documented and accounted for.

AEG says the number of shows Michael agreed to perform is irrelevant to the topic that whether AEG hired Murray or not. AEG also want to exclude testimony from Prince that might claim AEG was forcing Michael to do more shows than he want and AEG state that they have counter witnesses that would testify that Michael told them he was excited to perform “50 shows”.

AEG says Gongaware firing nanny Grace at Michael’s order is irrelevant to the matters at hand. They say AEG never employed or paid Grace and Gongaware was given an already prepared letter and just contacted Grace because Michael told him to.

Hypothetical scenarios of cancellation or postponement of TII

Given the remaining single claim AEG Live states that Katherine’s previous arguments of AEG could have saved Michael’s life if they postponed or cancelled the concerts are no longer relevant and should be excluded. AEG also states that according to the contract AEG could not have canceled the concerts on their own, any cancellation required Michael’s permission. AEG states they have evidence that Michael wanted the concerts to continue, he didn’t need time off and he didn’t want them delayed.

AEG also states that Jacksons try to mention these irrelevant matters to create a moral blame on AEG and even go to the media (CNN Alan Duke’s smoking gun story) to hurt their reputation rather than litigating the case.

Michael’s intoxication before O2 press conference

AEG says whether Michael was drunk before O2 press conference or whether AEG knew he was drunk is irrelevant as Michael did not die from alcohol but he died from anesthesia. AEG also states that this press conference happened at least a month before they heard about Murray and there’s no evidence that Murray was at UK that time or provided him medical care before press conference.

We also learn that Jacksons first want to exclude any possible “Michael Jackson is an alcoholic” claims but they later changed their minds.

Murray’s character as it relates to his personal life

AEG Live states given the 4 issues to be considered at the trial whether Murray frequented strip clubs and whether a small part of his debt was child support is irrelevant and should be excluded. (The argument here is that whether a doctor visits strip clubs on his personal time cannot be relevant to whether the doctor will compromise his oath.)

AEG Live and AEG Inc.’s financial condition

AEG Live states given the only claims are Murray’s hiring and there are no punitive damages in this trial to punish AEG, their financials are irrelevant and should be excluded.

Personal relationship between Gongaware and Segal

Gongaware meets Segal during Michael’s History tour. Segal was working for one of Michael’s tour promoters at that time. Later Gongaware and Segal have a romantic relationship. Segal never worked for AEG. In 2009 when Michael was looking for a tour manager, Gongaware recommended her to Michael and Michael who knew her from History tour hired her to be a part of MJJ Productions. AEG argues the personal relationship between Gongaware and Segal is irrelevant to the remaining negligent hiring of Muray claim. Note: Segal’s responsibilities were to arrange housing for Michael in London and arrange his travel.

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Paris's responses to interrogatories

Paris states Michael was happy about the ticket presales for TII tour & excited about the tour & he wanted concert footage to be 3D

Paris also states that Michael told her schedule for TII was "too much" for him and "Phillips and them were out to get me"

Paris says she saw Michael drinking red wine (making him sleepy), taking Tylenol & Advil, medicine before he flies, IV fluids& herbal shakes

Paris says she believed IV fluids for nutrition and she's only familiar with Internet rumors about Michael's alleged "drug addiction"

Paris says Michael told her not to take drugs because it would keep them from being healthy and productive.

Paris says one week before his death Michael was complaining about his body temperature would fluctuate from hot to cold.

Paris says within 2 days before his death Michael said to her Tohme was back on board because he had helped Michael with a house in Las Vegas.

Paris says Michael told her he wanted to do movies (write, direct, act) , combine his music catalog with movies and move to LV after tour.

Paris says she applied a white cream to Michael's back and shoulders. She tells how the hang out together in LA & Las Vegas.

Paris says Michael encouraged them to read. If they wanted a toy, they needed to read books to get it. Once Paris read 3 books over a weekend and Michael bought her a cat.

Paris says Michael told her "you need to be tough or people will take advantage of you".

Paris says Michael said he trusted Dr. Murray and he liked Dr. Klein as a friend. Michael also said he liked Dr. Sabe, a holistic healer

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AEG's version of events from their motion as follows

AEG states they tried to avoid to depose Prince &Paris but they are important witnesses as they stated they interacted with Murray before AEG came into the picture.

AEG also states that Michael's kids are active in entertainment industry, have twitter accounts, make appearances and give interviews.

