LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Jackson's words and música rang through a courtroom once again — this time at the start of a wrongful death trial — as a lawyer tried to show jurors the pop star's loving relationship with his mother and children.
Jackson's praise for his mother brought tears to her eyes, a tender moment on Monday, when her superstar son was repeatedly called an addict por lawyers on both sides of her lawsuit against show, concerto giant AEG Live.
Jurors listening to opening statements were given a brief tour of Jackson's life through fotografias of him with his children and vídeos of his performances. While Jackson's song, "You Are My Life," filled the courtroom, jurors watched footage of a natal morning when he gave his children a dog.
Jackson's troubles were also on prominent display, with attorneys describing his financial troubles and his struggles with prescription drug abuse.
Attorneys read emails describing the singer as unhealthy and in need of a serious intervention. A defense attorney for AEG Live at one point flashed a slide listing 45 medical professionals. He said Jackson had consulted with each of them over the years and requested doses of the powerful anesthetic propofol from some.
Both sides concluded opening statements and testimony was expected to begin on Tuesday.
Jackson died in June 2009 from an overdose of propofol. A ano later his mother, Katherine Jackson, sued AEG claiming the company failed to properly investigate a doctor who was giving it to him. The former physician, Conrad Murray, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and remains jailed.
Murray, AEG and Michael Jackson were part of an intricate puzzle that plaintiff's lawyer Brian Panish intends to piece together for the jury in the coming weeks. He told the panel that AEG, motivated por its desire to overtake a competitor, created a conflicted situation for Murray in which he chose a huge payday over properly caring for Jackson.
The company also ignored Murray's troubled finances and Jackson's string of health problems as he prepared for a series of comeback concerts titled "This Is It," Panish said.
"They didn't care who got lost in the wash," Panish told the jury. He repeated the adage, "the show must go on," to describe AEG's actions toward both Jackson and Murray.
Defense attorney Marvin S. Putnam countered that the company couldn't have known Jackson was using propofol or the depth of his addiction. He said Jackson hid the addiction from his family, and medical professionals were barred from telling anyone about it due to doctor-patient confidentiality.
"The truth is, Michael Jackson fooled everyone," Putnam said. "He made sure that no one — nobody — knew his deepest, darkest secrets."
He told the panel that it was Jackson who wanted Murray's treatments, and the singer ultimately was responsible for his death.
"This case is about personal choices," Putnam said. "Also, it was about his personal responsibility. There's no pergunta that Michael Jackson's death was a terrible tragedy. I believe the evidence will show it was not a tragedy of AEG Live's making."
Panish urged the jury of six men and six women to reject placing blame on Jackson.
"Michael paid the ultimate price. He died," Panish said. "Michael has taken responsibility."
Jackson died before signing Murray's $150,000 a mês contract to serve as his tour doctor.
During his opening remarks, Panish displayed several emails between AEG executives discussing Jackson's health.
One was sent por AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips before Jackson's news conference announcing his "This Is It" shows. The message to Tim Leiweke, former CEO of AEG'S parent company, stated that Jackson was drunk and refusing to address fans.
"This is the scariest thing I have ever seen," Phillips wrote to Leiweke. "He is an emotionally paralyzed mess riddled with self-loathing and doubt now that it's show time. He's scared to death."
The trial will feature testimony from the children's parents, Debbie Rowe, who was married to Jackson and who Putnam said witnessed the entertainer receiving propofol treatments in the 1990s.
"Ms. Rowe knew this was incredibly dangerous," Putnam said, and she insisted on staying por Jackson's side while he was under the effects of the anesthetic.
The case also might feature testimony from Jackson's mother and the singer's two oldest children, Prince and Paris.
Panish told jurors it would be up to them to decide any possible damage award to Jackson's mother and children. If Jackson had lived, he could have earned at least $1.5 billion, the lawyer said.
___
AP Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch contributed to this report. Anthony McCartney can be reached at link .
Jackson's praise for his mother brought tears to her eyes, a tender moment on Monday, when her superstar son was repeatedly called an addict por lawyers on both sides of her lawsuit against show, concerto giant AEG Live.
