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Katherine Jackson - AEG lawsuit : NEWS Only (No discussion)

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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2h
I’ll advise if there are jurors who raise issues about their availability when/if those are brought up in court.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2h
“You can write me a note if that presents a problem,” the judge said. She noted that one juror has already said she needed to be done in Aug
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2h
When the jury came in, Judge Yvette Palazuelos told them her estimate had changed and she thought they’d get the case by the end of Sept.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2h
There could also be a rebuttal case, which Panish said would probably currently be about 4 witnesses.
There's also closing statements.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2h
There are a lot of witnesses that still need to be called, though, and lots of days the court won’t be in session in late Aug, early Sept.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2h
AEG Live's lawyers said they hoped to be done with the defense case in early September.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2h
Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos said she felt she needed to give the jurors an update on how long they'd be here.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2h
Katherine Jackson and Trent are here, sitting in the front row.
The judge started out by asking attorneys for a time estimate on the case.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2h
We’re on the lunch break in Jackson vs AEG Live case. Kenny Ortega is back on the stand today, undergoing cross-examination by AEG Live.
 
Michael Jackson case may not reach jury until late September
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Michael Jackson in 2009 announcing his "This Is It" concerts in London.
CAPTIONS
1/17
By Jeff Gottlieb
August 8, 2013, 2:35 p.m.
The judge in the Michael Jackson wrongful death lawsuit said Thursday that she doesn’t expect the case, now in its fourth month, to go to the jury before late September.

Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos said she thought jurors needed an update on the case, which has moved slowly.

One juror, according to the judge, had signaled that the end of August was a “drop dead date.” The judge did not address what will happen at that time, but it raises the question of whether an alternate will take the juror’s place. One juror, who moved to Atlanta, already has been replaced.


The judge gave jurors no explanation for the length of the trial.

“It is what it is,” she said.

Palazuelos told jurors to write her a note if they had problems.

The pace of the trial will slow considerably next month with no court scheduled on several days. Palazuelos said earlier in the trial that jurors had pushed back appointments to September, when they expected the case would be over. As a result some are busy on certain days.

Jackson’s mother and three children are suing AEG Live, saying the concert promoter and producer negligently hired Conrad Murray, the doctor who administered the fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol to the singer to help him sleep in June 2009. AEG says Murray was Jackson’s personal physician, that the singer hired him and that any money it was supposed to pay Murray was part of an advance to Jackson.

Kenny Ortega, the director of Jackson’s ill–fated 50 comeback concerts in London, continued his testimony Thursday after a break of several weeks so he could travel to China for work.

Ortega wrote an email to AEG chief executive Randy Phillips five days before Jackson’s death expressing his concern with the singer’s physical and emotional state, saying the pop star wouldn’t be ready for the concerts and that he needed to be evaluated by a psychiatrist. .

Asked if Jackson was responsible for his own health, Ortega replied, “I didn’t think he was being very responsible but it was his responsibility, in my opinion.”

Debbie Rowe, Jackson’s former wife and mother of two of his children, is expected to be called to the witness stand next week.
 
Re: Jacksons vs AEG - Day 65 - August 8 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 20m
Putnam: Would it be surprising to you that the Rolling Stones have a doctor on tour with them right now?
Ortega: No.
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Ortega said nobody came up to him on the 23rd or 24th expressing concern about MJ. They did on the 19th but not after MJ came back on 23rd.
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The week of June 15th is when Ortega grew concerned with Michael Jackson.
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Putnam: Did you see Michael deteriorate over 8 weeks?
Ortega: I would've not used the word deteriorate to describe what I saw.
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"However, the sell out at the O2 for 50 shows showed he still had drawing power," Ortega opined.
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Putnam did re-cross.

Ortega: Michael had not performed in 10 years. Whether he'd command the world like he had before remained to be seen.
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Ortega said he never told Faye MJ had to face his fears; used the word tough love, may have said the show could be cancelled if not ready.
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Katherine Jackson nodded in the audience in agreement. "In respect of why we are all here for, that's not nice," Ortega said on the stand.
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Ortega then opined: If Michael ever heard you talk like that it would not be appropriate. Isn't that right Mrs. Jackson?
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Panish: Did you heard Murray walked out and said he couldn't take this s**t anymore?
Ortega: No, I never heard that.
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Panish asked if Ortega knew how much pressure AEG was putting MJ and Dr. Murray on. He said no.
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Panish: Did you ever learn that Phillips was grabbing Dr. Murray's arm?
Ortega: I never heard that.
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Phillips didn't do anything to stop Dr. Murray's admonishment of Ortega in the meeting, Panish said. Ortega agreed.
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Ortega said Dr. Murray did not have the same mindset as him in the June 20th meeting.
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Panish asked if Ortega was doing his job when he sent email w/ concerns. "More than just doing my job, looking out for my friend" he said.
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Panish: You expect AEG to check them out, not being under conflict of interest situation?
Ortega: Yes.
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Panish: I want you to assume that AEG Live hired Dr. Murray. Would you expect them to hire a fit and competent doctor?
Ortega: Yes.
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"Eventually he started to decline and disappear," Ortega recalled.
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Ortega: MJ was very cool, bold, strong in his ideas and what he wanted all through the beginning of the process.
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Panish: Did you think MJ was irresponsible?
Ortega: It seemed to me that he was in trouble.
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Ortega suggested another physician, not Murray, come to check MJ out.

Panish: You didn't think Dr Murray was doing a good job?
Ortega: No
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Panish: Did you say that after MJ died?
Ortega: No, I think I'd have said it sooner than that.
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Panish: Sir, did you tell anyone that MJ should've been taken to the hospital?
Ortega: I might have.
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Panish: Did you have concerns about his physical condition on June 14?
Ortega: I'd say yes.
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"It was fairly obvious he was not moving forward in the rehearsals with this sort of tempo," Ortega testified.
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Ortega said he didn't see MJ at practice for a long period of time in June.

Panish: In June, he didn't show at all?
Ortega: That's correct
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Ortega: Most of us have never seen anyone work as hard to accomplish something as MJ.
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Panish: Was MJ perfectionist?
Ortega: That would be something that people would have called him.
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"Yes, he did change over time," Ortega said about Michael Jackson.
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Panish: Did you ever have assistant producer say she was afraid an artist would die in weeks of a show and they actually did die?
Ortega: No
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Ortega said he disagrees with anyone who says there's no way MJ could've done 50 shows.
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"He sold 50 shows," Ortega said. "Pretty awesome, historical."
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Ortega: I think the Stones come close, McCartney come close. But if MJ was not the number one, he was very close.
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Ortega: I'd think if done right, that Michael would be the highest draw on the planet. Panish: You don't think Celine Dion would be bigger?
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Panish: Are you aware of any artist in the world with the drawing power of Michael Jackson?
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Email from Gongaware to Ortega on March 25, 2009:
I'm afraid we may not be able to meet your financial requirements for a deal.
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Ortega said, at one point, there was a standstill regarding his contract.
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Earlier in the trial, Ortega testified rehearsal schedule and attendance was up to Dr. Murray and Randy Phillips.
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"I recalled that Dr. Murray was going to be responsible for the schedule," Ortega said.
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Email from Woolley to Bob Taylor saying Randy Phillips and Dr. Murray were responsible for MJ rehearsal and attendance schedule.
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Panish: Were you ever involved in a show where promoter was buying saline, catheter, needles for a doctor?
Ortega: No.
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Panish: Were you ever involved in a show where promoter was buying CPR machine?
Ortega: Not that I know of.
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"I don't think producers can fire Cher," Ortega said.
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"I don't think producers can fire Tom Cruise," Ortega opined. Panish said movies are different from singers.
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"I assume they could give a good try," Ortega responded. "I assume they could do that but I doubt it would last more than 24 hours."
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Panish: The producer could fire you if they wanted, right?
Ortega: I think Michael would not be happy with that.
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Panish asked if MJ could've been fired by AEG. "No, he was a partner," Ortega responded. He said Michael told him that.
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Ortega clarifies that the only artist, "the" artist, was Michael Jackson.
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Ortega said he thinks it's unusual for producers to engage attorneys to hire a doctor for an artist.
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Panish: In all your years in the industry, have you ever heard a producer involved in hiring a doctor for an artist?
Ortega: I haven't.
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Ortega: It seemed like it was doctor related, so it wasn't like taking drugs but just being under the influence.
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Panish asked is Ortega saw MJ several times appearing under some kind of drugs during TII.
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Ortega: I assumed sleep had to be a part of it, he looked rested.
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Panish asked Ortega to assume MJ was getting Propofol for 60 days then didn't have Propofol the last few days before his death.
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Panish: The symptoms he had, did it seem like someone who wasn't sleeping?
Ortega: I think that might have been a factor there.
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Panish: And before that you thought he was not having any sleep?
Ortega: Yes.
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In re-direct, Panish asked: Prior to June 23rd, you thought Michael got real organic sleep?
Ortega: Yes.
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Ortega said said excitement was pretty unanimous among all the people working on "This Is It."
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Putnam: Did you have concern on the 23rd or 24th he was taking drugs?
Ortega: No.
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Ortega felt less excited, deeply grateful about MJ's come back.

"Maybe it was a lot of rest," Ortega opined. "He did seem rested, stronger"
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MJ also rehearsed and performed. Ortega said he was feeling they were back on track, believing they were in a new chapter.
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Ortega said MJ was almost as good on the 24th as the 23rd. He seemed a little tired from the day before but talked about things for the show
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Ortega: Everybody felt there was a different Michael in the room.
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Ortega said he just embraced it and went with it. "We were all delighted" Ortega recalled. "The energy in the room changed, hope returned"
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Ortega: He was in charge. Not only capable to rehearsing but to talk about other aspects of production, like films, the effects, costumes.
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MJ was there a number of hours, Ortega said. He went thru a number of songs.

Putnam: Had he taken the reins?
Ortega: Yeah
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Putnam: How was the rehearsal?
Ortega: Great. It was one of the best rehearsals we had up until then.
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"It was like metamorphosis," he said.

Putnam asked if Ortega inquired MJ what had happened. "I din't pry in his personal live," he replied
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Ortega said MJ was always a little chill, but not like on the 19th. The director was surprised how quickly MJ got better.
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Ortega: He seemed healthy, ready and happy, there didn't seem to be any left over issues from the 19th.
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Putnam: Completely different?
Ortega: Completely
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Ortega said the meeting on June 20th was at MJ's Carolwood home. On June 23rd, Ortega testified MJ was in great spirits, ready to work.
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Ortega: He was unbelievable! His reasons for doing the tour were incredible. He was motivated.
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"He seemed exhilarated, excited, like the Michael I always knew," Ortega described.
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Ortega: I think the arrival of his children in his life brought something he didn't have before.
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Ortega: I was happy for him, because he had been through so much, I wanted him to be the King again.
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"Michael wanted to get out on the road," Ortega said.
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"I think seating in a theater for 5 years in Las Vegas wasn't really attractive to him," Ortega explained.
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Ortega said MJ was being approached by someone from American Idol, also Randy Phillips approached him, they wanted to do something with him.
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The director described MJ very excited, even not knowing yet what "TII" was going to be, but feeling exhilarated.
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Ortega said he had dinner with MJ a couple of times, MJ took his children to see High School Musical, and that he looked fined.
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Putnam: Were you concerned MJ was doing drugs before "TII" in 2008?
Ortega: No, I saw him.
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Putnam: Did you have any concern with MJ's health?
Ortega: I don't recall having any concerns
P: How about mentally?
O: No
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"HIStory" tour rehearsal was done in Los Angeles, Ortega said.
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MJ was transported to the hospital. Ortega didn't go, because he said he wasn't invited. "Certainly concerned," though, he explained.
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He said security responded quickly, everybody stayed away to give paramedics room to work.
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Ortega was present at Beacon Theater when MJ collapsed. He didn't see the artist fall, though.
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Putnam: But at no time you thought he was using drugs?
Ortega: No.
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Putnam: Was he physical well?
Ortega: He seemed tired and unhappy, stressed.
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Ortega was called to help MJ with the HBO special.

Putnam: He seemed well to you?
Ortega: Unhappy
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At this time, MJ was living at Neverland. Ortega said they never rehearsed at MJ's ranch, but a stage in Los Angeles.
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Putnam: Did you have any concerns he might have been using drugs then?
Ortega: No
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Ortega said he usually likes to stay in tour until everything is working to everybody's satisfaction. He said it may be 4-5 shows or 8-10
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Ortega's first time working with MJ was in the "Dangerous" tour. He said he may have been director of the project. It was in 1992-93.
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"He was strong," Ortega said.

But 20 years later, when Ortega worked with MJ in the "This Is It," the director said MJ was much different.
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Putnam: In your opinion, was Mr. Jackson always skinny?
Ortega: In the early years I worked with him he was light, lean performer.
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"I might have been a little concerned (with his weight) when I brought that up, yes," Ortega testified.
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Ortega said MJ liked to be in a certain kind of place (weight) to execute his moves and to get the look he wanted.
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The singer would smile and answer "okay" in a very loving way, Ortega recalled.
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MJ wasn't really fond of massage, Ortega said. "Don't forget to eat, get some rest," Ortega would tell MJ.
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Ortega said he would talk to MJ, as a performing artist, and ask if he was focusing on nourishment, health, warming up, stretching, sleeping
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Putnam: Did you ever talk to him about nutrition?
Ortega: As a general idea
P: Physical therapy?
O: Yes
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"Because he came out of rehab," Ortega said. "He was moving on with his life in a healthy way, hopefully."
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Putnam: Did you have any reservation to work with him after rehab?
Ortega: No
P: Why not?
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Ortega never asked MJ about his rehab stint or any drug use.
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Someone on behalf of Michael Jackson contacted Ortega to be part of the HBO special.
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Putnam: Were you responsible for MJ's health?
Ortega: No.
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Ortega: I wanted to take care on him, you want to take care of someone when something is not right, but you can't be responsible.
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Jurors were writing viguroulsy at this point. Juror number 6 looked over at Katherine Jackson.
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Ortega: I didn't think he was being very responsible, but it was his responsibility, in my opinion.
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Putnam: Do you think MJ was being responsible with his own health?
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"Adults are responsible for their own health," Ortega opined.
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Ortega: I worked with 10,000 people in the Olympics, how can I be responsible for everybody's health?
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Putnam: Did he (Murray) offer any explanation of what happened to MJ the night before?
Ortega: I don't believe so.
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Putnam: Did you talk about drugs in that meeting?
Ortega: No
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Ortega said Michael explained in the meeting that what Dr. Murray said was not what had occurred.
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Ortega: I'd like to think that Michael would not set me up that way, I'd like to think Dr. Murray misunderstood Michael.
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Ortega said Dr. Murray told him to be the director and to quit his concerns with Michael Jackson's health because it was not his job.
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Ortega: I did think it was right he didn't rehearse that night, I did think it was the right thing he went home.
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Ortega said, at one point, MJ told him he was going home. "I said yes, go home, tuck your children in, feel better," Ortega described.
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Ortega: I looked at Michael and asked him to tell what had happened, that I didn't forbid Michael of anything.
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Ortega testified he said: 'Wait a minute, that's not at all what happened.' The director recalled Dr. Murray said MJ told him that.
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Ortega: Murray started up saying I had no right to not allow Michael to rehearse that night and that I had no right to send him home.
 