After trying to set dates for sometime, they agree to do depositions on Saturday to fit with school schedules and avoid media.

Prince goes to his deposition on March 2 with TJ, Katherine,3 lawyers & security. AEG's lawyers arrange for them to enter unseen to offices. AEG states they provided lunches to everyone and treated Prince with care & courtesy. They say Katherine thanked them for accommodations.

After 2 hours of deposition, when they start Prince asking about Murray, KJ's lawyers end deposition saying Prince was tired. AEG states they had problems with setting time for the continuance of Prince's deposition and Paris's deposition kept being cancelled.

AEG states then they later heard complaint about how they treated Prince , they deny such claims and say they showed care & courtesy.

It looks like after a lot of back and forth Prince's deposition was continued this Tuesday and Paris's is set for today.

KJ's lawyers wanted to move Paris's deposition to the court house rather than AEG lawyers offices. AEG doesn't understand this.AEG states media reports this case extensively and they would report today's status hearing. Hence media would see Paris coming to court. AEG states they did everything to ensure privacy for Prince but KJ's lawyers move to depose Paris at the court would expose her to media

AEG also gives the judge copy of Prince's deposition (sealed from public) to see that there were no improper behavior towards Prince.

-----------------------------

Documents:

AEG's motion to set date for Paris's deposition

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Katherine's opposition to the above motion

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Judge sets rules for lawsuit by Michael Jackson’s mother over doctor’s hiring

LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles judge set the stage Thursday for trial of a civil suit by Michael Jackson’s mother against concert giant AEG Live.

Katherine Jackson claims the company negligently hired the doctor later convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the singer’s death and failed to oversee him. She and the singer’s two eldest children are expected to testify about the singer’s last days.


Legal rulings by Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos anticipated a three-month trial that will revisit events preceding the singer’s death from an anesthetic overdose in 2009.

Dr. Conrad Murray, who was convicted of manslaughter for administering the drug propofol, is not named in the lawsuit. But the judge agreed to allow him to be brought to court from jail to testify outside the jury’s presence. He has said he would invoke his Fifth Amendment right not to testify. But lawyers said he could possibly talk about non-criminal issues.

The judge said jury selection would begin April 2 and attorneys estimated the search for a panel could be long and difficult because of the notoriety of the parties and the estimated length of the trial.

The judge granted several plaintiff’s motions and rejected a few.

She refused to bar AEG from raising the subject of child molestation charges against Jackson from years ago. Lawyers for his mother claim it’s irrelevant because he was acquitted.

Katherine Jackson’s attorney, Kevin Boyle, argued that “There is nothing more prejudicial than dropping that bomb in court, mentioning child molestation.”

But Palazuelos said she would allow testimony that Jackson became despondent and reliant on drugs because of the charges.

She refused to approve inquiry into the finances of Jackson’s siblings and barred any testimony about a claim that Katherine Jackson was kidnapped by family members and taken to Arizona last year.

She wouldn’t permit AEG lawyers to ask questions about possible discord in the marriage of Katherine and Joe Jackson and she barred any inquiry into the identity of the biological parents of Jackson’s three children.

Katherine Jackson’s suit seeks hundreds of millions of dollars from AEG including $200 million in non-economic damages, including emotional distress.

The case centers on whether AEG did an appropriate investigation of Murray and whether they controlled him while he was preparing Jackson for a series of concerts in London.

During arguments, the question arose of why Katherine Jackson did not sue Murray. Attorneys disclosed that Jackson’s son Prince and his daughter, Paris, testified in depositions that they believed Murray was “a good person” and didn’t want him sued. But Katherine Jackson, who had the decision, testified it was financial, they said.

The judge said AEG could have sued Murray as well.

“The same questions can be asked of you,” she told AEG lawyers. “Why didn’t you sue him?”

“Because we’re not required to,” attorney Marvin Putnam said.

The judge called the issue “a side show.”

“He has no money and that’s why they’re not suing him,” Putnam said.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Michael Jackson's daughter impresses lawyers with testimony




Paris Jackson "impressed lawyers" when giving evidence in the wrongful death lawsuit relating to her father Michael Jackson.

The 14-year-old daughter of the late King of Pop is involved in the reported USD 40 billion lawsuit his mother, Katherine Jackson, has brought against concert promoters AEG Live - which claims they mishandled the star before his death in 2009 - and lawyers are pleased with her pre-trial testimony.