Jurors listening to opening statements were given a brief tour of Jackson's life through fotografias of him with his children and vídeos of his performances. While Jackson's song, "You Are My Life," filled the courtroom, jurors watched footage of a natal morning when he gave his children a dog.
Jackson's troubles were also on prominent display, with attorneys describing his financial troubles and his struggles with prescription drug abuse.
Attorneys read emails describing the singer as unhealthy and in need of a serious intervention. A defense attorney for AEG Live at one point flashed a slide listing 45 medical professionals. He said Jackson had consulted with each of them over the years and requested doses of the powerful anesthetic propofol from some.
Both sides concluded opening statements and testimony was expected to begin on Tuesday.
Jackson died in June 2009 from an overdose of propofol. A ano later his mother, Katherine Jackson, sued AEG claiming the company failed to properly investigate a doctor who was giving it to him. The former physician, Conrad Murray, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and remains jailed.
Murray, AEG and Michael Jackson were part of an intricate puzzle that plaintiff's lawyer Brian Panish intends to piece together for the jury in the coming weeks. He told the panel that AEG, motivated por its desire to overtake a competitor, created a conflicted situation for Murray in which he chose a huge payday over properly caring for Jackson.
The company also ignored Murray's troubled finances and Jackson's string of health problems as he prepared for a series of comeback concerts titled "This Is It," Panish said.
"They didn't care who got lost in the wash," Panish told the jury. He repeated the adage, "the show must go on," to describe AEG's actions toward both Jackson and Murray.
Defense attorney Marvin S. Putnam countered that the company couldn't have known Jackson was using propofol or the depth of his addiction. He said Jackson hid the addiction from his family, and medical professionals were barred from telling anyone about it due to doctor-patient confidentiality.
"The truth is, Michael Jackson fooled everyone," Putnam said. "He made sure that no one — nobody — knew his deepest, darkest secrets."
He told the panel that it was Jackson who wanted Murray's treatments, and the singer ultimately was responsible for his death.
"This case is about personal choices," Putnam said. "Also, it was about his personal responsibility. There's no pergunta that Michael Jackson's death was a terrible tragedy. I believe the evidence will show it was not a tragedy of AEG Live's making."
Panish urged the jury of six men and six women to reject placing blame on Jackson.
"Michael paid the ultimate price. He died," Panish said. "Michael has taken responsibility."
Jackson died before signing Murray's $150,000 a mês contract to serve as his tour doctor.
During his opening remarks, Panish displayed several emails between AEG executives discussing Jackson's health.
One was sent por AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips before Jackson's news conference announcing his "This Is It" shows. The message to Tim Leiweke, former CEO of AEG'S parent company, stated that Jackson was drunk and refusing to address fans.
"This is the scariest thing I have ever seen," Phillips wrote to Leiweke. "He is an emotionally paralyzed mess riddled with self-loathing and doubt now that it's show time. He's scared to death."
The trial will feature testimony from the children's parents, Debbie Rowe, who was married to Jackson and who Putnam said witnessed the entertainer receiving propofol treatments in the 1990s.
"Ms. Rowe knew this was incredibly dangerous," Putnam said, and she insisted on staying por Jackson's side while he was under the effects of the anesthetic.
The case also might feature testimony from Jackson's mother and the singer's two oldest children, Prince and Paris.
Panish told jurors it would be up to them to decide any possible damage award to Jackson's mother and children. If Jackson had lived, he could have earned at least $1.5 billion, the lawyer said.
___
AP Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch contributed to this report. Anthony McCartney can be reached at link .
My heart,
I’ll be waiting
Look out to the horizon,
A whole world lies beyond
The path of life shall guide you
And mover you swiftly on,
There’s new things to discover
And unseen sights to see
But always I’ll be waiting
Remember of my love.
The road stretches before you
No one knows just how far,
And whatever may befall you
Just remember who you are
If others try to change you,
Think who you want to be,
And I’ll be right here waiting
Remember of my love.