Re: Jacksons vs AEG - Day 65 - August 8 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 48s
AEG plans to play Randy Jackson's deposition and Dr. David Adams from Las Vegas in the afternoon. We hope to see you tomorrow! Good night!
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Judge adjourned session a little early. Jurors ordered back 9:30 am tomorrow. Kathy Jorrie is back on the stand.
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When the director got up, all jurors clapped for him. He thanked the jurors, kissed Mrs. Jackson, shook hands with Shawn Trell and left.
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Ortega was dismissed, subject to recall in AEG's case in chief.
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Jurors were laughing out loud with the exchange between the attorneys. The director kept his composure and responded to all questions.
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Putnam and Panish took turns in asking out-of-the-ordinary questions regarding responsibility to Ortega.
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Panish in re-re-re-direct: Do you have access to a prescription pad?
Ortega: No
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Ortega: Being in debt doesn't change your talent, your gift, your ability.
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Putnam asked if being in debt diminishes your capability. "I don't think so," Ortega responded.
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Putnam: Do you think it's responsible for a studio to hire Kenny Ortega if he were in debt?
Ortega: I've been there and they hired me.
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"I wouldn't think it would be something that would be the norm," Ortega responded.
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Putnam in re-re-cross asked if it's common practice to check a doctor's credit report prior to hiring him.
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In re-re-direct Panish: Would it be responsible to place a doctor in a conflict of interest had they hired him?
Ortega: In my opinion, no
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Ortega: I think that would've been responsible.

Putnam: Did Mr. Phillips ever tell you he wanted MJ to come on tour?
Ortega: No
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Putnam: If they weren't hiring Dr. Murray, would that responsibility be above and beyond anything they needed to do, in your mind?
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Putnam asked if AEG checked if the doctor was licensed and if he had been disciplined, if it was responsible thing to do. Ortega said yes.
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Putnam: Who introduced you to Dr. Murray?
Ortega: Michael
P: Did AEG introduce you to him?
O: No
P: What did MJ say?
O: This is my doctor.
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Putnam: Have you ever worked on a tour where artist was unable to pay his personal doctor?
Ortega: I don't think so, assumption on my part.
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Putnam: Have you ever worked on a tour where the promoter/producer was advancing all daily expenses?
Ortega: It's possible, I don't know.
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Putnam: Have you ever worked on a tour where the artist could not afford his daily expenses?
Ortega: I don't believe so.
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Putnam: Have you ever worked on a tour where an artist was $400 million in debt?
Ortega: Not to my knowledge.
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Out of twitter jail, finally...
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Putnam: You just don't know some of those things, right?
Ortega: Yes.
 
Re: Jacksons vs AEG - Day 65 - August 8 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

Jury applauds witness in Michael Jackson death trial
By Alan Duke, CNN
updated 2:31 PM EDT, Fri August 9, 2013
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
The jury will watch a video deposition of Michael Jackson's youngest brother Friday
Kenny Ortega testified Michael Jackson seemed sleep-deprived a week before his death
Lawyers use Ortega's testimony to debate who's responsible for Jackson's death
Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe is expected in court next week

Los Angeles (CNN) -- Jurors hearing the Michael Jackson wrongful death case seem to be enjoying themselves after 15 weeks of testimony, even after the judge told them they could be in court through September.
They've leaned forward, taken close notes and often laughed while watching lawyers for Michael Jackson's mother and children spar with attorneys for concert promoter AEG Live.
"I'm not going to be babysitting you two," Judge Yvette Palazuelos told Jackson lawyer Brian Panish and AEG Live lawyer Marvin Putnam this week as the attorneys traded barbs in court.
Several jurors even applauded famed choreographer and director Kenny Ortega at the end of his lengthy testimony Thursday.
While some of the 65 days of testimony has covered tedious medical and legal ground, Jackson's music and intimate home videos are often shown on two big screens in the tiny Los Angeles courtroom
The jurors were getting an inside look Friday at how Jackson's family tried to intervene in the singer's prescription drug use as AEG Live's lawyers showed them video of their questioning of Randy Jackson, Michael Jackson's youngest brother.
The jury will eventually have a billion-dollar decision to make: Is AEG Live liable in Jackson's death and, if so, how much should the promoter-producer of his comeback tour pay the family in damages?
Katherine Jackson and her grandchildren -- Prince, Paris and Blanket -- contend AEG Live negligently hired, retained or supervised Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician now serving a prison term for involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death.
Murray told investigators he gave the entertainer nightly infusions of the surgical anesthetic propofol to treat his insomnia so he could rest for rehearsals while preparing for his "This Is It" shows set to debut in London in July 2009. The coroner ruled Jackson's June 25, 2009, death was caused by an overdose of propofol.
AEG Live argues Jackson, not the company, chose and controlled Murray. A contract the company negotiated with Murray to work as Jackson's personal tour doctor for $150,000 a month was signed by Murray and returned to AEG Live on June 24, 2009. With Jackson's death the next day, no AEG Live executive ever signed it.
The company also argues its executives had no way of knowing about the dangerous and unusual treatments Murray was giving Jackson in the privacy of his bedroom. AEG Live lawyers are using Randy Jackson's testimony about his family's attempts to intervene with the pop icon's use of painkillers to bolster their contention that he was a secretive drug addict.
Red flags missed?
The Jackson lawsuit accuses AEG Live executives of ignoring a series of red flags signaling that the artist was at risk in the weeks before his death -- including warnings from Kenny Ortega and others working on the production.
"He was like a lost boy," Ortega wrote in an e-mail to AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips days before Jackson's death. "There still may be a chance he can rise to the occasion if we get him the help he needs."
After a poor rehearsal on June 13, 2009, and a missed rehearsal the next day, Ortega expressed his concern in an e-mail to AEG Live co-CEO Paul Gongaware: "Were you aware that MJ's doctor didn't permit him to attend rehearsals yesterday? Are Randy and Frank (DiLeo, another Jackson manager) aware of this? Please have them stay on top of his health situation without invading MJ's privacy. It might be a good idea to talk with his doctor to make sure everything MJ requires is in place."
The AEG Live executives later told Ortega they met with Murray and put him in charge of getting Jackson to rehearsals, Ortega said. The director said he was told that if he needed to know whether Jackson was coming to a rehearsal, he should call the doctor. Ortega was given Murray's cell phone number, which he said he programmed into his own phone.
When Jackson finally showed up for a rehearsal on June 19, "he appeared lost, cold, afraid," Ortega said. It is a day he will never forget, he testified.
"I saw a Michael that frightened me, a Michael that was shivering and cold," Ortega testified. "I thought there was something emotional going on, deeply emotional, and something physical going on. He seemed fragile."
When AEG Live's lawyer asked Ortega if Jackson could've just had "a really bad flu," the show director said that was "not the best way of describing it."
A sleep expert hired by the Jacksons' lawyers testified earlier that he believed the singer was suffering from long-term sleep deprivation caused by two months of nightly propofol infusions. The drug interrupts crucial REM sleep cycles, depriving the brain of real rest and repair, the expert said.
Ortega persuaded Jackson not to go onstage that night because he was afraid he would hurt himself, he testified. Instead, Jackson agreed to watch the rehearsal with choreographer Travis Payne dancing his parts.
Jackson appeared paranoid and afraid, Ortega said. "He was repeating for me not to quit or to leave him. He was afraid that I was going to quit or leave him."
With just a dozen days left for rehearsals before the touring company moved to London for the opening, Ortega testified, he was worried "that all that we had worked for together, Michael and I -- this dream, this desire -- was going to fall away."
Ortega testified that on June 19, he "felt that we should stop" the production, but he was "torn because I did not want to break Michael's heart."
Ortega sent a series of e-mails that night and the next morning to AEG Live executives warning that they needed professional help for Jackson.
"There are strong signs of paranoia, anxiety and obsessive-like behavior," Ortega wrote. "I think the very best thing we can do is get a top psychiatrist in to evaluate him ASAP. It's like there are two people there. One (deep inside) trying to hold on to what he was and still can be and not waiting us to quit him, the other in this weakened and troubled state."
A contentious meeting
Ortega testified that he was called to a meeting with AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips, Jackson and Murray at Jackson's home on June 20, hours after he sent those e-mails.
Murray angrily confronted him, Ortega testified. "He said I had no right to not let Michael rehearse, that Michael was physically and emotionally capable of handling all his responsibility as a performer and I should be a director and not an amateur doctor or psychologist. I should stick to my job and leave the rest to him."
Phillips watched Murray's attack on him in silence, Ortega testified Thursday.
Jackson died while under Murray's care five days later, in a bedroom just upstairs from the parlor where the meeting took place.
"A different Michael" showed up for the next rehearsals on June 23 and 24, Ortega testified. Jackson "seemed healthy and ready and happy. There didn't seem to be any leftover issues."
"I was feeling that we were back on track and grateful and believing that we were now in a new chapter," Ortega said.
Jackson lawyer Brian Panish asked Ortega what he thought caused the "metamorphosis" he witnessed in Jackson. "Maybe a lot of rest," he said. "He seemed rested, stronger."
"I assume sleep had to be a part of it," Ortega added. "He just looked rested. Deep sleep, real sleep."
Murray told investigators he stopped using propofol to induce Jackson's sleep for the two previous nights -- after 60 nights of it. Jackson lawyers contend that is why Jackson was revitalized.
Jackson lawyers argued that Murray was influenced by a conflict of interest -- created by his arrangement with AEG Live -- to continue dangerous propofol infusions to help Jackson rest for rehearsals. He was $1 million in debt and had abandoned his medical practice two months earlier to serve as Jackson's personal physician for the tour. If he failed to get Jackson to rehearsals, the shows might be postponed or canceled and he would be out of a job, they argue.
Blame game
Lawyers for both sides used Ortega's appearance in court to argue over who was responsible for Jackson's death -- the promoter or the artist.
"At the time, did you think Mr. Jackson was responsible for his own health?" AEG Live's Marvin Putnam asked.
"I didn't think he was being very responsible, but it was his responsibility, in my opinion," Ortega answered. "I wanted to take care of him, you always want to take care of someone if they're not feeling well, but you can't be responsible for them. They have to be responsible for themselves."
When Jackson lawyer Brian Panish had a chance to again question Ortega, he focused on AEG Live's responsibility in retaining Murray.
Panish: "You would expect a responsible concert promoter and producer to make sure anyone they hired to be checked out as fit and competent?"
Ortega: "Yes."
Panish: "Check them out to make sure they had no conflict?"
Ortega: "Yes."
Panish: "It would be irresponsible not to do that?"
Ortega: "Yes."
As Ortega stepped off the witness stand Thursday afternoon, several jurors applauded.
Debbie Rowe, the mother of Michael Jackson's two oldest children, may finally appear in court next week as a witness called by AEG Live. She was married to Jackson for several years and traveled with him on tour in the 1990s.
 
Jacksons vs AEG - Day 66 - August 9 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

Jacksons vs AEG - Day 66 - August 9 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

Use this thread to post any and all news stories from day 66 of Katherine Jackson vs. AEG trial.

Daily news threads are merged into the main News thread in the stickies

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Re: Jacksons vs AEG - Day 66 - August 9 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 54s
Jorrie was then excused. Judge broke session for lunch. We are waiting for trial to resume, since judge is dealing with other matters.
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in re-re-re-cross, Panish rebutted: And AEG could've refused it, right?
Jorrie: Yes
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In re-re-re-direct, Bina asked if MJ specifically asked AEG to draft the contract for Dr. Murray and advance funds necessary?
Jorrie: Yes
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Panish asked if there was anything preventing AEG from preparing the contract with Dr. Murray and giving it to MJ. She said no.
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Panish: AEG didn't have to have a contract with Dr. Murray, right?
Jorrie: It was an accommodation, sir.
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Jorrie said she read that Branca represented MJ about 10 years before.
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In re-re-cross, Panish asked if Jorrie has expertise in medical conflict of interest. She said she's not an expert in medical conflict.
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Jorrie explained MJ and Dr. Murray's interests were aligned, to treat him and keep him healthy while performing at the O2 arena.
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Bina: Did u think there was conflict of interest in the contract? "I believe that there wasn't contractual conflict of interest" Jorrie said
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Jorrie thought Dr. Tohme would be the most appropriate to ask whether he was an officer of MJ's company or not.
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Jorrie said Branca was a co-executor to be and she believed he would not know the answer. He had been MJ's attorney for a week.
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In re-re-direct, Bina asked: Why didn't you ask John Branca if Dr. Tohme was officer of the company?
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Jorrie said Howard Weitzman may have told her about the dispute in termination of Dr. Tohme.
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Jorrie said the only medical check she's aware of that Michael Jackson underwent was for the insurance company.
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Panish asked if Jorrie was copied on any of the chain email "Trouble at the Front." She said she was not.
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Jorrie said she did not go out of her way to check Dr. Murray's credit report, debts, outstanding child support claims.
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This was the 1st time Jorrie negotiated a contract for an artist's physician. She never researched about third party contract for artist/doc
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Jorrie sent all drafts of the contract to Trell and AEG, but never sent them to Michael Jackson or his representatives.
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Jorrie said she told Dr. Murray he would get paid once the contract was fully executed.
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Jorrie: It's my testimony under oath that's what I saw 4 years ago, yes.
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Panish: Is your testimony that Dr. Murray was licensed in internal medicine and cardiovascular?
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Panish: Did you see his internal medicine license had lapsed in 2008?
Jorrie: No, I don't remember seeing it.
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Panish asked if there's such a things as cardiovascular license. "I told you what I remember seeing," Jorrie explained.
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Jorrie said she saw Dr. Murray was licensed for cardiovascular something. He was also licensed in internal medicine.
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Jorrie said the budget had to be approved prior to any payment.