A source told RadarOnline.com: "Paris impressed all of the lawyers involved with her professionalism and demeanour during her deposition last week. Her older brother, Prince, had a rough time during his depo a week earlier, so allowances were made to make sure it didn't happen again. That's why Katherine's lawyers demanded that Paris' deposition take place at the court house so the judge could intervene if it appeared to be getting too tough for her. Luckily it didn't come to that. Paris will have to sit for another day of questioning but she is OK with that - she is an extremely intelligent, compassionate and thoughtful young lady."

Michael Jackson's family have brought legal action against AEG Live - who sponsored his ill-fated This Is It tour - for the alleged negligent hiring and supervision of Dr Conrad Murray, who has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter for his role in Michael Jackson's death from acute Propofol intoxication in June 2009.

However, Dr Murray had not formally signed an employment contract with AEG at the time of Michael Jackson's death, and they maintain that they aren't responsible for his tragic death.

Michael Jackson's eldest son, Prince, is planning to testify at the upcoming trial, which is expected to last three to four months, with Jury selection expected to begin on April 2.

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Diana Ross and Lisa Marie Presley on witness list for Michael Jackson wrongful death trial

Lawyers for MICHAEL JACKSON's mother are planning to call DIANA ROSS, director SPIKE LEE and singer LISA MARIE PRESLEY to the witness stand as they prepare to battle concert giants AEG Live over the King of Pop's death.

Katherine Jackson filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the promoters behind the Thriller hitmaker's doomed This Is It comeback gigs in a bid to have them held responsible for his passing.

The Jackson family matriarch claimed they were negligent in ignoring life-threatening health concerns and accusing them of hiring Conrad Murray, the medic who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for causing the superstar's death in 2009.

Jury selection began on Tuesday (02Apr13) in a Los Angeles court, and it has now been revealed who is set to take to the stand for the prosecution.

Motown legend Ross, producer Quincy Jones, filmmaker Lee and Jackson's ex-wife Presley all appear on the witness list, which has been obtained by editors at ETOnline.com, as well as the tragic superstar's three young children. The late singer's famous siblings also look set to be called, in addition to the star's choreographer Kenny Ortega.

Katherine Jackson is reportedly seeking more than $40 billion from AEG Live executives for loss of future earnings and other damages.

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Diana Ross and Lisa Marie Presley on Witness List in Michael Jackson Wrongful Death Trial

Diana Ross and Lisa Marie Presley are expected to make appearances in Michael Jackson wrongful death trial that pits the famous family with giant concert promoter AEG Live. According to ET, Diana who was a close friend of Michael's and Lisa who was once married to the late singer are on the witness list.

Producer Quincy Jones who frequently worked with the King of Pop on his albums including 1987's "Bad", and filmmaker Spike Lee who helped put together a 2012 documentary film about the 25th anniversary of the monster album are on the witness list as well along with Katherine Jackson, Paris, Prince and Blanket.

Michael's mother Katherine and his children filed a lawsuit against AEG Live in September 2010. The family sued the promoter over the hiring of Dr. Conrad Murray who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the King of Pop's untimely death. They're seeking a reported $40 billion for loss of future earnings and other damages.

In a pre-trial, judge said the defendants were allowed to revisit Michael's dark past in the sex abuse case, where MJ was acquitted on all counts, as it might be relevant to the late singer's history of drug abuse and despondency. Jury selections started Tuesday, April 2.



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Michael Jackson‘s criminal defense attorney, Tom Mesereau, is continuing to fight on behalf of his late client — and as part of his ongoing defense, he will be testifying in support of Katherine Jackson during the upcoming trial for her wrongful death lawsuit against concert promoters AEG Live, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting.

“I’m on the plaintiff’s witness list because AEG Live plans on bringing up the 2005 molestation trial in which Michael Jackson was completely exonerated. I will be explaining to the jury that Michael was found not guilty on 10 felony counts involving allegations of child molestation and abuse,” Mesereau tells Radar. “Michael had a very strong reputation after the criminal trial and everywhere I went and spoke, people were always coming up to me offering their support – everyone was extremely positive.”

As previously reported, jury selection for the $40 billion lawsuit began Monday in Los Angeles. Katherine Jackson contends that AEG Live were negligent by hiring Conrad Murray, to be her son’s personal physician for his upcoming tour.
Jackson died just two weeks before the This is It tour was set to have kicked off at London’s O2 arena in the summer of 2009 – it was to be the Thriller singer’s much anticipated comeback.