You’ll find you’ve reached your limit,
When you can go no more,
And you’ll always have the memories
Of good times you’ve had before
So when your journey’s ending,
And you’ve managed to break free
Just remember I’m here waiting
For our love.
I amor you Michael ♥
I’ll be waiting
Look out to the horizon,
A whole world lies beyond
The path of life shall guide you
And mover you swiftly on,
There’s new things to discover
And unseen sights to see
But always I’ll be waiting
Remember of my love.
The road stretches before you
No one knows just how far,
And whatever may befall you
Just remember who you are
If others try to change you,
Think who you want to be,
And I’ll be right here waiting
Remember of my love.
You’ll find you’ve reached your limit,
When you can go no more,
And you’ll always have the memories
Of good times you’ve had before
So when your journey’s ending,
And you’ve managed to break free
Just remember I’m here waiting
For our love.
I amor you Michael ♥
People ask me how I make music. I tell them I
just step into it.It's like stepping into a river and
joining the flow. Every moment in the river has
it's song. So I stay in the moment and listen.
What I hear is never the same. A walk
through the woods brings a light, crackling
song:Leaves rustle in the wind, birds chatter and
Squirrels scold, twigs crunch underfoot, and
the beat of my coração holds it all together. When
you cadastrar-se the flow, the música is inside and outside,
and both are the same. As long as I can listen to
the moment, I'll always have music.
just step into it.It's like stepping into a river and
joining the flow. Every moment in the river has
it's song. So I stay in the moment and listen.
What I hear is never the same. A walk
through the woods brings a light, crackling
song:Leaves rustle in the wind, birds chatter and
Squirrels scold, twigs crunch underfoot, and
the beat of my coração holds it all together. When
you cadastrar-se the flow, the música is inside and outside,
and both are the same. As long as I can listen to
the moment, I'll always have music.
YES!!! I amor THRILLER but come on thriller thriller thriller lets have a dif fav era for once hehe. ok so i do amor the thriller era yes probably ALLOT but my fav's are invincible and history why cause he had a more....mellinium and upbeat like a sorta futureristic pop música sound that just hung on me like all his albums not 1 mj song i hate. I like invincible cause it has beats that just make you want to mover not to menchon the beautiful and awesome slow songs on there i think mj put all his work into this album im sure. HIStory sorta explains how i feel and makes happy when im sad cause i know im not the only one whos lonely and gets made fun of cause of my looks or what. I amor ALL MJ ERAS xD
Michael Jackson's children definitely have the bug -- the one that makes you give away large sums of money -- because they just helped make a $10,000 donation to one of MJ's favorito charities.
Earlier this week, Prince, Paris, and Blanket presented a check for $10K to the L.A. Housing Corporation -- a group that provides shelter for homeless families. Sources tell us Michael used to take his kids to volunteer with the group.
We're told the massive chunk o' change came from grandma Katherine Jackson's memorabilia biz.
MJ's heirs made the donation on behalf of his Heal the World Foundation. All three of them joined the group's Youth Board of Advisors last year.
Earlier this week, Prince, Paris, and Blanket presented a check for $10K to the L.A. Housing Corporation -- a group that provides shelter for homeless families. Sources tell us Michael used to take his kids to volunteer with the group.
We're told the massive chunk o' change came from grandma Katherine Jackson's memorabilia biz.
MJ's heirs made the donation on behalf of his Heal the World Foundation. All three of them joined the group's Youth Board of Advisors last year.
We all know that Michael Jackson was known as much for his humanitarian work as he was for his amazing musical talent. Now, MJFC is highlighting Michael's philanthropic efforts with a new section called Stories of Michael's Love.
In this new section, you will find examples and first hand accounts of Michael's generosity and love. And, we want to hear from you! If you have been blessed por one of Michael's many acts of kindness, or you know someone who was; or if you just happen to come across a story you think we should include here, please let us know. You can send your stories to Love@mjfanclub.net and be sure to put Stories of amor in the subject line of your email. And don't forget to include your source!