She testified she never asked Branca if Tohme was officer of MJ's company.
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Panish: Were you aware the budget called to pay Dr. Murray $450,000?
Jorrie: I was not aware, sir.
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Panish: Were you aware Dr. Tohme was supposed to get paid $200,000 for signing this document?
Jorrie: I wasn't aware, sir.
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Jorrie said Mr. Tohme did not sign the consent document in her presence. She gave him the document for review.
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Jorrie did not contract John Branca, co-executor to be, to check if Dr. Tohme was an officer of MJ's LLC.
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Panish: Did you ever contact Delaware Secretary of State to see if Dr. Tohme was an officer of MJ LLC?
Jorrie: No.
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Jorrie said she never received any document from Shawn Trell stating anyone else as officer of Michael Jackson's company.
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Panish: Did you bill your client for that work?
Jorrie: I don't recall, I have to look at the time and see whether or not I billed them.
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Jorrie said she believes she has a copy of the Delaware Secretary of the State of when she checked MJ's company.
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Panish: MJ's company was a sole member LLC, wasn't it?
Jorrie: That I don't recall when I looked at it.
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Jorrie said she went on to the Delaware Secretary of the State website to check Michael Jackson's company.
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Panish: Did you ever do a google search for Michael Jackson Company?
Jorrie: No.
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Jorrie said she was checking to make sure the information Dr. Murray gave her were correct.
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Panish: There were no red flags raised in the 10-minute search you did on Dr. Murray, correct?
Jorrie: That's correct.
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Jorrie said a red flag is when things come up that alerts her to evaluate further.
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Panish: Does your time entry has anything about check you did on Murray? Jorrie said she needs to look at the documents to refresh memory.
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Jorrie explained she would not have entered into the invoice a spot check of Dr. Murray's licenses/company.
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Panish: Did you bill AEG for the research you did?
Jorrie: It was 10 minutes of research and it was part of preparation of Murray's contract
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Panish then did re-cross of Jorrie.

Jorrie said GCA Holdings was a legitimate company, its license had not be suspended.
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Jorrie: I didn't think it was my place to check Michael Jackson's physician, who he had for many years.
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"I had no reason to doubt the information given to me was incorrect," Jorrie said. "There were no red flags."
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Jorrie: It was just spot check, I checked his medical licenses, there were no disciplinary actions, company was legit, everything matched.
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The clinics she found were in Nevada and Texas, Jorrie said. "The 2 places of businesses that I assumed were clinics."
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Jorrie: I found Dr. Murray was licensed to practice medicine in 4 states, no disciplinary action against him in any state.
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Jorrie found that there were two places of businesses associated with Dr. Murray and his medical licenses.
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"He told me he was leaving the practices to go on tour with MJ," Jorrie explained. Dr. Murray never told her he was closing his practices.
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Jorrie said from the conversation she had with Dr. Murray she did not understand he was going to close his medical practices to go on tour.
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She said he understood his medical practice brought in a million dollars, from which he had to pay his expenses, nurses, medical equipments.
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Bina asked if Jorrie's understanding was that Dr. Murray was making one million dollars a month.
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She said that provision was no applicable to Murray. Jorrie also took out provision "Intellectual Property" since it was not applicable also
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Jorrie said she took out the conflict provisions because they dealt with conflict of interest for the individual working for a competitor.
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It was between an individual and affiliate of AEG. There is no mention of artist consent in that contract, it was not a service to an artist
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Jorrie used as template an independent contract agreement used in the King Tut exhibition.
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Bina: Did you ever send the signed agreement to MJ?
Jorrie: No, I didn't.
B: Why not?
J: Michael Jackson passed away.
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She said it would then be presented to MJ and his representatives for approval.
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Jorrie explained they were negotiating a contract to a place where Dr. Murray was happy with the agreement.
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Bina asked Jorrie why she didn't check with MJ or his reps about changing the end date of the contract.
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Bina asked about end date of contract. Original date was Sept. 2009, but Dr. Murray asked it to be changed to March 2010, Jorrie said.
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Bina: Did Dr. Murray ever ask you for any equipment?
Jorrie: No
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Jorrie said there was also no word about Dr. Murray having to use only equipment provided by AEG to treat Michael Jackson.
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Bina: Are there any words in agreement that says Murray can only use medical equip approved, bought by AEG?
Jorrie: There's no such wording
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Bina: You didn't put any provision for Dr. Murray to be supervised by AEG Live?
Jorrie: Of course not.
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Jorrie: This is an independent contract agreement. Dr. Murray was MJ's physicians, retained to and in the expense of the artist.
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Jorrie read graph 9 of the contract, "Artist Consent." It says that without the express written consent of MJ the contract was not valid.
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Jorrie: No, he did not need an agreement from AEG Live to perform services to his patients, including Michael Jackson.
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Jorrie said MJ had been his patient for many years.

Bina: Did Dr. Murray need an agreement with AEG Live to treat patients?
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Jorrie: The reason is that Dr. Murray was Mr. Jackson's physician and it would not be my place to tell him not to provide services.
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Bina asked if Jorrie told Dr. Murray to stop treating MJ until they had an agreement. She said no.
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Bina: Why not?
Jorrie: Because I understood from Murray that he was MJ's personal physician for 3 yrs
B: Did Murray tell you that?
J: He did
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Bina: Did it surprise you Dr. Murray was fully engaged and treating MJ in May 2009?
Jorrie: No.
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Bina asked if Woolley forwarded Jorrie an email saying Dr. Murray was fully engaged in Mr. Jackson's treatment in May. She said no.
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Bina asked if Weitzman told herTohme had been fired but nevertheless the Estate agreed to reimburse AEG for production costs
Jorrie: Correct
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Jorrie: I'm aware that the Estate reimbursed some costs.
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Jorrie said Dr. Tohme signed this document. She said she has seen Frank DiLeo's signature as well approving the expenses.
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"Dr. Tohme was there discussing MJ's business in front of everybody," Jorrie testified. "Nobody challenged Dr. Tohme or his presence."
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She said Frank DiLeo and various AEG reps were also present at the meeting and Tohme was there speaking about things having to do with MJ.
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Jorrie said the meeting on June 28, 2009 was called by John Branca, co-executor of MJ's Estate, co-executor John McClain was on the phone.
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Jorrie said Tohme himself represented to her he was an officer of MJJ's company.
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Jorrie: That's my best recollection, I was informed that he was an officer of Michael Jackson's company.
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Bina asked if Jorrie was told on June 28, 2009 that Dr. Tohme was an officer of MJ's company when he received the consent document.
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Bina: Before Jun 28 you had been told Tohme was an officer of the MJ's company?
Jorrie: Yes
It's usually the type of representation she gets
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Regarding the email Dennis Hawk, MJ's attorney, sent Jorrie on January 14, 2009, she said they wanted to replace the name of MJ's company.
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Bina: Did Mr. Panish show any documents that he was not an officer?
Jorrie: He did not.
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Bina: Insomnia or sleep problems?
Jorrie: Not in the least.

Bina asked if Jorrie believed Tohme was an officer of MJ company. She said yes
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Jorrie: I never had any information that MJ was not in good health.
Bina: Drug problems?
J: None whatsoever
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Bina: So MJ represented that he did not have any health condition that would interfere with his performance?
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Bina: Who signed this?
Jorrie: Michael Jackson.
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Paragraph 13 cont'd:
injuries or ailments that would reasonably be expected to interfers with Artist's first class performance.
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Bina showed Jorrie MJ's contract. Paragraph 13: Artistco hereby represents/warrants that Artist does not posses any known health condition
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Katherine Jackson is not present in court today.

Kathy Jorrie is back on the stand. Jessica Stebbins Bina resumed re-direct examination.
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Hello from the courthouse in downtown LA. Day 66 of Jackson family vs AEG trial is underway. We're currently on lunch break.
 
Jury hears Michael Jackson’s younger brother discuss drug concerns, intervention attempts
(Nick Ut, File/ Associated Press ) - FILE - In this Jan. 11, 2011 file photo, Randy Jackson, Michael Jackson’s brother, arrives at court for a preliminary hearing regarding Michael Jackson’s death, in Los Angeles. Randy Jackson described his family’s repeated attempts to get his brother Michael to stop taking prescription medications in a videotaped deposition played for a Los Angeles jury on Friday, Aug. 9, 2013. In the footage, Randy Jackson said his brother always denied having a problem with prescription medications.

(Nick Ut, File/ Associated Press ) - FILE - In this Jan. 11, 2011 file photo, Randy Jackson, Michael Jackson’s brother, arrives at court for a preliminary hearing regarding Michael Jackson’s death, in Los Angeles. Randy Jackson described his family’s repeated attempts to get his brother Michael to stop taking prescription medications in a videotaped deposition played for a Los Angeles jury on Friday, Aug. 9, 2013. In the footage, Randy Jackson said his brother always denied having a problem with prescription medications.(Nick Ut, File/ Associated Press ) - FILE - In this Jan. 11, 2011 file photo, Randy Jackson, Michael Jackson’s brother, arrives at court for a preliminary hearing regarding Michael Jackson’s death, in Los Angeles. Randy Jackson described his family’s repeated attempts to get his brother Michael to stop taking prescription medications in a videotaped deposition played for a Los Angeles jury on Friday, Aug. 9, 2013. In the footage, Randy Jackson said his brother always denied having a problem with prescription medications.
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By Associated Press, Updated: Friday, August 9, 9:03 PM
LOS ANGELES — A jury heard videotaped testimony Friday from Randy Jackson, who described more than half a dozen interventions his family attempted to try to get Michael Jackson to stop taking prescription medications.

Randy Jackson, the pop superstar’s younger brother, said several of his siblings were involved in the efforts, and they occasionally brought interventionist doctors to try to convince their brother to go into rehab. The superstar always refused and kept his family at a distance in the final years of his life, Randy Jackson said.


His videotaped testimony was played for jurors by lawyers for AEG Live LLC, which is being sued by Jackson’s mother. She claims the company negligently hired the doctor convicted of giving the “Thriller” singer a lethal overdose of an anesthetic in June 2009.

AEG denies it hired the physician, Conrad Murray, and its attorneys have said Jackson made choices that led to his death. Their case has already featured testimony from several medical professionals who treated the singer, including one who gave him an implant to block the effects of opiate drugs.

Randy Jackson says the interventions took place in diverse locations including New York, Las Vegas, Jackson’s Neverland Ranch and Taiwan and dated back to the mid-1990s.

However, he said he did not talk to his brother much in the five years before his death and was unable to get into his rented mansion during the period before he died because security guards blocked his access.

“Michael didn’t want to be around the family too much because he didn’t want them to see him like that,” Randy Jackson said. “He was hiding from me.”

He said most of the interventions were attended by his sisters Rebbie and Janet and his brothers, Tito, Marlon, and his father, Joe Jackson. But he said his mother only came along once or twice. He said she was unwilling to accept that Michael was addicted and he felt “she was in denial. She just didn’t want to believe.”

Katherine Jackson testified earlier in the trial that she asked her son once about his prescription drug use, but he denied he had a problem.

Randy Jackson said his brother was terrified during the run-up to his 2005 child molestation trial in Santa Maria. At one point Randy Jackson said he had to take his brother to a hospital because “he was under the influence of something.”

He said he had no idea what drugs Jackson was taking.

“He was very frightened, and I had to get him to court,” Randy Jackson said.

Randy Jackson is the third member of his famous family to testify in the case, which concluded its 15th week on Friday. Michael Jackson’s mother and his son Michael Joseph “Prince” Jackson Jr. have also testified.
 
Randy Jackson Testifies About Prescription Drug Concerns At AEG Trial
August 9, 2013 7:33 PM

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LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — A jury heard videotaped testimony Friday from Randy Jackson, who described more than half a dozen interventions his family attempted to try to get Michael Jackson to stop taking prescription medications.

Randy Jackson, the pop superstar’s younger brother, said several of his siblings were involved in the efforts, and they occasionally brought interventionist doctors to try to convince their brother to go into rehab. The superstar always refused and kept his family at a distance in the final years of his life, Jackson said.

His one hour and twenty minute videotaped testimony was played for jurors by lawyers for AEG Live LLC, which is being sued by Jackson’s mother, Katherine. She claims the company negligently hired the doctor convicted of giving the “Thriller” singer a lethal overdose of an anesthetic in June 2009.

AEG denies it hired the physician, Conrad Murray, and its attorneys have said Jackson made choices that led to his death. Their case has already featured testimony from several medical professionals who treated the singer, including one who gave him an implant to block the effects of opiate drugs.

Randy Jackson says the interventions took place in various locations including New York, Las Vegas, Jackson’s Neverland Ranch and Taiwan and dated back to the mid-1990s.

Reporting for CBS2, Randy Paige said Randy Jackson testified that he and his siblings staged at least seven interventions.

He said almost every time he tried to intercede it was after a call from a nanny who cared for Michael Jackson’s children and told him the singer was over using prescription drugs. He said he never saw his brother take drugs but twice saw him in a condition where he was slurring his speech. He said he later fired the nanny after he encountered her at a pharmacy picking up prescriptions for the singer.

Randy Jackson said he never heard of the drug Propofol until after his brother died from an overdose of the anesthetic.

However, he said he did not talk to his brother much in the five years before his death and was unable to get into his rented mansion during the period before he died because security guards blocked his access.

“Michael didn’t want to be around the family too much because he didn’t want them to see him like that,” Randy Jackson said. “He was hiding from me.”


He said most of the interventions were attended by his sisters Rebbie and Janet and his brothers, Tito, Marlon, and his father, Joe Jackson. But he said his mother only came along once or twice. He said she was unwilling to accept that Michael was addicted and he felt “she was in denial. She just didn’t want to believe.”

Randy Jackson also testified that at one point he wrote a letter to his entire family, including his mother, saying they needed to help Michael.

“He’s an addict, and he isn’t responsible. The family has to step in and do something about it,” Jackson testified.

He also said his brother refused repeatedly to go to rehab.

“I told him I was taking him to rehab and he said he’s not going. I told him, ‘Yes, you are.’ And he would say ‘No, I’m not,’” Randy testified.

Katherine Jackson testified earlier in the trial that she asked her son once about his prescription drug use, but he denied he had a problem.

Randy Jackson said his brother was terrified during the run-up to his 2005 child molestation trial in Santa Maria. At one point Randy Jackson said he had to take his brother to a hospital because “he was under the influence of something.”

He said he had no idea what drugs Jackson was taking.

“He was very frightened, and I had to get him to court,” Randy Jackson said.

Outside court, Katherine Jackson’s lawyer, Brian Panish, said that Randy Jackson’s testimony showed “what everyone knew, that Michael Jackson had a problem with prescription medications. Apparently the only ones that didn’t know that were the people at AEG.”

Randy Jackson is the third member of his famous family to testify in the case, which concluded its 15th week on Friday. Michael Jackson’s mother and his son Michael Joseph “Prince” Jackson Jr. have also testified.
 