In November 2011 Murray was convicted of the involuntary manslaughter of Jackson, and was sentenced to four years in county jail.

AEG Live asserts that Murray had been Jackson’s personal doctor before they hired him – and that the employment contract was never actually signed off on.

When asked what Michael would have thought about his mother and children, Prince and Paris testifying at the trial, Mesereau said his late client would not have wanted them thrust into the media glare, but that he would have understood the need to seek justice.

“Of course Michael wouldn’t want them to be in the media spotlight,” he says. “However, Michael loved his mother and I think he would have understood her need to go through with this. I’m sorry that the children and Katherine have to go through this ordeal, but it’s very important to them and I fully support them. This lawsuit absolutely has merit.”

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Michael Jackson had anti-drug implant


King of Pop Michael Jackson had a secret medical implant to stop him getting pleasure from opiates, according to reports.

The 'Thriller' star was fitted with the device, which dosed him with Narcan, in 2003 to battle the drug addiction that led to his death aged 50, reported Sun Online.

Narcan – trade name for naloxone – is prescribed for heroin or morphine addicts. It works by blocking pleasure receptors in the brain – making drug taking pointless.

The implant was found in Jackson's body after he died but has only just come to light in explosive newly released court papers.

They contain evidence from one of Jackson's former doctors, Beverly Hills anesthetist David Fournier who treated him in the 1990s and early 2000s.

"Fournier believed Jackson had deceived him by not telling him about a 'Narcan implant' Jackson had inserted before a surgical procedure Fournier was helping with," the papers state.

His testimony will be key evidence in the 26 billion pounds civil trial brought by Jackson's mum Katherine and his kids against concert giant AEG.

They accuse the firm's execs of negligence in employing doctor Conrad Murray, who gave the drugs to Jackson which led to his death in 2009.

AEG's lawyers deny the claims and insist the star hid his serious addictions from aides and family.

The Jacksons wanted the implant evidence thrown out but were overruled by the judge. The trial at LA Superior Court could last three months.

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AEG lawsuit could reveal that only one of Michael Jackson's kids is biologically his

By STACY BROWN
Last Updated: 10:00 AM, April 14, 2013
Posted: 1:02 AM, April 14, 2013

A $40 billion legal battle in LA might finally settle a question that has long baffled gossip columnists and fans alike: Who really fathered Michael Jackson’s children?

Sources within AEG — the concert promoter behind Jacko’s ill-fated “This Is It” tour and the entity being sued by Jackson’s mother and the three children for wrongful death — say that, despite the singer’s claims, only one of the kids is biologically his.

The company is prepared to uncover that only Blanket, 10, has the King of Pop’s DNA.

His older siblings, Prince, 16, and Paris, 15, had a different sperm donor, the sources say.

“There was a whole lot that Michael Jackson or his family wasn’t and isn’t being forthcoming about,” an AEG source said. “The drug use by Jackson, his use of alcohol, his relationship with his own family, and the identities of the children’s parents.”

Among the evidence AEG could present are sworn affidavits, including one from a mystery woman identified only as “Helena,” who could be Blanket’s mother.

Lawyers for the company also are prepared to present “irrefutable” proof that the Gloved One did not sire Prince and Paris, a source with direct knowledge of the case said. The company is poised to subpoena birth and other records.

Yvette Palazuelos, the presiding judge in the case, earlier this month declined AEG’s request to present evidence about paternity.

However, the company may be allowed to argue paternity issues later in a potential award phase in the case, which began with jury selection April 2 in LA Superior Court.

Legal experts say it doesn’t matter who the biological parents are. They say bringing up paternity is likely meant to embarrass the family.

The Jacksons seek to prove that AEG was complicit in Jacko’s death — hiring his now-convicted personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, and pushing the frail singer too hard to perform. Jackson died from acute propofol intoxication in 2009.

Jacko had always claimed to have used his own sperm to father his children. He acknowledged that the mother of Prince and Paris is his former nurse, Debbie Rowe.

The identity of Blanket’s mother, believed to be a Hispanic woman living in the San Diego area, has never been revealed.

But if AEG’s claims are true, the answer to who’s their daddy could come from a long list.