L.O.V.E.
The MJFC Team
In this new section, you will find examples and first hand accounts of Michael's generosity and love. And, we want to hear from you! If you have been blessed por one of Michael's many acts of kindness, or you know someone who was; or if you just happen to come across a story you think we should include here, please let us know. You can send your stories to Love@mjfanclub.net and be sure to put Stories of amor in the subject line of your email. And don't forget to include your source!
L.O.V.E.
The MJFC Team
Michael's spirit asked for Lisa's forgiveness
Michael Jackson's spirit reportedly asked for forgiveness from ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley at a recent seance.
Lisa Marie,43, is said to have used with her make-up artist Karen Faye,53, to contact the late king of pop
Faye said to UK newspaper The Sun ''he seemed to be on a mission to reach out to people in his life and be forgiven Michael spent his time explaining his faults and wanting us to forgive him. He seemed unsetttled. He seemed mais jovial with Lisa.''
The psychic turned to me (Lisa) and said Michael is telling me''You took such good care of me and i am so sorry I hurt you so much.'' he said he should have listened to me more. It hit Lisa straight in the heart
Michael Jackson's spirit reportedly asked for forgiveness from ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley at a recent seance.
Lisa Marie,43, is said to have used with her make-up artist Karen Faye,53, to contact the late king of pop
Faye said to UK newspaper The Sun ''he seemed to be on a mission to reach out to people in his life and be forgiven Michael spent his time explaining his faults and wanting us to forgive him. He seemed unsetttled. He seemed mais jovial with Lisa.''
The psychic turned to me (Lisa) and said Michael is telling me''You took such good care of me and i am so sorry I hurt you so much.'' he said he should have listened to me more. It hit Lisa straight in the heart
One Limousine Rides Past My House
Inside Are The Ones Who Tell Prophecy
Cause Nobody Would Dare Face Them
In War,
Cause They Rule The World
They're The
Men In Black
Deciders Of Our Fate
Men In Black
The Doorkeepers Of Reality
Men In Black!
Don't Try To Hurt Me, Cause I'm Armed
And I'm Hungry For Life, I Wanna Be One Of You
The Guys Walking Down The Street
Time Bends As They Move
All Are Paralyzed When Look At You
Cause You're The
Men In Black
Deciders Of Our Fate
Men In Black
The Doorkeepers Of Reality
Men In Black!
Men In Black
Deciders Of Our Fate
Men In Black
The Doorkeepers Of Reality
Men In Black!
Pointing Guns, Against The Sun
dia Night Its The Fight For Your Life
Its Like A Human JUngle
tigres And All
Cause All You Really Need To Fear Is The
Strongest Ones Of All!
Men In Black
Deciders Of Our Fate
Men In Black
The Doorkeepers Of Reality
Men In Black!
Men In Black
Deciders Of Our Fate
Men In Black
The Doorkeepers Of Reality
Men In Black!
Inside Are The Ones Who Tell Prophecy
Cause Nobody Would Dare Face Them
In War,
Cause They Rule The World
They're The
Men In Black
Deciders Of Our Fate
Men In Black
The Doorkeepers Of Reality
Men In Black!
Don't Try To Hurt Me, Cause I'm Armed
And I'm Hungry For Life, I Wanna Be One Of You
The Guys Walking Down The Street
Time Bends As They Move
All Are Paralyzed When Look At You
Cause You're The
Men In Black
Deciders Of Our Fate
Men In Black
The Doorkeepers Of Reality
Men In Black!
Men In Black
Deciders Of Our Fate
Men In Black
The Doorkeepers Of Reality
Men In Black!
Pointing Guns, Against The Sun
dia Night Its The Fight For Your Life
Its Like A Human JUngle
tigres And All
Cause All You Really Need To Fear Is The
Strongest Ones Of All!
Men In Black
Deciders Of Our Fate
Men In Black
The Doorkeepers Of Reality
Men In Black!
Men In Black
Deciders Of Our Fate
Men In Black
The Doorkeepers Of Reality
Men In Black!
