Michael Jackson promoter found not negligent in singer's death
Michael Jackson promoter found not negligent in singer's death - Arts & Entertainment - CBC News
The promoter of Michael Jackson's ill-fated comeback concerts was not negligent in hiring the doctor convicted of killing the superstar, a jury ruled Wednesday, four years after the death stunned the world and sent the popularity of his music soaring.
The panel rejected a lawsuit brought by Jackson's mother that sought to financially punish AEG Live LLC, the promoters of her son's "This Is It" concerts planned for London.
"I couldn't be more pleased with the way the jury came out. They got it exactly right," AEG Live lead defence attorney Marvin S. Putnam said after the verdict was read.
Katherine Jackson told reporters she was OK after the verdict.
A victory could have meant hundreds of millions of dollars in damages for Katherine Jackson and the singer's three children and provided a rebuke of AEG Live LLC, the nation's second-largest concert promoter.
Lawyers for Katherine Jackson argued that AEG Live hired Dr. Conrad Murray to be the singer's physician without considering whether he was fit for the job.
AEG Live denied any wrongdoing and said it was Jackson who hired Murray.
Close look at Jackson's drug use
Murray was convicted in 2011 of involuntary manslaughter after giving Jackson the overdose as he prepared for a series of comeback shows.
The case provided the closest look yet at Jackson's drug use and his battles against chronic pain and insomnia. It also took jurors behind the scenes in the rough and tumble world of negotiations with one of the world's most famous entertainers looking to solidify his legendary status after scandal interrupted his career.
Witnesses said he saw the This Is It concerts as a chance for personal redemption after being acquitted of child molestation.
But as the opening date of the shows approached, associates testified that he had bouts of insecurity and agonized over his inability to sleep. They said he turned to the drug propofol and found Murray, who was willing to buy it in bulk and administer it to him on a nightly basis even though it is not meant to be used outside operating rooms.
Michael Jackson promoter found not negligent in singer's death - Arts & Entertainment - CBC News
The promoter of Michael Jackson's ill-fated comeback concerts was not negligent in hiring the doctor convicted of killing the superstar, a jury ruled Wednesday, four years after the death stunned the world and sent the popularity of his music soaring.
The panel rejected a lawsuit brought by Jackson's mother that sought to financially punish AEG Live LLC, the promoters of her son's "This Is It" concerts planned for London.
"I couldn't be more pleased with the way the jury came out. They got it exactly right," AEG Live lead defence attorney Marvin S. Putnam said after the verdict was read.
Katherine Jackson told reporters she was OK after the verdict.
A victory could have meant hundreds of millions of dollars in damages for Katherine Jackson and the singer's three children and provided a rebuke of AEG Live LLC, the nation's second-largest concert promoter.
Lawyers for Katherine Jackson argued that AEG Live hired Dr. Conrad Murray to be the singer's physician without considering whether he was fit for the job.
AEG Live denied any wrongdoing and said it was Jackson who hired Murray.
Close look at Jackson's drug use
Murray was convicted in 2011 of involuntary manslaughter after giving Jackson the overdose as he prepared for a series of comeback shows.
The case provided the closest look yet at Jackson's drug use and his battles against chronic pain and insomnia. It also took jurors behind the scenes in the rough and tumble world of negotiations with one of the world's most famous entertainers looking to solidify his legendary status after scandal interrupted his career.
Witnesses said he saw the This Is It concerts as a chance for personal redemption after being acquitted of child molestation.
But as the opening date of the shows approached, associates testified that he had bouts of insecurity and agonized over his inability to sleep. They said he turned to the drug propofol and found Murray, who was willing to buy it in bulk and administer it to him on a nightly basis even though it is not meant to be used outside operating rooms.