The singer’s former doctor, Arnold Klein, has said he is the biological father of Jacko’s two oldest children. Former bodyguard and karate instructor Matt Fiddes began pressing the family for a DNA test of Paris shortly after the “Thriller” singer’s death. And former child actor Mark Lester claims that he may have fathered Paris.

Jackson family members say they have little doubt who fathered Blanket.

“Blanket looks just like him. There is no doubt that he is Michael’s,” said one relative.

Blanket has even been treated for similar medical problems, including a skin condition, a family source told The Post. Jacko suffered from a disorder called vitiligo.

And Blanket’s love and knowledge of music parallels his dad’s, family members said.

“Blanket can really, really dance. Like his father,” Joseph Jackson said.

Stacy Brown is a reporter and former longtime friend of the Jackson family.

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Michael Jackson's kids to reveal sensational details about King of Pop's last weeks alive in court hearing

Prince is expected to disclose details of alleged discussions he heard *between his father, AEG exec*utives and Dr Conrad Murray

Michael Jackson’s children are set to reveal sensational details about his last weeks alive in a court hearing.

Prince and Paris are key witnesses in a £26 billion claim the family have brought against Michael’s former concert promoters AEG over his death in 2009.

Prince, 16, is expected to disclose details of alleged discussions he heard *between his father, AEG exec*utives and Dr Conrad Murray, found guilty of the singer’s involuntary manslaughter.

His sister Paris, 15, is expected to deny suggestions that their father had a drug-fuelled “death wish” and reveal his plans to make movies.

A source said: “Prince and Paris want to explain their father was not drugged up 24/7. Prince has waited four years for the world to hear what he heard.”

The family are claiming that AEG hired Dr Murray. The firm strongly denies the claims made against it.

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Michael Jackson's desperate last days revealed in emails at £26bn wrongful death trial


A batch of 250 private emails detailing Michael Jackson’s dramatic deterioration in his final days will play a key role in a £26.5 billion wrongful death trial due to start today in Los Angeles.

The messages, apparently sent by executives at AEG, the US entertainment giant behind the star’s doomed comeback tour, reveal Jackson’s turmoil as he struggled with his health and his inner demons to prepare for the lucrative London concerts.

The case is being brought by his mother Katherine, 82, and his three children, Prince Michael, 16, Paris, 14, and Blanket, 11. They claim AEG is liable over the tragedy of June 25, 2009. The trial is expected to feature testimony from the two older children; Jackson’s ex-wives Lisa Marie Presley and Debbie Rowe; and music stars such as Prince, Diana Ross and Quincy Jones.

The lawsuit accuses AEG’s concert promotions arm of hiring and controlling Dr Conrad Murray, who administered the fatal dose of propofol to the singer shortly before he was scheduled to appear in the sequence of 50 shows at the O2 Arena, entitled This Is It.

The complaint states: “AEG had legal duties to Michael Jackson to treat him safely and to not put him in harm’s way. But AEG, despite its knowledge of Michael Jackson’s physical condition, breached those duties by putting its desire for massive profits from the tour over the health and safety of Michael Jackson.”

Murray, who was Jackson’s personal doctor, is serving four years in jail after being found guilty of manslaughter in 2011. Jackson family lawyers are likely to focus on emails they claim show how aware AEG’s senior executives were of the 50-year-old’s fragile state. When Randy Phillips, a promoter at AEG, went to Jackson’s London hotel suite the day before the singer announced his concerts, he found him so drunk he had to dress him, the messages say.

“MJ is locked in his room drunk and despondent. I [am] trying to sober him up,” Mr Phillips wrote to company president Tim Leiweke. Mr Leiweke, who was in the US and had just woken up, is said to have replied: “Are you kidding me?” Mr. Phillips responded: “I screamed at him so loud the walls are shaking. He is an emotionally paralysed mess riddled with self-loathing and doubt now that it is show time.”

By June, a production manager allegedly wrote Jackson was a “basket case”. The director of the O2 shows, Kenny Ortega, who had known Jackson for two decades, apparently called for him to be evaluated by a psychiatrist. He allegedly said Jackson would have to lip-synch some songs because he was racked by “paranoia, anxiety and obsessive-like behaviour”.

In August 2009, after the entertainer died, Mr. Phillips allegedly wrote: “Michael’s death is a terrible tragedy, but life must go on. AEG will make a fortune from merch sales, ticket retention, the touring exhibition and the film/dvd. ”The company would go on to earn about £160 million from the documentary film This Is It, which featured rehearsal footage.