Re: Jacksons vs AEG - Day 66 - August 9 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 2m
Interventions:
NY
Neverland
Las Vegas

Q: Were there any other?
A: It was more than one at Neverland.
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Q: You mentioned Grace would called but was getting him medication?
A: Yes. A few times I would meet her at the pharmacy.
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Randy: I staged several interventions and set up, tried to get him help many times.
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"I was just kind of taken aback by it, maybe," he said.

Q: Did you have concerns about MJ at that point?
A: Yes
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"He said he took it to help him sleep, and he said it was a mistake and that he was sorry about it," Randy testified.
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Randy asked MJ next day if he remembered what happened. He said MJ replied "no, no, but I heard."
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Next morning, Randy said MJ was sleeping pretty late. "I wanted to make sure he was ok, then I left," he said.
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Randy instructed one os the Cascios to sleep next to MJ. He stayed overnight as well.
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"Just let him rest it off. Somebody should sleep next to him, make sure he doesn't vomit or choke, anything like that," doc told Randy.
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Randy said the doctor gave MJ something that would counter, help counter whatever it is he had done.
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Randy: And as I recall, I called my doctor who lived literally around the corner. My doctor came over and took care of him, said he'll be ok
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Randy: They ran downstairs and told me that he had collapsed. And I went upstairs. I picked him up, put him on the bed, it was pretty late.
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A: I went downstairs, I think he had some friends over. And I went downstairs to eat something.
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Q: Did he tell you what he was taking specifically?
A: No

Q: Did you do anything else besides take it away?
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Randy said there wasn't much to talk to MJ then. "Yes, I could talk to him but I'd pick my moments. I'd wait till he'd be a bit more in tune
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Randy: Because what good would it be to help him if you're leaving stuff there?
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Q: You just looked around the house and took bottles?
A: I made her show where everything was.
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Randy said some prescription drugs were in Grace's name. "It was upsetting to me. I think she had a hard time saying no to him."
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Randy said he tried to take everything away, from Grace too. "It was ironic because she was giving it to him but complaining about it."
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A: He was certainly under the influence of something that was altering his normal way of functioning. I tried to get help him some help.
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Randy: We had discussed this before, so I kind of knew what was going on.

Q: And what did you see when you went over there?
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Grace called Randy again to come over. "She needed help with him. He wasn't doing so well."
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"I went over to help him out and take everything away as I could," Randy testified.
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Randy said his speech was slurred. Then Grace, his nanny, would tell me all the time, "You need to get over here. Something's not right."
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 10m
Randy said this was in 2005 at the Shadow Wood home in Beverly Hills. "He was under the influence of something."
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Other than the times Randy described in the last deposition, she said saw signs MJ was on prescription medications at home.
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Q: Did you ever see any signs he was on prescription meds on tour?
A: No.
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Randy said Michael enjoyed touring.
Q: Why do you say that?
A: Well, because we like to tour, perform.
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Second part of the deposition was taped on March 26, 2013.
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Q: From 2000 until the time that your brother passed were there periods you believed he didn't problem with prescription drugs?
A: Yes
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Randy said his brother didn't drink. "I never seen him drink alcohol."
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Randy had already selected a rehab facility to take MJ. It was in the Bay area, San Francisco. The same place were interventionist worked
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Randy said they were concerned about prescription abuse around the time MJ was living at the Carolwood house.
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Randy: Leonard Rowe was involved very much in the shows and was giving reports to me that he didn't look too good.
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Randy: There was a drug issue. He wasn't eating. All of these things were happening at the same time. And, you know, a lot of pressure.
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Randy said he and his father tried to call MJ while he lived at Carolwood home. "We were unsuccessful," he said.
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Q: Did your mother ever tell you she believed your brother had problem w/ prescription drugs?
A: No, no, she didn't tell me that believed
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"I told her that we need to plan an intervention and that, her being a mother, because she was there."
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Randy said he had a phone call with his mother, he initiated the conversation.
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That was after the second attempted intervention at Neverland, Randy testified, which was the same as the one his mother attended.
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Q: Did you ever discuss you believed your brother had a problem with prescription drugs with your mother?
A: Yes
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Q: Did he ever tell you he had a problem with prescription drugs?
A: No.
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Randy: Just excessive use, maybe, I don't know if I would call that an addict, I'm not a doctor.
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Q: Was he addicted?
A: I don't know, I wasn't sure, I wasn't clear on it.
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Randy said he forgot the doctors' names. He talked to doctor friends he knew about his concerns of MJ's prescription drug abuse.
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Randy: Also, as I recall, I tried calling a doctor in Vegas and a doctor in Florida, but they wouldn't talk to me about it.
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Randy didn't talk to MJ about it at this point. He talked to Rebbie. "I was investigating about it, talking to people around him."
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Q: What medicine?
A: Sedatives, whatever they call them, sedatives.
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"She just told me she was concerned," Randy described. "Because he was using prescription medication too much."
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"The first time was in Los Angeles, she called me," Randy said. It was around 2000, year 2000.
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Q: When did you first come to believe MJ had a prob with prescription drugs?
A: I guess it was Grace.
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Q: Did your brother ever discuss taking medication to sleep?
A: No

"I never got a call about illegal drugs," Randy explained.
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Randy said he never saw MJ take prescription drugs or illegal drugs. He never heard of propofol or diprivan prior to MJ's death.
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Randy did not know about MJ taking anesthesiologists on tour.
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"I went to visit him at the hospital," Randy said about MJ. He never discussed with MJ insomnia, sleeping problems.
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Q: Did MJ talk to you about his burned scalp?
A: Yes. He said it was painful.
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Randy learned DiLeo came back as MJ's while the O2 show was being put together.

Q: Was he a good manager?
A: Yes
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Randy said he went to visit Frank DiLeo in the hospital after he was in a coma. He knew DiLeo for 20-30 years.
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"I told him I wanted him to go to the therapist with me," Randy described. He said this was after Santa Maria trial, which took over things
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They were at the Ranch for 2/3 hours. Randy discussed with MJ the Ranch intervention after.
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"He just did it and got ready for the trial," Randy explained. MJ never discuss any drug problem with Randy ever.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 19m
After the Las Vegas intervention, Randy said he watched MJ clean up. He was around, it was around Santa Maria trial.
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"My mom didn't believe it," Randy explained. "But it's my mom, she didn't want to believe it."
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Just leaving there all the brother talked about it, Randy said. Other family members didn't believe him either.
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Q: He also refused to go to rehab?
A: Yes

"I didn't believe him," Randy testified.
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Q: Believe your brother had problem with prescription drug?
A: Yes

Q: Did MJ deny he had a prob with prescription drugs?
A: Yes
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MJ didn't want to go to rehab that time either. The brothers stayed a few hours. It was just family, no doctors.
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Randy said he just walked in. One the brothers went over fence to open the gate

Q: Because security won't let you in?
A: Yes. We don't ask
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 21m
Q: Did you mom go?
A: I think so. Janet, Rebbie, no Marlon, not sure LaToya, no Jermaine, Tito maybe, Jackie
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Randy: I think my mom found out about the Grace.

"My family went with me," he said.
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Randy told siblings, Rebbie, brothers, Janet. They had another conference call. The parents were not on the call.
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Randy doesn't know how he cleaned up. The intervention at the Ranch occurred after NY. He got a call from Grace "You need to get down here."
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Randy: He stopped using these things, as fas as I know, he stopped using it. I learned it from Grace, pretty much Grace.
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Q: Did he clean up after LV intervention?
A: Yes
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 23m
Randy testified the brothers just talked to him. "Just tell him that his family loves him, concerned for him."
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Randy called Grace. "She told me that he cleaned up,"

Q: How?
A: Because I was there, probably.
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MJ didn't go to rehab, Randy didn't tell the parents, he said he didn't want to stress them out.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 23m
Randy doesn't remember the details of the conversation, whether MJ admitted or not abusing prescription drugs.
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"He wouldn't go" Randy said about his attempt to take MJ to rehab.

Q: Did you tell him to go?
A: Yes
Q: Did he tell you he wouldn't?
A: Yes
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 24m
Randy went with family only to the NY intervention.

Q: Did he agreed to see you?
A: I guess, I just walked in.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 24m
"You need to get down here," Randy said Grace told him. She didn't need to say anything else. "Because, my brother," Randy explained.
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Grace called him, he called the family, other family members, Rebbie, Tito, Janet, Randy said.
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Grace had called Randy each time. Janet, Rebbie and Tito were with Randy in NY. It happened in early to mid-2000.
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Randy believes the NY attempt happened prior to the Vegas time. He said he was worried about MJ, about "prescription," "prescription abuse."
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 25m
Besides Michael, just security was present.

Q: You mentioned another one in NY?
A: Yes
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 25m
Randy discussed with the doctors the attempted interventions. Randy did not speak with the doctors again after that.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 25m
Randy said he told the doctor there had been prior attempts to get MJ help and they weren't successful, needed professional help.
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Randy discussed MJ's stint in rehab before with the singer. Randy said he thinks it was one time that MJ was in rehab.
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He said he wanted to know just what they do and what is the procedure here, what they suggest.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 26m
Randy said he met the interventionist doctor at Madeo for lunch, probably met doctor one time prior as well.
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They talked to MJ while there, Randy said. He doesn't rememeber specifically what was said, but that the family loved him, wanted to help.
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Q: Besides siblings and the doctor was there somebody else who went?
A: I don't recall who the 2nd guy was. I didn't arrange it, Janet knew
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 27m
Q: Had you met him before?
A: No. Internet, maybe

Q: Was this Mr. Webb?
A: No. I don't recall
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 27m
"He was an experienced interventionist," Randy testified.

Q: How did you know that?
A: He told me
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Randy said he doesn't know if the parents talked to MJ. Randy and Janet had a doctor in the mix for the Vegas intervention.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 28m
Q: Did you ever discuss that with your parents?
A: Yes
Q Their reaction?
A: Displeased
Q: With?
A: Him not getting the help that he needed.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 28m
Randy: No, let me correct that. Initially we were playing on our tour, the brothers tour. There was concern then.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 28m
Randy said Leonard Rowe told him MJ may have prob w/ prescription drug. He guessed it was around time shows in London were being prepared
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 29m
Q: Up until the time of his passing you never discussed it with him again?
A: No
Q: Why not?
A: I hadn't gotten call from Grace or anyone
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 30m
"It was just around the Santa Maria trial," Randy said. "It was after, I think."
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 31m
Q: When was next discussion?
A: That may have been the last time, maybe. There were prior times.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 31m
Q: Did you leave thinking he had a prob?
A: Yes
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Randy said MJ told him 'Don't worry, I'm okay. I'm not gonna go.'

Q: Did he seem ok?
A: At the time yes
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 31m
Q: Did he say whether or not he had a problem with prescription drugs at that time?
A: No. No he didn't say it
They were with MJ for 2 hours
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 32m
Q: Did he deny he had a problem with prescription drugs at that time?
A: No
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 32m
MJ didn't go to rehab. Randy said the other siblings told MJ the same thing, to go to rehab.

Q: Did he admit having a problem?
A: No
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Q: Did you see MJ?
A: Yes. I told him him I was taking him to rehab," Randy said. "He said he was not going. I said you are, he said I'm not
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Randy said security told him MJ didn't want to see him. Just drive in and walked in the house. The gate was open, I just drove in walked in.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 33m
Randy confronted MJ every time Grace called him.
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Grace called Randy before about MJ using prescription drugs. He said she called him two or 3 times before.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 34m
Q: Have you ever believed MJ was abusing prescription drugs before?
A: Yes.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 34m
Randy said he spoken with Grace, the other siblings spoke with her too. "We may have had a conference call."
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 34m
MJ was staying in Vegas. Randy said he went there with Jackie, Rebbie, maybe Janet, maybe Marlon.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 34m
Randy said it was around the time of the trial, doesn't know if before or after, not sure.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 34m
"Because I had received call that he had been abusing prescription drugs," Randy said. Grace called him, he's sure if she called anyone else
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 34m
MJ's brother said one intervention was in Vegas, then in NY then LA. Randy remembered 3 times and intervention being attempted.
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"I wanted to make sure he was ok," Randy testified.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 36m
Q: Your brother didn't want to see you and you went to see him?
A: Yes
Q: Couple occasions?
A: Yes, 3 or 4 times
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 36m
There was a time he was the manager, then not manager, then manager again, Randy said.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 36m
Randy said Frank DiLeo was MJ's manager. "From what I understand until my brother passed," he explained.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 36m
Q: Did you call him in 2009?
A: I don't remember
Q: Did you see him in 2009?
A: I don't remember
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 36m
Randy said he doesn't remember when it was the last time he spoke with MJ. He said MJ was traveling.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 36m
The attorneys stipulated the firing occurred in 2004/2005.

Randy said he and Michael were pretty close, since they were close in age.
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Q: Why?
A: Because he asked me to.
Q: Your brother Michael did?
A: Yes
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 37m
First deposition was on Nov 6, 2012.

Q: Do you know Grace Rwamba?
A:Yes, and fired her too.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 37m
Jessica Stebbins Bina said AEG is calling Randy Jackson via video deposition.

Q- Question (by an attorney)
A- Answer (by Randy Jackson)
 
Michael Jackson nearly overdosed, family staged at least 10 drug interventions: brother
Randy Jackson told jurors in Michael Jackson’s wrongful death trial that the pop star had a secret near-overdose in 2005 and that he blocked some 10 drug interventions. ‘I made sure everybody knew it ... I would say he's an addict,’ Randy said a videotaped deposition.

BY NANCY DILLON / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Michael Jackson suffered a secret near-overdose in Beverly Hills in 2005 and deflected more than a half-dozen drug interventions staged by his concerned relatives, a Los Angeles jury heard Friday.

In videotaped deposition testimony played on a courtroom screen, the King of Pop's brother Randy Jackson detailed the revelations and also gave a new explanation for Jackson’s bizarre behavior during his 2005 molestation trial in Santa Barbara County.

Randy Jackson said Grace Rwaramba, the nanny to Jackson's kids, somehow snuck a prescription drug patch to the "Thriller" singer during the high-stakes criminal trial, causing the moonwalker to appear "under the influence" in a hospital when he was supposed to be in court.

Randy Jackson didn't specify the exact date of the hospital incident, but a source told the Daily News he was describing the notorious morning Jackson showed up in court in his pajamas.

The near overdose, meanwhile, came after the trial at a house in Beverly Hills called Shadow Wood, according to the video testimony.

Randy Jackson said Rwaramba called him in a panic after Jackson purportedly took too much of a prescription obtained in her name. He said Jackson was out of it and talking in "slurred speech" while his kids and guests were inside the residence.