The producer/director of Michael Jackson's "This Is It" tour is scoffing at Katherine Jackson's wrongful death suit in which he's named as a defendant, because he had nothing to do with the drugs or treatment that caused the singer's death.
Kenny Ortega just filed legal docs -- obtained por TMZ -- asking the court to remove him as a defendant in Katherine's suit, claiming, "Kenneth Ortega is not alleged to be involved in the medical treatment or administration of drugs that allegedly caused Michael Jackson's death."
Ortega's lawyer adds ... Kenny never had a contract with Dr. Conrad Murray or with Michael Jackson, nor has he had any official affiliation with AEG.
Ortega's lawyer says, "The naming of Kenneth Ortega as a defendant in this action, without any basis, without any substantive charging allegations against him, is a gross error."
Kenny Ortega just filed legal docs -- obtained por TMZ -- asking the court to remove him as a defendant in Katherine's suit, claiming, "Kenneth Ortega is not alleged to be involved in the medical treatment or administration of drugs that allegedly caused Michael Jackson's death."
Ortega's lawyer adds ... Kenny never had a contract with Dr. Conrad Murray or with Michael Jackson, nor has he had any official affiliation with AEG.
Ortega's lawyer says, "The naming of Kenneth Ortega as a defendant in this action, without any basis, without any substantive charging allegations against him, is a gross error."
Michael Jackson's estate is asking a judge to do what Katherine Jackson can't -- kick Alejandra Jackson and her kids out of the Hayvenhurst estate for good.
TMZ has obtained legal docs in which the estate is asking the judge to remove Alejandra, Jaafar, Jermajesty, Genevieve, Donte and Randy Jr. from the estate ... on grounds they're not beneficiaries of Michael Jackson's will and have no claim to the property.
As TMZ first reported in November, Katherine Jackson told Alejandra and the kids -- fathered por both Jermaine and Randy -- not to return to the residence. Alejandra is refusing to mover herself, her kids, and her stuff out ... so the estate has gone to court.
As TMZ also previously reported, the house is scheduled to be renovated -- but sources tell us Alejandra is holding the remodel hostage por refusing to leave.
TMZ has obtained legal docs in which the estate is asking the judge to remove Alejandra, Jaafar, Jermajesty, Genevieve, Donte and Randy Jr. from the estate ... on grounds they're not beneficiaries of Michael Jackson's will and have no claim to the property.
As TMZ first reported in November, Katherine Jackson told Alejandra and the kids -- fathered por both Jermaine and Randy -- not to return to the residence. Alejandra is refusing to mover herself, her kids, and her stuff out ... so the estate has gone to court.
As TMZ also previously reported, the house is scheduled to be renovated -- but sources tell us Alejandra is holding the remodel hostage por refusing to leave.
The co-executors of Michael Jackson's estate think Discovery Channel did the right thing when they yanked a documentary from their UK schedule that was to feature a reenactment of MJ's autopsy.
A rep for John Branca and John McClain tells TMZ, "The co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson are pleased that Discovery Channel made the correct decision in choosing to cancelar this exploitative program."
The co-executors went on to say they feel Michael's fãs played a large role in Discovery's decision, saying, "While Discovery cited legal proceedings and our request as the reasons for its decision, none of this would have happened had it not been for the incredible passion displayed por countless Michael Jackson fãs worldwide who knew they stood as one and that their voices could not be ignored."
As for any future plans to air the show, Branca and McClain said, "We are hopeful that this show will never run in any market in the future."
A rep for John Branca and John McClain tells TMZ, "The co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson are pleased that Discovery Channel made the correct decision in choosing to cancelar this exploitative program."
The co-executors went on to say they feel Michael's fãs played a large role in Discovery's decision, saying, "While Discovery cited legal proceedings and our request as the reasons for its decision, none of this would have happened had it not been for the incredible passion displayed por countless Michael Jackson fãs worldwide who knew they stood as one and that their voices could not be ignored."
As for any future plans to air the show, Branca and McClain said, "We are hopeful that this show will never run in any market in the future."