Lawyers representing the company will claim Murray was hired by Jackson and not by the promoter. According to a senior AEG lawyer, the firm is likely to bring up the star’s drug-shopping, and his acquittal on child molestation charges, as part of its case that the promoter has no liability.

The Jacksons are seeking a judgment against AEG equal to what he would have earned over the course of his life had he not died in 2009, plus damages. It took more than three weeks to select a jury for the civil trial at Los Angeles County Superior Court, which is expected last up to three months.

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Michael Jackson’s doctor’s money troubles may have motivated improper treatments, L.A. police detective testifies


LOS ANGELES — A jury will hear more Wednesday about the troubled finances of Michael Jackson’s doctor from a police detective who investigated the physician and saw his mounting debts as a possible motive for improper treatments on the pop superstar.

Los Angeles Police Detective Orlando Martinez on Tuesday told jurors hearing a civil case against Jackson’s concert promoter that Conrad Murray was more than $500,000 in debt and his finances were “severely distressed.”

The doctor’s Las Vegas home was in foreclosure proceedings, he owed back child support and had liens and judgments spread across several states.

Martinez said that led him to believe Murray’s actions were motivated by the $150,000 a month he expected to be paid by AEG.

“He may break the rules, bend the rules, do whatever he needed to do to get paid,” Martinez said. “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 the case, but he is a key figure in Katherine Jackson’s negligent hiring case against concert giant AEG Live. 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.

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.

The detective’s testimony will be brief on Wednesday. Court will recess early to allow an alternate juror to attend a family funeral.

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 is conviction.

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Jackson's former wife to give evidence in ongoing civil trial
Will tell court he feared he would die of a drugs overdose, like her father
Jackson's mother and children suing concert promoters AEG over his death


Elvis's daughter Lisa Marie Presley will tell a court that her ex-husband Michael Jackson feared he would die of a drugs overdose, as her father had done.
Ms Presley, 45, has agreed to take the stand in a $40 billion (£25 billion) case surrounding Jackson’s death in 2009.

Jackson’s mother and children are suing concert promoters AEG claiming executives hired medic Dr Conrad Murray to do ‘whatever it took’ to get Jackson ready for a series of concerts at London’s O2 arena.

They claim the company was negligent in hiring the doctor and therefore responsible for Jackson’s death.

Jackson, who was 50, died weeks before the concerts.
Murray was sentenced to four years in jail for involuntary manslaughter in 2011.

A family source said: ‘Lisa called (Jackson’s mother Katherine) after his death and said he often spoke about how he didn’t want to end up like Elvis.’

Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley married in May 1994.They became close when she supported through allegations of child molestation.
The pair married in the Dominican Republic but kept it secret for several months. The marriage lasted for less than two years and ended in an amicable divorce.

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Tabloide


Michael Jackson had 'died twice before of drug overdoses'
28 Apr 2013 00:00

The King of Pop was discovered slumped with no signs of life after visits by his personal “medical staff” on two separate occasions in the 1990s, a maid claims

Michael Jackson was twice found “dead” by frantic staff after popping dozens of pills given to him by dodgy doctors, his former maid claims today.

The King of Pop was discovered slumped with no signs of life after visits by his personal “medical staff” on two separate occasions in the 1990s.

The startling revelations come just a day before Jackson’s family are set to go head-to-head with concert promoters in a $40billion court case into his death.

Adrian McManus, the Billie Jean singer’s personal maid during the 1990s, said she and other staff members *frequently stumbled across Jackson “dead” or passed out on a *cocktail of prescription drugs. She said: “One day I knocked on his door, but got no answer so I went in to clean. He was lying on the bed, *motionless, looking very pale.

“I called several times, but he didn’t answer. As I got closer his eyes were open and he appeared not to be breathing.

“My heart sank as I thought he was dead. I called his name for several *minutes. I feared that he was gone for ever, but then he came to suddenly. He didn’t say a word, but burst into tears.”

Adrian said she thought about calling for help, but had been warned before by the singer to not involve “outsiders”.

She also reveals that another incident occurred just a few weeks later, in 1993, when Michael’s security guard found him lifeless at the edge of a swimming pool.

Adrian said: “The guard thought he was dead. He feared the worst, trying to wake him by shaking and *shouting at him. He couldn’t find a pulse and he didn’t appear to be breathing.”