"He was certainly under the influence of something that was altering his normal way of functioning," Randy Jackson recalled.

The brother said he confiscated all the drugs he could find and was downstairs getting something to eat when he heard Jackson had "collapsed."

Randy Jackson also testified that his family staged at least 10 interventions to try and get the pop star off various addictive prescription drugs.

Randy Jackson said he picked his brother up off the floor, put him on a bed and raced around the corner to get a doctor. He said the doctor gave Jackson something to "counter" the effects of the overdose and said not to leave the pop icon's side.

"Somebody should sleep next to him, make sure he doesn't vomit or choke, anything like that," the doctor said, according to Randy Jackson.

He recalled as many as 10 attempted interventions with Jackson that started in Taiwan during one of the singer's tours and also included an intervention in a New York hotel in 2000, about "four or five" surprise trips to Neverland Ranch and an attempt at Jackson's Las Vegas residence after the 2005 trial.

Randy Jackson said he even wrote a letter to all his family members explaining his concern that his brother was an addict.

"I copied everybody on it. Everyone. I made sure everybody knew it. I would say he has — he's an addict, and at this point, addicts aren't so responsible for what they do," he said.
He said it was "upsetting" to him that Rwaramba seemed to be supplying drugs to his brother and then calling him to pick up the pieces. He said he would race to pharmacies to confront her over her actions.
Randy Jackson said his brother didn't like the interference and would "isolate" himself, especially during the last year of his life.

"I wasn't afraid to say no to him. So he would really -- he would, like, get physical with me because — and I wouldn't be afraid to say no to him. But he's like 90 pounds, so it wouldn't do much," Randy Jackson with a laugh.

The testimony stood in stark contrast to the version of Jackson painted by clan matriarch Katherine Jackson during her turn on the witness stand.
The 83-year-old mom previously testified she never saw her son under the influence and did not believe he was an addict.
Katherine Jackson and the dead singer's three kids are suing AEG Live for an estimated $1 billion, claiming the concert promoter should be held liable for negligently hiring the doctor now serving four years for Jackson's overdose death.
AEG has denied any wrongdoing, saying it was Jackson who hired Dr. Conrad Murray and pressured the doctor to give him the surgery-strength anesthetic that led to his June 2009 death.
Asked if his mom believed Jackson had a problem, Randy Jackson said she was "in denial."
"She didn't want to believe it," he said.
He said Jackson knew how to "sweet talk" his mom.


Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertai...rother-article-1.1423100?pgno=1#ixzz2bYiaJcNq
 
Re: Jacksons vs AEG - Day 66 - August 9 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 16s
That was the end of Randy's deposition. Court adjourned until Monday at 10 am PT. AEG has not announced who the next witness is.
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A: I don't remember saying that, but that doesn't mean I didn't say it. I kind of felt that way at the time.
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Q: Do you recall telling Randy Phillips that you see that Michael was fortunate to have AEG involved in his return to the stage?
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 52s
Randy: I practically slept there to put the show together.
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Q: Did you have a positive experience with AEG?
A: Horrible! (laughs) No, I'm just joking. They were nice. They were very nice.
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Randy said he pushed everything to the side and was getting together this memorial for him and did it with AEG, Kenny Ortega and those guys.
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"I haven't even buried my brother yet," Randy said.
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Randy: We were still trying to figure out how to grieve, and these people are in court, and will, and this nonsense.
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Randy: After MJ died, everyone was shocked. I was really displeased with all the stuff that was going on in court with Branca, Weitzman.
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"Sometimes he would isolate himself because he didn't want people to hear his voice" Randy said.

Q: Because he might be using drugs?
A: Yes
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Q: Did you speak with him regularly?
A: I don't talk to anyone in my family regularly.
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Q: Was he doing it in the 5 years before his death? Isolated?
A: Oh, parts, parts of it.
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That was probably the first one, the first intervention, Randy said.

Q: Was MJ isolating himself?
A: Yeah, he would do that.
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Q: Did he seem he was using drugs at that time?
A: Yes, his speech was slurred, but nothing terrible.
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Randy said in Taiwan they visited him, gave him family love, wanted to make him feel comforted so he wouldn't think about doing those things
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Randy: I dind't know anything but we had heard things. That's why we were there.
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Randy said what spurred him to go to Taiwan was the fact that he needed help, he was far away, we said we need to go.
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Q: Did you go to Taiwan?
A: Yes, with Rebbie and some family members

MJ was doing shows in Taiwan.
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Randy talked about interventions in NY, Neverland, Las Vegas. And there was another intervention in Taiwan.
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After being turned down, Randy would then go home.

Q: After Carolwood, did you or father take any other action?
A: No, after that time no.
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They told Randy "he's not here, he's not there." Randy questioned if he wasn't there why they had the gate closed. "Open it up, no big deal"
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Q: Who did you see there?
A: Security guard.
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Randy: My dad and I tried to get the house at Carolwood. They wouldn't let me through. My brother didn't want me to see him like that.
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Q: Do you know if he slept well while on tour?
A: He slept well

Randy said MJ had no issues sleeping that he knew of.
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Randy: He was doing good in Ireland from what I recall. 06-7, 07-08 around that time.
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Randy said the last time Grace called was a long time ago. "I made my presence known, there wasn't lot more. She didn't need to call."
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Those were the only two times Randy saw him under the influence. "I'd get calls from Grace all the time," he said.
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Randy: He didn't know who to trust, because people around him were lying to him, telling him things just to secure their positions.
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He said MJ had slurry speech. "He was really frightened to go to that courtroom."
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Randy: Then I later found out she had gotten him a patch. I was livid.

Randy doesn't know what kind of patch it was.
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Randy said that when Grace was around MJ, he was under the some kind of influence. "But we had him go to court and had the doctor with him"
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Q: Was he in the hospital because he had reaction to his drug use?
Randy: No. He was in the hospital because he didn't want to go to court.
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Randy: And I said "Okay, but you are going to court." He goes "No, I'm not."
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Randy: I went to hospital MJ said "I don't know what you're thinking. I'm not walking into that courtroom so don't even think about it Randy
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Randy: He didn't want to go to court. He didn't show up to court. And I was freaking out because it was on the news.
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Randy said MJ was really scared before the Santa Maria trial. And somehow Grace was able to get him something.
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Randy: He would get physical with me, I wouldn't be afraid to say no. But he was 90 pounds, it wouldn't do much.
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Randy: MJ didn't want to talk to me too much. Because maybe I wasn't afraid to say no to him.
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Randy: Did she ever believe he had a problem? Yeah, but I think she was in denial, she didn't want to believe it.
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Randy: My mom, you know, she would mever want to believe it. She's a mom, you know. I felt bad for my her.
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The letter was MJ's idea, Randy said.

Q: Did you mom sign it?
A: My mom, LaToya, all my brothers.
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He said he wasn't behind the article, but didn't sign the letter. Janet, Rebbie and his dad didn't sign it either.
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Randy said MJ got people in his family to sign a letter that was on People Mag saying he never used drugs. "I was really disturbed by that."
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"I fired them both that's probably whay they said it," Randy opined. "It had nothing to do with me."
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Randy: Grace and actually Raymone Bain because I fired them both.
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Randy: There was a People Magazine article coming out talking about his drug use. Grace told him that I was behind putting this article out.
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Randy: He was using it again because there was a... it was quite disturbing to me.
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Q: Were all of the interventions were before the Santa Maria trial?
A: There was one after, the Vegas was after.
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Randy: I fired her again, I noticed when she was around there was a pattern. Whenever she's around, he's wasted. So I fired her again.
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Randy said he started right before Santa Maria trial but he got MJ clean. He told Rebbie "don't leave his side" because I didn't trust Grace
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"He was in a great place," Randy said. "Then Grace came back around and he started using it again. I was very pissed off about it."
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Randy said MJ would really, relaly enjoyed being around his children. He would cook for them.
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Randy: When I was helping with the situation in Santa Maria I was able to make it stop. I fired Grace, stoped it from coming in.
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Q: Could you give a range if years that this was happening?
A: It happened over a period of time, when I was, he stopped doing it also.
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Randy: Michael wouldn't want to really be around his family too much, I think because he didn't want us to see him that way, specially me
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Shadow Wood home was 50-thousand square feet. Randy said he hated it, it was just too big.
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Randy tried to jump the gate a few times. "My dad and I tried a few times to get him help."
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After Vegas, there were no more interventions, Randy said. "I tried to get him help but I couldn't get as many people to stage intervention"
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Randy didn't speak with MJ that day. He said people would tip MJ off. "So it's bad news. Randy's coming to shake things up."
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Q: What happened when you arrived at Neverland?
A: I think that time he wasn't there.
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Randy said Rebbie and Janet were always supportive, always with him. "My dad also."
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Katherine was at one intervention only, Randy said. "That must've been the first one, around 2002-2003, at Neverland.
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A: First one at Neverland, not the one that KJ was present. Janet, myself, Rebbie. Maybe my mom was at that one. I think my mom was there.
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Rebbie and Janet went on all of them, except one or two.

Q: Describe the 3-4 additional interventions:
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The 4-5 interventions at Neverland were between 2004-2006. "One of them included my mom," Randy said.
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Randy: No, my mon no. As a mom, I guess maybe it was hard for her, you know, for a mother to see that.
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Q: Did you get responses?
A: I think everyone was in shock, maybe a little denial. I always got responses, my dad, Rebbie and Janet, always
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He wrote the letter down on paper and had assistant copy it. He said not everybody in his family looks at email.
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Q: Did you send it to your mother as well?
A: Everybody got a copy of it.
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Randy: So this is where the family needs to step in and do something about it because their desire becomes physical.
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Randy: He's an addict, and at this point, addicts aren't so responsible for what they do.
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Q: Who did you send the letter to?
A: Everybody, copied everybody. I made sure everybody knew it.
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Randy wrote letters to my family about MJ's problem and that they had to do something to help.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 24m
Randy said he was spending a lot of time with him, so he kind of got close look at what was going on.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 26m
Finally out of twitter jail... Here's the rest of Randy Jackson's deposition.
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"There were a few over there. I don't know, maybe 4 or 5," Randy responded. It was around 2004, 2005. Or 2005-06.
 
Re: Jacksons vs AEG - Day 66 - August 9 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

Michael Jackson's brother describes drug interventions
By Alan Duke, CNN
August 12, 2013 -- Updated 1320 GMT (2120 HKT)
A look back at [url='http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/world/obituaries-2013' t=_self]those we have lost in 2013[/url]. A look back at those we have lost in 2013.
HIDE CAPTION
People we lost in 2013

>>
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
The concert promoter is using Randy Jackson's testimony in the wrongful death trial
AEG Live lawyers say Jackson was a secretive drug addict even beyond his family's help
His brother would "kind of hide from me," Randy Jackson testifies
Michael Jackson's mother and children say AEG Live is liable in the singer's death
Los Angeles (CNN) -- Michael Jackson's youngest brother made an unsuccessful effort to reach the singer in his last weeks because of family concerns about his drug use, according to testimony in the AEG Live wrongful death trial.
Lawyers for the concert promoter accused of liability in Jackson's death want to show that the pop icon was a secretive drug addict who was even beyond his family's help.
Jurors watched video of Randy Jackson's questioning by the AEG Live lawyers about failed interventions he led because of his concerns about Michael Jackson's use of painkillers in the last decade of his brother's life.
Jackson died from an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol that a doctor told police he was using to treat his insomnia as he rehearsed for a comeback tour four years ago. Jackson's mother and three children are suing the concert promoter, contending it negligently hired, retained or supervised the doctor convicted of involuntary manslaughter in his death.
Randy Jackson testified that he and his father, Joe Jackson, were turned away from the gates of Jackson's rented Los Angeles mansion on Carolwood Drive, the home in which he died weeks later. They were concerned because of "reports to me that he didn't look too good," he said.
Jury applauds witness in trial
"After I had heard this, I said, 'Come on, let's go. We're going over there,' " he testified.
Other witnesses, including Jackson's makeup artist and the show director, have testified that Jackson suffered physical deterioration in the last two months of his life.
"There was a drug issue," Randy Jackson said, explaining why they wanted to reach him. "He wasn't eating. All of these things were happening at the same and, you know, a lot of pressure."
He said he wanted to persuade his brother to leave rehearsals and enter a drug rehab program in San Francisco.
"Of course my brother wouldn't let me through because he wouldn't want me to see him like that," he said. The security guard told him his brother was not at home, he said.
Jackson lawyers do not dispute that Michael Jackson had a drug dependency problem at times, but they say he went long periods of time without taking painkillers. The entertainer publicly acknowledged his dependency when he cut short his Dangerous tour to enter a rehab program in 1993.
The drug use was connected to two decades of pain stemming from scalp burns suffered while filming a Pepsi commercial and several onstage accidents on tour, they say. He also used prescription sedatives to help him sleep, especially during the pressure of touring, they argue.
The pressure was on again as Jackson prepared for his "This Is It" concerts set to debut in London in July 2009, they say. Jackson was getting nightly infusions of propofol in a desperate effort to cure his insomnia, which a sleep expert testified disrupted his natural sleep cycles and caused his physical and mental decline.
AEG Live executives created an ethical conflict of interest by hiring Dr. Conrad Murray as Jackson's full-time physician for $150,000 a month, the Jackson lawsuit contends. Murray could not refuse Jackson's demands for propofol infusions since he was deeply in debt and could not risk being fired from the lucrative job, they argue.
Who is Debbie Rowe?
AEG Live lawyers say it was Jackson who chose and controlled Murray, not the company, and they had no way of knowing about the dangerous treatments he was giving the singer in the privacy of his bedroom.
While Randy Jackson was questioned for several hours by AEG Live lawyers, only about an hour of the video was shown to jurors Friday. Most of it focused on his repeated attempts to interrupt his brother's use of painkillers.
"I wrote letters to my family about his problem and that we had to do something to help," Randy Jackson testified. The letters would tell his parents, brothers and sisters that 'he's an addict,' and at this point, addicts aren't so responsible for what they do. So this is where the family needs to step in and do something about it because their desire becomes physical."
Jackson testified that he "staged several interventions," including in Taiwan, New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
"Four or five" of those attempted interventions were at Jackson's Neverland Ranch between 2004 and 2006 -- around the time of the child abuse trial in Santa Barbara County, California, he said.
MJ's 'pajama day' in court
Randy Jackson said he was able to get his brother off of drugs at one point, but he resumed just before the child molestation trial began in a Santa Maria, California, courtroom in 2004. "He was really scared."
He fired Jackson nanny Grace Rwaramba because he suspected she was supplying his drugs, he said. "Whenever she's around, he's wasted."
He asked older sister Rebbie Jackson to stay close to their brother, he said, telling her, "Make sure you watch everything he does, because I have to get him in this courtroom every day and see this thing through."
Randy Jackson gave new insight into what happened that infamous day of the trial when Michael Jackson showed up late for court wearing pajamas. At the time, the singer blamed a back injury suffered when he fell in the shower, which sent him to a hospital that morning.
Ex-bodyguard testifies about singer's drug use
His brother testified, however, it was "because he didn't want to go to court."
"I went to the hospital and he said to me, he says, 'I don't know what you're thinking. I'm not walking into that courtroom, so don't even think about it, Randy,' " he testified. "And I said, 'OK.' I said, 'But you're going to court.' He goes, 'No, I'm not.' "
Randy Jackson blamed the nanny for supplying "some kind of patch" that had drugs.
Jackson also described an incident in which his brother had a bad reaction to a sedative while at a Beverly Hills home in 2005. The nanny called him, saying, "You need to get over here. Something's not right," he testified. A doctor who lived nearby paid a house call and treated him, he said.
He said his brother would "kind of hide from me" because he didn't want him to know about his drug use, Jackson said.
Monday is the start of the 16th week of testimony in the trial, which the judge told jurors could last until the end of September.
 
