Michael Jackson Wrongful Death Trial Begins
Jackson blames AEG Live for the death of her son, pop icon Michael Jackson. Jackson died nearly four years ago at Cedar Sinai Medical Center.Outside the Los Angeles Superior Court. (Tina Guitierrez/ATVN)
Lawyers for Jackson's mother blames the company for hiring Dr. Conrad Murray, the doctor convicted of the involuntary manslaughter of Jackson.
The trial is expected to include a testimony of doctors' treatments of Jackson. Many celebrities have been included on the witness list as well as both of Jackson's ex-wives, Lisa Marie Presley and Debbie Rowe.
The defense began their opening remarks Monday afternoon. Marvin S. Putnam, an attorney for AEG Live, said today in the defense's opening remarks that the company could not have known that Jackson was using a deadly amount of anesthetic while promoting his comeback concerts.
Putnam said that AEG Live did not have any information shared between Jackson and his doctors, due to patient-doctor confidentiality. He continued to call Jackson and addict and said that AEG Live should not be held responsible for the singer's death.
Before the defense began their opening remarks, Katherine Jackson's attorney played a song in the courtroom of the late Michal Jackson singing a song to his children about his struggles with addiction throughout his life.
AEG Live denies any wrongdoing. The company contests that they hired the doctor who gave Jackson an anesthetic to help him sleep for months.
Katherine Jackson sued the company in September 2010 saying AEG did not properly investigate Dr. Murray. Jackson's mother argues that AEG controlled Dr. Murray and his medical services to Jackson.
Criminal defense attorney Steve Meister believes it was not AEG's responsibility to supervise Jackson's health-care. "Michael Jackson was the one who insisted on being treated by Conrad Murray and that was Michael Jackson's responsibility alone."
Last Monday a jury of six men and six women were selected to decide the case. The trial is expected to last a few months.
There is a fine line between needy and greedy. This trial is a travesty. What a waste of taxpayers' s money. The Jackson family really are a bunch of skinflint. It's very sad to see MJ's kids dragged into this mess. Last year, Joe Jackson and a French crook manipulated them to pose with their illegal line of tribute fragrances which has failed miserably by the way. See the shocking pics... http://jacksontributefragrances.blogspot.com