Terrified his boss was dead, the *worker radioed another guard, who performed life-saving treatment. Adrian added: “Michael made his guards train in CPR so they knew what to do.”

Adrian also revealed the singer had dozens of bottles of drugs in his rooms in bags, wardrobes and among c*lothes. *Unknown doctors and medical “professionals” would file into his *Neverland ranch in California and lock themselves away with Jackson for hours at a time.

She added: “It is a shock that people didn’t realise he had such issues, as it was common knowledge in the 1990s. Michael was not a pop hero, but a messed- up, depraved junkie, who was manipulative, twisted and demonic. I still have nightmares thinking about Neverland.”

Jackson, 50, died in Los Angeles on June 25, 2009 from a lethal dose of the surgical anaesthetic Propofol that his doctor Conrad Murray administered for sleep problems. Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in 2011.

His mother Katherine, 82, is *suing AEG Live — promoters of his ill-fated 2009 “This Is It” tour — in America for the wrongful death of her son, but news of Jackson’s drug taking could adversely affect the family’s claim that AEG Live was negligent in hiring Dr Murray to care Jackson as he rehearsed for the shows. AEG deny any negligence.

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Michael Jackson's former bodyguard Matt Fiddes

27th April 2013
By Richard Spillet


MICHAEL JACKSON’s British bodyguard is ready to tell a judge that tour promoters pushed the superstar so hard he ended up dead.

Matt Fiddes has offered to give bombshell evidence for *****’s family in their £26billion lawsuit against concert organisers AEG.

Fiddes, 33, a close pal who spoke to the singer on the phone days before he died of a prescription drug overdose in 2009, said: “Michael cried.

“He felt his body was only up to *performing 10 concerts but AEG *wanted him to do 40 more.

“He told me he did not know how he was going to get through it but he had to for his children’s future.

“Michael was also mumbling and slurring his words and was clearly high on a cocktail of other drugs *after a night of rehearsals.

“He was like a rabbit caught in the spotlight and his only reaction was to panic and take the drugs.”

*****’s family claim AEG caused his death at the age of 50 by “mishandling” him. Their case starts in Los Angeles on Monday.

Fiddes said: “I’ll happily give evidence on behalf of the family if they want me to.

“I believe Michael would still be alive today if he hadn’t got tied up with the concert deal.”

Dailystar

Michael Jackson Wrongful Death Trial Begins Monday: King of Pop Medical Records Will ‘Be Shocking,’ Says Source
Posted on Apr 29, 2013 @ 4:35AM | By Jen Heger


The Michael Jackson wrongful death lawsuit that Katherine Jackson filed against AEG contending that the concert promoter was negligent when it hired Dr. Conrad Murray to supervise the King of Pop’s medical care begins with opening statements in a Los Angeles courtroom on Monday. Sources close to the case tell RadarOnline.com exclusively that the late singer’s medical records, which have remained sealed leading up to the trial, will be shocking once experts begin to testify about the contents and specifics of his alleged dependence on powerful painkillers.

Up until the trial, Michael’s medical records “had remained sealed for a very good reason. The contents of the records will stun even the most diehard Michael Jackson fan. Michael’s dependence on prescription drugs for routine cosmetic procedures was astounding. The judge has allowed AEG to present Michael’s medical records to prove their point that he was addicted to drugs, and the lengths he would go to keep it hidden. They had absolutely no knowledge that Dr. Murray would be giving Michael Propofol at his home. If AEG did, they would have terminated talks with Murray immediately, and taken the appropriate action. AEG doesn’t want to present this evidence, but they are being sued by Katherine for $40 BILLION DOLLARS,” an insider told us.

As we previously reported, Conrad Murray was convicted of the involuntary manslaughter death of Michael Jackson, who died from acute Propofol intoxication, almost four years ago.

At the heart of Katherine Jackson’s case against AEG is “whether or not AEG did their due diligence in fully vetting Conrad Murray to become Michael Jackson’s personal physician for his London concerts. Katherine’s lawyers maintain that AEG should have known that Conrad Murray was in dire financial straits and broke when formal talks began for him to become Michael’s doctor. Murray wanted $150k a month, and that should have set off alarm bells for AEG,” a source close to the Jackson family matriarch tells RadarOnline.com exclusively.