Jacksons vs AEG - Day 67 - August 12 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

Jacksons vs AEG - Day 67 - August 12 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

Use this thread to post any and all news stories from day 67 of Katherine Jackson vs. AEG trial.

Daily news threads are merged into the main News thread in the stickies

Please help the staff by posting all the news stories as well as tweets from media you see.

Please Don't post updates or tweets from Fans in news thread
 
Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
Going to grab a quick bite and head back to court, but will try to have some additional updates from the Jackson-AEG trial this afternoon.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
The interest payments were for loans taken against his Sony-ATV and Mijac music catalogs and various properties (Neverland, Hayvenhurst.)
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
For instance, in 2009, Ackerman said Jackson would have spent close to $30 million on annual interest payments alone.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
Erk projected that Jackson would spend roughly $7 million a year if he had lived.
Ackerman said the historical figures were much higher.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
One of his charts showed Jackson's spending versus what plaintiff's expert Arthur Erk calculated for MJ's expenses.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
In 2001, Ackerman Jackson's income was about $15 million, but his expenses were roughly $32-33 million.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
... Jackson's personal spending in the early 2000s, so he said his debts for that time period were probably higher than shown on his charts.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
Many millions of dollars each year were spent repaying interest on loans, Ackerman said.
He also didn't have complete records on ... (cont)
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
His underlying testimony so far has been to show that Jackson was spending millions more per year than he was earning in the 90s, 2000s.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
Before the lunch break, he described in great detail Jackson's debts and earnings. He said MJ died $400-500 million in debt.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
His testimony so far has been interrupted by one sidebar so attorneys could again argue about slides, his testimony.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
Ackerman’s firm has billed more than $800,000 for work in the case, which involved compiling Jackson’s financial history.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
He said his experience was pretty evenly split between being a witness for plaintiffs and defense cases.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
Ackerman said he has testified in approximately 60 trials and arbitration proceedings.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
He is a forensic accountant with the consulting firm Freeman and Mills Inc., which handles a lot of litigation-type cases.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
Ackerman started pulling out binders large and small and stacking them behind him in the witness box. It took him 3 minutes to set up.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
When Ackerman took the stand _ 48 minutes after the jury was ordered to be at the courthouse _ he brought 2 large boxes of documents.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
... children might be entitled to. Judge also said AEG shouldn’t show an image of Carrolwood mansion to reflect the Jacksons’ housing.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
For instance, the judge told AEG to take out slides showing a BMW and the Harvard logo. AEG said those were things Jackson's ... (cont)
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
The judge agreed to allow Ackerman to testify, but did tell AEG to take out certain pictures from slides that will be shown to the jury.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
There are 200,000 pages of Jackson’s financial records that form the basis of Ackerman’s opinion. Many are from the 2000s.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
AEG Live’s lawyers however argued that Ackerman’s opinion was about Jackson’s financial history and spending and weren’t duplicative.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
Panish argued that another defense witness, Eric Briggs, had testified about Jackson's debts and Ackerman's opinion would be redundant.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
Plaintiff’s attorney Brian Panish argued that Ackerman’s testimony should be blocked because it was cumulative.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
Testimony got a late start (abt 50 minutes) because attorneys were arguing issues about Ackerman’s opinions and whether he could testify.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
Forensic accountant Stuart Ackerman is today’s witness. He’ll be testifying about Jackson’s financial history, spending.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1h
We’re on the lunch break in Jackson vs AEG Live. Katherine Jackson and Trent are here today.
Some updates coming up...
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5h
For jury, Jackson vs AEG case provides a behind-the-scenes of "This Is It" preparations that filmgoers didn't see: http://yhoo.it/19dFlMZ
View summary
Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5h
I'll be back in court in Jackson vs AEG Live when testimony resumes at 10 am. Hoping to get back to regular posting this week.
 
Michael Jackson trial: Pop star was 'tapped out,' millions in debt

By Jeff Gottlieb
August 12, 2013, 2:13 p.m.
Despite receiving millions of dollars annually from his song catalogs, Michael Jackson year after year spent more than he earned, including $30 million in annual debt payments, a forensic accountant testified Monday.

William R. Ackerman, testifying as a defense witness on behalf of AEG Live in the wrongful-death trial, offered a detailed look at the singer's finances, telling jurors that Jackson spent money on donations to charity, gifts, travel, art and furniture.

"He spent a lot of money on jewelry," Ackerman said with a chuckle.

Neverland Ranch -- which Ackerman called "a mini-theme park," with its maintenance staff, zoo and train that traveled around the property -- was also a huge drain on his income, the certified public accountant testified.

Still, he said, “consistently, his largest expenditure was interest expense. He spent a ton of money on interest.”

Jackson's biggest expense was $30 million in annual payments on his debt when he died in 2009.

Interest on the loans grew over the years, ranging from a little less than 7% to 16.8% annually, Ackerman said in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom.

As early as 1993, Jackson owed $30 million, a figure that grew to $140 million by 1998. From June 2001 through June 2009, Jackson's debt increased by about $170 million. When he died, Jackson owed $400 million to $500 million, Ackerman testified.

Ackerman said Jackson received no loans after 2007, and at the time of his death, he was three to four months behind on payments for the San Fernando Valley home where his mother lived.

"He was tapped out," Ackerman said.

The CPA is the latest high-priced expert to testify in the trial. Ackerman said his company has received $825,000 for its work on the trial. Concert promoter AEG Live has spent around $1.5 million on experts to testify about Jackson's financial condition, which could be a key factor in how much damages the firm could owe Jackson's mother and three children.

The Jacksons are suing AEG Live, claiming it negligently hired and supervised Conrad Murray, the doctor who administered the lethal dose of anesthetic to the singer as he prepared for his 50 comeback concerts in London.

AEG says Jackson hired the doctor and any payments the firm was supposed to make to Murray would have been advances to the pop star.

Jackson's debt has become a contentious issue during the trial, now in its fourth month. During testimony by a previous expert called by AEG, it was revealed that the Internal Revenue Service had valued Jackson's portion of the Sony/ATV song catalog as being worth hundreds of millions of dollars more than his total debt.

But Ackerman, whose testimony is continuing, said the singer was in a "precarious financial position."

He provided details of Jackson's 1985 purchase of the ATV music catalog, which contains many Beatles songs, for $49.5 million. Jackson merged it with Sony's catalog a decade later, receiving $115 million, along with a guaranteed $6.5 million a year, which was increased to $11 million annually in 2008.

The CPA also testified that Jackson's tours in the 1990s were not moneymakers. He said Jackson broke even on the Dangerous tour and lost $11.2 million on the HIStory tour.
 
Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2m
I have to pause my updates for a bit, may be back on later with elements of cross-examination.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2m
The chart was basically a sliding scale, allowing the jury to see Jackson’s projected support if they think his life expectancy was shorter.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 3m
The bottom line figure of his projection was $21.5 million dollars for Jackson’s mother and children if MJ had lived for 15 ½ years past ‘09
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 3m
Ackerman made no projection of how long MJ’s life-expectancy would have been, but projected out his likely level of support for 15 years.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 3m
Part of his analysis involved estimating Katherine Jackson’s life expectancy until about age 89 based on a table used in court proceedings.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 3m
Ackerman then went into another set of figures, which were projected levels of support based on risk calculations he said are commonly made.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 4m
The slides showed how much was spent on security, schooling, utilities, food and other expenses for Katherine & the kids.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5m
The consultant gave detailed breakdowns of how he arrived at those figures for the jury through various slides showing payment breakdowns.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5m
The $3.5 million figure was Ackerman’s estimate of support Jackson was providing his family in 2009.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5m
... family at the same level that he had been supporting them. He pegged that figure at about $3.5 million/year for Katherine, MJ’s kids.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5m
“He dug himself a pretty good hole,” Ackerman said of Jackson’s debt, adding that he isn’t sure MJ could have continued to support his(cont)
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 6m
Ackerman also told the jury about missed payments on Jackson’s Neverland property and on his family’s Hayvenhurt home.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 6m
The note on the Sony-ATV catalog loan would have come due in 2010, Ackerman said. Defaulting on the loan would impact MJ’s income, he said.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 6m
Ackerman also told the jury that one major piece of Jackson’s debt was a $300 million loan against his share of the Sony-ATV catalog.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 6m
After the lunch break, Ackerman reiterated a point he made this morning, that Jackson was “tapped out,” meaning he couldn't borrow any more.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 24m
In the afternoon session, AEG Live defense attorney Sabrina Strong completed her direct examination.
Panish started on his cross-examination
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 27m
Some of his testimony and charts shown to the jury may get stricken, but the judge made clear she wants to think about it some more.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 27m
AEG Live's lawyers say the issue can be fixed on cross-examination, but the judge wants to hear more arguments in the morning.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 28m
Panish argued that Ackerman's figures create an improper comparison to plaintiff's expert Arthur Erk's figures on MJ's expenses.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 29m
Plaintiff's lawyer Brian Panish says Ackerman's testimony about Michael Jackson's consumption, which includes interest payments, is improper
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 30m
This afternoon, plaintiff's attorneys argued that some of Ackerman's slides and testimony should be stricken.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 30m
I'd previously tweeted that Mr. Ackerman's first name was Stuart. Correcting that now from this morning's tweets.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 31m
We're done for the day in Jackson vs AEG Live. Court ended as it started, with attorneys arguing over testimony of William Ackerman.
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Re: Jacksons vs AEG - Day 67 - August 12 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 7m
For MJ, he calculated 15 and half years of life expectancy, although he didn't offer his opinion on how much MJ would live.
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Ackerman said Mrs. Jackson's life expectancy was 10 years from 2009. So he stopped calculating future earnings based on that.
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Period 11 - End 12/31/2019 -- for KJ and children -- $19,452,000
Period 16 - End 12/31/2024 -- for KJ and children -- $21,498,000
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Projected Support to Plaintiffs (cumulative)
Period 1 - End 12/31/2009 -- for KJ and children -- $1,684,000
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Katherine Jackson -- Projected Support
From 2009 - 2019
Period 1 - Ending 12/31/2009 -- $557,000
Period 11 - Ending 6/30/2019 -- $6,111,000
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Ackerman used a discount rate of 18% to put numbers in present value.
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Ackerman said he gave $110,000 cushion in the last category to catch all that was possibly missed.
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Groceries:
$17,000 per year per child
Other
$121,000 per year per child for toys, gifts, clothes, electronics, books, jewelry, boats, places
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Ackerman said he projected kids to have own cars at 16. He testified he thinks the dream car would be a convertible BMW -- $35k/year/child
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Auto:
Ackerman said MJ had acquired 2 top of the line Escalades. $42,000 for MJ and 3 children, about $14,000 per child.
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Security:
$69,000 per child per year

Caretaker:
$22,000 per child per year
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Travel:
$122,000 per child

Ackerman said MJ would travel by private plane and would rent entire floors of hotels.
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2013 cost of private university -- $63,000 (Harvard). Ages 18-21. In 2009, it was $51,000. This included tuition and room and board.
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Education:
Buckley School in 2013 is $36,000 for ages 12-17. In 2009 was $28,000.
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Chef (Kai Chase) -- $128,000
Utilities -- $64,000
Total Annual Cost -- $1,454,000
25% Allocation per child -- 364,000
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Rent -- $1,200,000
Butler -- $31,000
Housekeeper -- $31,000
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The difference is because Prince was going to Buckley School, which Ackerman said is higher than home schooling for Paris & Blanket in 2009.
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Prince, Paris and Blanket Annual Support Around 2009:
Prince -- $785,000
Paris -- $780,000
Blanket -- $780,000
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Strong: What you see on the records, it decreased overtime?
Ackerman: It appears that way.
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Ackerman said the books and records listed out the gifts MJ gave to Mrs. Jackson. In some years, there was no gift amount listed.
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Travel -- $35,000/year
(Family vacations for 2010 was $118,362 and 2011 was $160,471)

Gifts -- $40,000/year
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Auto/RV
MJ had given Mrs. Jackson a top of the line Mercedes and recreational vehicle -- $118,000/year
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Hayvenhurst security/alarms -- $69,000/year
Food allowance -- $30,000/year (just for Mrs. Jackson)
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Hayvenhurst employees/independent contractors -- $252,000/year
(groundkeeper, butler, housekeeper, personal assistant, driver, security man)
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Hayvenhurst repairs and maintenance -- $111,000/year
Hayvenhurst homeowner insurance -- $36,000/year
Hayvenhurst utilities -- $64,000/year
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Annual Support for Katherine Jackson alone:
Hayvenhurst mortgage on March 2009 -- 31,513/month
Hayvenhurst property taxes -- 34,000/year
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Annual Support for Katherine Jackson included all expenses for Hayvenhurst, Auto/RV,Travel, Gifts.
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Prince -- $785,000
Paris -- $780,000
Blanket -- $780,000
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Ackerman calculated Annual Support to Plaintiffs Around 2009:
Katherine - $1,167,000
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"He was in a very precarious financial condition," Ackerman opined. "He dig himself in pretty good hole."
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Ackerman said the mortgage at Hayvenhurst was delinquent 3-4 months and was scheduled to be foreclosed on June 26, 2009, a day after MJ died
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Colony Capital came in and replaced primary lender -- non-interest bearing loan to MJ for $23 million.
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"It has become very close to foreclosure by Colony Capital in 2008," Ackerman said about Neverland.
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Neverland:
Ackerman said about $23 million had been lent against Neverland.
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Bankruptcy remote trust was formed in March 2006. It was called "New Horizon Trust."
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Ackerman said his understanding is that the trust would protect the catalogues against other borrowers.
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A bankruptcy remote trust is established to protect the interest of the lender in case the borrower files for bankruptcy.
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Ackerman said he believes lenders were getting nervous in 2006, formed bankruptcy remote trust that included Sony/ATV and MIJAC catalogues.
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"It was earmarked to either pay the interest of the debts or the debts themselves," Ackerman said.
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Ackerman: Mr. Jackson never got paid that money from royalties, it went straight to the lender.
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Ackerman said that, based on his review of the documents, the royalties were dedicated to repay the debt.
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Profile of Financial Condition:
5- Neverland
6- Hayvenhurst
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Profile of Financial Condition:
3- Catalog Cash Flow Committed to Servicing Debt
4- Bankruptcy Remote Trust Formed in 2006
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Strong showed another chart of MJ's Finances.
Profile of Financial Condition:
1- Significant Debt
2- High Borrowing Rates
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"The income goes away," Ackerman said.
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Strong: I want you to assume, if MJ did not have the Sony/ATV catalogue, do you have an opinion if he would receive $6.5 to $11 million?
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If not paid, Ackerman said he'd assume MJ would not receive the amount he was to receive annually for royalties.
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Ackerman said the $300 million loan against the Sony/ATV catalogue was due in full in December of 2010.
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Ackerman: Yes, ma'am.

"I don't think he was able to borrow any more money," Ackerman said.
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Strong: Assuming Briggs testified value of MJ's interest in the catalogue is roughly in line w/ debt, is that consistent he was tapped out?
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The Hayvenhurst residence was 3-4 months in arrears by June 2009.

Ackerman said he does not know the value of Sony/ATV catalogue.
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Ackerman: He was having troubles to meet his obligations in the period of 2007-2009, as well as other periods.
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"He was tapped out," the expert explained. He said his opinion is based on the documents he reviewed in the case.
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Ackerman said after 2007 no debt had been incurred. "Nobody would lend him money," he said.
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"After 2008, people were just not giving him more money," Ackerman said.
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The title of Hayvenhurst house was in Michael and LaToya's name, Ackerman said.
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Loan Balance - $383,500
Total: $ 398,878,414 in asses securing debt.
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Neverland Residence - $ 71,509,703
Hayvenhurst Residence - $ 23,000,000
Lindley Residence - $ 3,985,211
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Strong showed chart with MJ's Assets Securing Debt in June 2009:
50% Interest in Sony/ATV Catalog MIJAC Catalog - $ 300,000,000
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The expert said MJ created new companies for the "HIStory" tour and he analyzed the books, which showed he lost money.
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Ackerman said the books and records shows MJ lost $11.2 million in the "HIStory" tour.
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Ackerman said he believes Dangerous tour in 1993 broke even or lost money. He reviewed Gongaware's testimony with that info.
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Strong asked what that means. "He liked to spend money," Ackerman responded.
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Ackerman said MJ received in Oct 1995-97 -- received $150 million from Sony. But he spent $32 million in 1993, $140 million in 1998.
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Ackerman said in 2007 it was $400 million, plateau there until his passing in 2009.
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Strong showed chart with MJ's outstanding debt:
2001 -- $231 million
2005 -- $275 million
2006 -- $325 million
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"It continued to grow over time to the final numbers," Ackerman said.
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Ackerman said he saw on documents that MJ was as much as $30 million in debt as early as 1993.
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Ackerman: He was close to about $400 million on long-term debt, had other debts to credit he received. Total debt is $400 and $500 million.
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Ackerman said this amount was all separated from his monthly expenses.
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"This is the cost to rent somebody else's money," Ackerman explained. He said the interest rate was 16,8%, almost 17%.
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Ackerman said from 2001/2004 the annual interest on debt was from $13 to $15 million
2005: $20 million
2006: $25 million
2009: $30 million
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Strong showed chart with MJ's Interest on Debt, which is the amount of incurred interest over the years.
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Ackerman said Michael Jackson had to take on more and more debt to keep going, since income was not sufficient.
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The expert said he had to take care of the animals at Neverland, had people on the payroll, spent half a million dollars in amusement rides.
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Ackerman said MJ was a generous man and donated a lot money to charity. He also gave a lot of gifts to different people at different times.
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Ackerman: All expenses of the different businesses he had, payroll, Neverland Ranch was very expensive to maintain.
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Strong: What things did you see MJ would spend?
Ackerman: The large expenditures was in interest.
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Michael Jackson's Finances -- Expenses
Erk: $6.8 million in consumption
Ackerman said in 2008 it was $41/42 million in consumption
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Ackerman said MJ was spending $15-20 million a year on average more than his income.
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Ackerman said there were not a lot of books and records provided for the year 2007. MJ had some sort of dispute with his business manager.
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The expert said those were the years MJ was living at Neverland Ranch. And no expenses were reported.
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Ackerman said 2002, 2003 and 2004 there were no personal expenditures record. So they were not included in the graphic.
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MJ's Finances in 2008:
$26 million in income
$42 million in expenses
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Strong showed a chart of MJ's Finances -- Spending Exceeded Income
2001:
$17 million in income
$33/34 million in expenses
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Michael Jackson Company is the corporation that entered into an agreement with AEG.
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Ackerman testified that some times the spending on a given company would be bigger than the income, would have a loss.
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Ackerman said MJ had multiple corporations. He said most of his expenses were from one of his entities and not by himself as a person.
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Ackerman said MJ paid $49,5 million dollars for the ATV catalogue, which then was merged with Sony.
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Ackerman: MJ had ATV catalogue alone and received $115 million over a three year period of time for the merge with Sony's catalogue in 1995.
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The expert said MJ was to continue to receive $6.5 million every year for royalties and $11 million from 2008 and forward until 2014.
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Ackerman said the Sony/ATV catalogue merged in 1995. As part of deal, MJ received a substantial amount of money.
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Ackerman: During the last decade of his life the primary source of income was Sony/ATV catalogue and his own MIJAC catalogue.
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He said he focused on 2001 to June 2009 period, since the financial information was the most complete during this period.
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Ackerman said he put together a profile of Michael Jackson's financial condition.
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"He had significant debt over time, the interest had become more and more burdensome to meet," Ackerman described.
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"MJ's spending exceeded his income on an annual basis," Ackerman testified.
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Exhibit:
A. Spending Exceeded Income
B. Growing and Significant Debt
C. Profile of Financial Condition
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Ackerman: I think it's important to share with jury that there was some doubt of his ability to continue to provide support.
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Ackerman said he looked at books and records for Michael Jackson and was asked to measure what MJ paid to plaintiffs for support.
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"We submitted invoices in excess of $800,000" Ackerman testified. He said he doesn't know how it's possible to opine without reading all.
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Ackerman's hourly rate is $475. Other people in his firm charge between $325 to $75 an hour.
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Ackerman said it probably took well over 2000 hours just to read all the documents. He spent between 650 and 700 hours alone.
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Ackerman said he reviewed all docs, didn't amount to millions of dollars. He testified his firm spent between 2800 - 3000 hours on this case
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Erk's testimony: Otherwise we'd spend millions of dollars and I didn't think this was necessary.
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Erk responded he had access to them but decided to read only what he thought was pertinent.
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Strong showed Ackerman a question that was posed to Arthur Erk. He was asked if he reviewed thousand of documents in this case.
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Ackerman said he/his firm reviewed over 200,000 pages of documents. About 10 people in his office worked in reviewing these documents.
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Ackerman explained he developed what we would describe as a financial profile of Michael Jackson.
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Scope of Work
- Michael Jackson's finances
- Support, contributions, gifts and benefits
- Present value calculation
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Ackerman said he was asked to try to determine the amount of support plaintiffs would received/could expect to receive had MJ lived.
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He has also worked on a handful wrongful death matters. Ackerman said he probably worked on 1,000 matters where he looked at damages issues.
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"I don't choose my clients, they choose me" Ackerman said. The witness has testified on behalf of O'Melveny & Myers about a handful of times
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Ackerman testified in a little over 60 cases, all as expert witness. He said the split is half between being hired by plaintiffs/defendants.
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Ackerman studied Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting at Georgetown University.
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He's works in all kinds of civil litigation and some criminal matters. The only litigation his firm does not do is marital dissolution.
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Ackerman said his work is primary is the damage areas, says he works on several cases and they are all different.
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He's been working in the accounting firm for a little over 22 years.
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Ackerman works currently at Freeman & Mills, consulting in accounting, finance, economics, business practices, primarily business settings.
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He said he did an extensive review of the financial information provided to him, did a financial evaluation of MJ.
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Ackerman was asked to determine the amount of support the plaintiffs received and could expect to receive had MJ lived.
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Sabrina Strong did direct examination of Ackerman. She asked how tall he is. The expert said he's 6'7".
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AEG called a new witness on the stand, William Ackerman. Before seating down, Ackerman laid out several large binders from 2 boxes.
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Prior to beginning of session, attorneys discussed with judge about the next witnesses/exhibits outside the presence of the jury.
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Katherine Jackson is back in the courtroom today. She's wearing a long white pique jacket and sporting silver hoop earrings.
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Hello from the courtouse in downtown LA.Day 67 of Jackson family vs AEG trial, Week 16, has just concluded.
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Financial Expert: Michael Jackson Was ‘Tapped Out

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — For all of his fame and wealth, Michael Jackson was mired in debt and spending millions more than he earned, a financial expert testified Monday.

Forensic accountant William Ackerman was called to testify by attorneys for concert promoter AEG Live in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the late singer’s family.

According to Ackerman’s testimony, the singer, who owned half of a music catalog valued at an estimated $2 billion, was in financial trouble in the decade before his death.

“The man spent more than he brought in,” Ackerman testified, producing a graph that contrasted how much Jackson brought in yearly with how much he spent from 2001 to 2009.

“On an annual basis (he was) spending 15 to 20 million dollars a year more than he brought in,” Ackerman said.

Ackerman went on to testify that the majority of Jackson’s earnings went towards paying off the singer’s debt. According to Ackerman, Jackson was paying close to $30 million in interest the year that he died.

“He was tapped out,” Ackerman said, testifying that no one would lend Jackson any more money.

Asked how much Jackson would have spent to support his mother and three children had he lived another 15 years, Ackerman testified that the singer would have spent close to $21.5 million.

But upon cross-examination, Ackerman testified Michael Jackson’s debt did not increase in the last three years of his life.

The singer’s financial situation, including the potential gains he stood to make from the ill-fated ‘This Is It’ tour, have been among the central questions in the wrongful death lawsuit.

On July 15, an expert testifying for the Jackson family said the singer’s death had caused a loss of income estimated between $1.1 to $1.5 billion, earned from 37 months of touring, along with merchandise, endorsements, and royalties from a Las Vegas show.

Attorneys for the concert promoter presented conflicting documents prepared by AEG Live that estimated Jackson would earn $132 million for 186 shows, far less than the expert for the Jackson family had estimated in his testimony.

Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, alleged executives at AEG were negligent when they hired Dr. Conrad Murray to look after the singer during the ‘This Is It’ concert tour. AEG denies any wrongdoing and maintains the doctor was brought on at Jackson’s request.

Murray was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter after giving the singer an overdose of the anesthetic propofol.

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2013/08/12/financial-expert-michael-jackson-was-tapped-out/
 
Re: Jacksons vs AEG - Day 67 - August 12 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 5h
We hope to see you tomorrow for full coverage. For latest watch @ABC7 and http://www.abc7.com . Have a great night everyone!
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 5h
Judge adjourned session until tomorrow morning at 9:45 am PT. Ackerman is ordered to return then. He's expected to last all day on the stand
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Panish told the judge this is a good point to stop. He says he needs to argue with the court. Judge responded: "And you can't wait!"
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Panish: Did you read that MJ had 28.8 year life expectancy?
Objection -- sustained
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Panish: What was the standard life expectancy for Michael Jackson?
Ackerman: I don't know.
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Ackerman: He was providing the bulk of the support for his mother.
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Panish: Do you agree with me that Mr. Jackson was paying for his mother's life necessities?
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"Mr. Panish, I'm just trying to say that she was also being subsidized by his daughter," Ackerman explained.
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Ackerman said Mrs. Jackson testified Janet was giving her $10,000 a month.
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"I know that Janet Jackson was also providing, so you have to draw the line where life necessities is," Ackerman explained.
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"It appears that he was providing support," Ackerman said.
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Panish: $5 million would've covered the entire expense at Hayvenhurst in 2009, correct?
Ackerman: Yes, sir.
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"Some people were of that frame of mind," Ackerman answered.
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Panish: Did you testify in your deposition that it was stated by a number of people that Dr. Tohme was incompetent and dishonest.
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"I made aware that Dr. Tohme may had been holding some money for MJ," Ackerman responded.
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Panish: Was Dr. Tohme sitting on $5 million of Michael Jackson's money in 2009?
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Ackerman: Michael Jackson Company was created on Feb 8, 2007. It's a Delaware company.
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Panish: Was it a single liability company?
Ackerman: I don't recall, have to look up.
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Panish: Who were the officers of Michael Jackson Company, sir?
Ackerman: I know Michael Jackson was.
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Ackerman said he, himself, did not read all the documents related to the case.
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Ackerman: Looking at this graph, it's an average of somewhere between $30-$35 million.
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Panish: And from 2008 versus 2009?
Ackerman: I show the debt going up only a few hundred thousand dollars.
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Panish: How much did MJ's debt increase from 2007 versus 2008?
Ackerman: Approximately $1.5 million.
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"I didn't come up with specific number, but probably in the $30-$50 million range," Ackerman testified.
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Panish: You were very critical of Erk's consumption amount, right?
Ackerman: I was very critical of it.
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Ackerman estimated the bill for last month to be between $50,000-$100,000, which is on top of the $800,000-$825,000 already billed.
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Panish: A professional way would be to itemize your bill, right?
Ackerman: I don't know, I know what our company does.
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Ackerman said he keeps time records for the he does. "I don't know what the industry standard is, I know what we do in our firm."
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The bill of $800,000 to $825,000 was for work up until July. Since then, Ackerman worked another 60-100 hours.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 6h
Panish: Did your firm bill in excess of $1 million for that case?
Ackerman: I don't know exactly, but I'd not be surprised.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 6h
OMM hired Ackerman in another case, the Cussler case. Bert Fields was the opposing counsel. Anschutz company was one of the defendants.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 6h
Ackerman said the general requirement is to have a written agreement before work begins.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 6h
Panish asked if he has a contract. He said yes. Attorney asked if he could bring a copy of it.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 6h
Brian Panish did cross examination. Ackerman said he has an engagement letter with AEG for work in this case.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 6h
Out of twitter jail.... here's the rest of Ackerman's testimony today.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 6h
"He would have to have some form of income to pay those figures," Ackerman testified.