Meanwhile, the executors of Michael Jackson’s Estate, which have “successfully secured lucrative business deals that got his heirs out of the red, and now making money, are watching all of their hard work potentially unravel. Remember, leading up to Michael’s death, the press was still talking about the allegations of child molestation which he had been accused of. Since his tragic death, Michael has been remembered for his amazing talent and philanthropy. But all of that could be for naught, because of the new information that will be released during the trial that will be harmful to Michael’s legacy,” another insider reveals.

Even if a jury finds that AEG was responsible ultimately for Michael’s death, “and awards her a huge amount of money, it won’t bring Michael back. The wrongful death trial is going to be hard for his three children who will be forced to relive his death all over again. Paris and Prince are expected to testify. They could learn stuff about their dad he never would have wanted them to know. There will be no winners in this case, no matter what the outcome of the trial is,” the source added.

The trial could last for three months. Stay tuned to RadarOnline.com for updates throughout the trial.

From Radar online

Katherine Jackson Could Sink the Wrongful Death Suit
May 2, 2013 by Brittney M. Walker Leave a Comment


*Katherine Jackson may have sabotaged her own case against AEG.
According to RadarOnline.com, the attorney for the mother of the late pop star told jurors in an opening statement that her son had been addicted for decades and that the family knew it all along. But AEG claimed to be unaware of it.

However, Katherine, along with Jermaine, Jackie, Tito and Marlon issued a statement previously saying that Michael was not addicted to painkillers or alcohol.
Why is this a big deal? Katherine is suing AEG for playing a role in the death of her son, implying that the company knew about his problem and didn’t properly investigate Dr. Conrad Murray.
But the tide has shifted.

The family’s statement, issued on September 7, 2007, says, “People Magazine has followed other publications in reporting untrue and inaccurateinformation about Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. Of these wildly reported rumors, what has become the most troubling and heinous, is that my son, and our brother, Michael Jackson, is dependent on painkillers and alcohol. People and other news organizations, have quoted ‘sources,’ indicating that our family has attempted a drug intervention, and engaged in an effort to take over his business affairs, because of this alleged drug and alcohol usage.

“We categorically deny ever planning, participating in, or having knowledge of any kind of intervention, whatsoever,” the statement asserts.
Her attorney, Brian Panish also told the jurors the same in the opening statements.
“Over the years Michael’s family and people who knew him believed he had a problem with prescription medication,” Panish told jurors, and that AEG and its executives claim to be the only ones who were unaware of his issues.

Panish revealed to the jury of six men and six women that Jackson had an addiction to prescription drugs, including Demerol, and relied on pain medications after he suffered horrific burns on his head during the filming of a Pepsi commercial in 1984, says Radar.
AEG maintains that the company did not hire the doctor, and could not have predicted the events that led to the singer’s death.

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MICHAEL JACKSON'S FAMILY FACING BACKLASH OVER DRUG CLAIMS LETTER

ABOVE: Michael Jackson's family are suing AEG for £26.5bn It could be used to discredit her testimony in front of the jury.

3rd May 2013 By Meg Jorsh

MICHAEL JACKSON’s family is facing a legal bombshell that could wreck their £26billion wrongful death case.

Katherine Jackson, 82, and family are suing concert promoters AEG.

They say the firm knew of Michael’s drug and health problems but continued to make him work.

But now she has been caught out contradicting an allegation that the whole world knew her son was a drug addict.

She made a signed statement in another court case two years before his death, denying he had any problems with substance abuse.

Mrs Jackson argued that AEG must have known her son was hooked on prescription painkiller propofol, because it was common knowledge.

But in a letter dated September 7, 2007, she blasts “untrue and inaccurate” reports about *****’s risk-taking lifestyle.

The public statement was sent to US magazine People, signed by Katherine and Michael’s brothers Jermaine, 58, Jackie, 61, Tito, 59, and Marlon, 56.

It supports AEG’s claims they had no idea how unwell the star was when they planned his 2009 This Is It comeback concerts.

A source said that Katherine’s letter “could be very problematic for her when she takes the stand”.

The source added: “It could be used to discredit her testimony in front of the jury. She knew for years before he died that Michael had an addiction to Demerol.

“AEG doesn’t want to rake her over the coals, but she is suing them for $40billion dollars.”

Mrs Jackson’s attorney Brian Panish told jurors in the Los Angeles court that AEG and its executives claim to be the claim to be the only ones who were not aware of Michael’s problems.

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