Strong concluded her examination.
 
Re: Jacksons vs AEG - Day 67 - August 12 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/12/showbiz/jackson-death-trial/index.html?eref=rss_mostpopular

Michael Jackson's ex-wife up next in death trial
By Alan Duke, CNN
August 12, 2013 --
STORY HIGHLIGHTS

NEW: Debbie Rowe is expected to be questioned about Jackson's drug use during the 1990s
The concert promoter is using Randy Jackson's testimony in the wrongful death trial
AEG Live lawyers say Jackson was a secretive drug addict even beyond his family's help
His brother would "kind of hide from me," Randy Jackson testifies

Los Angeles (CNN) -- Michael Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe is set to testify in the AEG Live wrongful death trial Wednesday, lawyers for the concert promoter said Monday.

Rowe is expected to be questioned about Jackson's drug use during the 1990s when she traveled with him, married him and bore his two oldest children.

She will be called as the next witness in the Los Angeles courtroom after an economics expert concludes his testimony about the financial support Jackson would have provided his mother and three children had he not died four years ago....
 
Jacksons vs AEG - Day 68 - August 13 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

Jacksons vs AEG - Day 68 - August 13 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

Use this thread to post any and all news stories from day 68 of Katherine Jackson vs. AEG trial.

Daily news threads are merged into the main News thread in the stickies

Please help the staff by posting all the news stories as well as tweets from media you see.

Please Don't post updates or tweets from Fans in news thread
 
Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 47s
Ackerman has also had to be told by judge to answer questions with a "yes" or "no" several times. She told him to listen to her instructions

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 51s
Ackerman and Panish have also been in some tense exchanges, so the judge admonished Ackerman to not argue with Panish.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1m
Some of it has been slow going, with Panish going over Ackerman’s billing records and having him review deposition testimony.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1m
Ackerman testified for about an hour this morning. He’s still undergoing cross-examination by Panish.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1m
For the time being, Judge Yvette Palazuelos overruled the plaintiff’s objections and declined to strike Ackerman’s testimony from yesterday.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1m
Stebbins Bina eventually cited one case. That prompted the judge to ask plaintiffs for a case citation if they could find one later.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2m
Panish kept asking AEG Live’s lawyers to provide a case that allowed them to present evidence about MJ’s debts.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2m
Ackerman's opinion is that MJ was in a precarious financial condition due to debts, including a large loan on his share of Sony-ATV catalog.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2m
“The case law is clear _ you can’t give what you don’t have,” Putnam told the judge.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 3m
AEG’s lawyers Marvin Putnam and Jessica Stebbins Bina countered it was important to this case and how much MJ could have given to his family
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 3m
Plaintiff’s attorneys Kevin Boyle and Brian Panish argued that testimony about Jackson’s debts is prejudicial and should be stricken.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 3m
Ackerman is a defense witness testifying about Michael Jackson’s finances. Plaintiffs wanted some of his testimony stricken.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 4m
We’re on the lunch break in Jackson vs. AEG Live. Court started this morning with 40 mins of arguments on William Ackerman’s testimony.
 
Re: Jacksons vs AEG - Day 68 - August 13 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 1m
Judge then broke session for lunch. We should be back shortly.
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Ackerman: I have a vague recollection of seeing this number.
Panish showed documents to Ackerman to refresh his recollection.
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Panish: Do you know if AEG submitted a $300,000 in expense that had been accrued for the the services of Dr. Murray?
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"Today is typically after yesterday," Ackerman responded.

Judge struck the answer.
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Panish asked if he came up with numbers after speaking with his attorneys yesterday.
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Ackerman said the bars on the graph he showed yesterday include personal consumption.
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Panish: Have you prepared calculation of personal consumption for MJ per year?
Ackerman: I actually calculated something this morning.
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Panish: Did you do any discount rate of 7, 10 or 15%?
Ackerman: No, I did not. I used 18%.
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Panish asked if MJ decided to go on tour after meeting with Tom Barrack. Ackerman said it appeared that way.
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"There's a really interesting tool called internet, there are a lot of things you can find there," Ackerman responded.
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Panish asked where Ackerman researched Colony Capital and MJ's deals.
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Ackerman said Michael Jackson signed the contract with AEG to go back on tour.
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Panish said MJ didn't want to liquidate his assets, instead he wanted to go back touring.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 5m
Panish: Her never liquidated his assets, did he sir?
Ackerman: He never did.
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Panish: But didn't you testify yesterday the loan had no interest?
Ackerman explained it was high interest loan but he didn't have to pay it
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Ackerman: Colony Capital came in when Neverland was about to be foreclosed and lent MJ $23 million with a very interest rate, by the way.
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Panish showed Ackerman several bills from his firm where they researched Colony Capital and MJ's deal.
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Ackerman said there was some mention to it but doesn't remember the details of the meeting.

The expert said his normally hour rate is $475.
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Panish asked if Ackerman read Tom Barrack's testimony that he met with MJ several times to straighten his financial situation.
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Panish asked if Ackerman read Randy Phillips' deposition where he said they were aware of MJ's finances.
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Panish: AEG knew MJ's financial condition when they entered into an agreement with him, didn't they, sir?
Ackerman: I don't know that.
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Sony/ATV catalogue -- there's a value
MIJAC catalogue -- there's some value
Neverland -- there's some value
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Ackerman said he did not put a value on the assets MJ had.

"Liability exceeded any amount of value of the assets," Ackerman testified.
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"There was no equity in that asset in June 2009," Ackerman said he read in the documents.
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Ackerman said MIJAC catalogue was same amount of the debts on it. He said the value is about $ 75 million.
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"I'm having a really hard time using that number," Ackerman said.
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Panish said Briggs testified independent appraisal valued at Sony/ATV catalogue at $700 million: $300MM on top of $400MM MJ had in debt.
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"It would not change my conclusion, no sir," Ackerman explained.
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Panish asked Ackerman if he read IRS valued of Sony/ATV catalogue at $700 million.
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MJ had a $320 million debt against the Sony/ATV catalogue. Ackerman said the highest interest rate was 16.85%.
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Formuzis used 7% discount rate. Panish asked if Ackerman used the same rate. "It's an improper rate why would I do that?" Ackerman responded
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 9m
Panish showed Ackerman Formuzis analysis and the calculation for personal consumption and professional fees.
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Ackerman looked at docs in his binders, said he doesn't have original numbers w/ him. He said the calculations need to be done in software
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Panish asked Ackerman for amount he used for the chart before he applied the 18% discount rate to bring the final number to present value.
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Ackerman said he reviewed a lot of trial testimony, but even more depositions in this case.
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Panish asked what percentage of his work is in wrongful death cases. "Very small percentage," Ackerman responded.
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Ackerman doesn't recall being qualified as expert witness for plaintiffs in a wrongful death case.
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Ackerman said he never testified in court on a wrongful death case. He worked on a handful of such cases.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 13m
Bill from damages experts for AEG:
Briggs -- $700,000
Ackerman -- $900,000
Total: $1.6 million
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The bill for Ackerman's firm is about $900,000 currently. Panish wrote on a board what other damages expert for AEG charged.
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Panish asked if he thought MJ would give the kids everything he thought important. Ackerman responded MJ wanted his children to be humble
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Panish: Do you agree MJ was a very generous person?
Ackerman: I absolutely agree with that.
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Panish: Did you see he donated over $60 million to charity?
Objection, sustained.
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Ackerman testifies he saw on documents that MJ was going to donate the proceeds of "Dangerous" tour to charity.
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Ackerman said there was no record of MJ's amount of donations over the years.
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Panish: Did you know MJ gave Mrs. Jackson a $500,000 RV?
Ackerman: Yes, it was in my analysis.
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Panish: You can't tell us what support he would be able to provide, right, sir?
Ackerman: I think that's for the jury to decide.
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Ackerman said MJ received $6.2 million in advance from AEG. Panish said MJ received $23 million in 6 months in 2009.
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Ackerman: He would not be able to provide support for his mother and children then.
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"He could've been bankrupt within 6 months as far as I know," Ackerman opined. Panish asked if after bankruptcy MJ wouldn't have debt left.
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"I can't speculate what he'd give for support" Ackerman said. "I do know he was in very precarious financial situation at the time he died."
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Ackerman: According to this table a male of 50 years old would be 29.6 years.
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Panish asked what was the life expectancy for a 50 year old male based on the table he used to calculate Katherine Jackson's life expectancy
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 18m
Ackerman is back on the stand for cross examination. Brian Panish, attorney for the Jacksons, doing the questioning.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 2h
We'll bring you all the details of today's testimony as soon as we can. Remember, per judge, no live tweets.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 2h
AEG's expert witness, CPA William Ackerman, is set to resume testimony today. He's expected to last all day on the stand.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 3h
They are also discussing exhibits and charts presented yesterday. Jury is sitting in the hallway waiting to be called in.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 3h
Outside the presence of the jury, attorneys and judge are now arguing about boundaries for William Ackerman's testimony.
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Katherine Jackson is present in court, wearing a long navy blue jacket.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 3h
Hello from the courthouse in downtown LA. Day 68 of Jackson family vs AEG trial, Week 16, is about to begin.
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Re: Jacksons vs AEG - Day 68 - August 13 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 6m
Ackerman: I don't think I'm qualified to calculate that.

Ackerman was excused. Judge broke for afternoon break.
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Panish: Did you do a calculation for the loss of their father, loss of care, comfort, society, affection?
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Ackerman said at the end of MJ's life, he had close to $30 million a year in interest, his total overall expenses was $30-45 million range.
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Ackerman said he came up with a very generous support numbers should the jury decide to award anything.
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Panish asked if Ackerman is here to help the plaintiffs. He said he's here to try to be fair.
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Panish: Did you read anywhere that MJ denied his mother or children anything?
Ackerman: I don't recall that.
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Panish: Did you read anything about MJ's relationship with his mother and children?
Ackerman: My recollection it was very loving.
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"I think they all thought and hoped the tour would be successful," Ackerman testified.
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Ackerman: I don't recall that.
After reviewing Barrack's deposition, Ackerman said yes.
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Panish, in re-direct, asked if Barrack testified that, with Colony Capital help, MJ could overcome his debts and he could become a success?
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"I think he'd have significant difficulty in continue to provide the support," Ackerman opined.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 9m
Ackerman said MJ would have to have enough income to service all the debts, personnel, creditors and to support to plaintiffs.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 9m
The expert explained his oversight only benefited the plaintiffs, since he calculated more money for support.
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Ackerman said Prince drives a Ford truck. He calculated his car to be a BMW.
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Strong: Do you believe $111,000 a year in repairs and maintenance necessary to live?
Objection, lack of foundation. Judge sustained.
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Regarding necessities to live, Strong asked Ackerman if a mortgage of $35,000 a month is necessary to live. He answered no.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 10m
Ackerman read the footnote: the contract is not signed by MJ and such a signature was a condition precedent to any payment obligation.
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Strong asked about the bill Panish said AEG submitted to MJ's Estate that included $300,000 for the cost of Dr. Murray's services.
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"It was the most secured loan I've ever seen," Ackerman said. "It caused the interest rate to go way down."
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On top of that, Ackerman said Sony guaranteed they would pay $300 million in case everything else failed.
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He also said there was a bankruptcy remote trust attached to the catalogue, if asset were to be sold the proceeds would first to repay debt.
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Ackerman explained the Sony/ATV loan was very unique in many ways. He said it was collateralized by the catalogue itself.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 12m
Ackerman said the Sony/ATV catalogue debt interest was 7%. This was the majority of the debt MJ had.
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Ackerman said Briggs did valuation of Sony/ATV catalogue for tax return purposed on behalf of MJ's Estate.
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Strong asked about IRS' valuation of Sony catalogue. Ackerman said Briggs' opinion was that that asset was not that valuable.
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Ackerman said the MJ's income were from Sony/ATV and MIJAC catalogues. "You lose the asset, you lose the income," Ackerman opined.
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"He couldn't get an increase in his $50,000 credit card limit," Ackerman said. "That's how bad it was."
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Ackerman: There is a significant issue of doubt whether he (MJ) would be able to continue to provide support.
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"As the debt continue to grow, the interest continued to grow," Ackerman explained.
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"There were just no shortage of people he had to pay," Ackerman explained.
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Ackerman said on top of that there were creditors debts in the amount of $100 million.
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Ackerman listed MJ's debts:
Sony/ATV
Neverland
Condo
Hayvenhurst
MIJAC
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Strong: Were there other outstanding debt for Mr. Jackson at the time Tohme was holding the $5 million for MJ?
Ackerman: Huge
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"Mr. Barrack was in the frame of mind that MJ didn't have enough income to support his spending and lifestyle," Ackerman testified.
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Ackerman said there was very strong language in Michael Kane's deposition that Michael Jackson was tapped out.
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"He dug himself a very deep hole," Ackerman explained. "He was tapped out."
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Ackerman said yes, that the bars included interest, business, personal, all that came out of MJ's checkbook, since he was responsible 4 all
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Strong: Does that include business and personal spending?
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Strong showed exhibit with chart Ackerman made regarding MJ's expenses. Ackerman said the bars show what MJ actually spent.
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"I believe I shared multiple data points of how much Mr. Jackson spent on the last 8 years of his life," Ackerman said.
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Panish concluded, Sabrina Strong did re-direct. She asked the witness if there a difference between consumption and spending. He said no.
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Panish: For $1.6 million, it's your and Briggs' opinion, that MJ's loss of future earning could be zero?
Ackerman: That's a possibility.
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Panish asked if support could've been zero. "I guess in that situation yes, it could have been zero," Ackerman responded.
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"It could be zero support too," Ackerman opined. "He was in pretty bad financial situation."
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Ackerman said that was correct, if you were to believe MJ would continue to give the same support as previous years.
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Panish: And in your opinion is that the children lost $21.5 millions in future support?
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Panish: Did Mr. Briggs put no figure for loss of income for MJ's life?
Ackerman: That's correct.
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"The reality is that Mr. Jackson could lose money," Ackerman said, pointing that MJ had debts that could offset anything he earned.
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"My fundamental understanding his (Briggs) testimony is that Mr. Erk's calculations were speculative," Ackerman said.
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Panish asked if Briggs said the amount for future earning for MJ would be zero. Ackerman said he doesn't remember Briggs putting a number.
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Panish: Did Mr. Briggs give an opinion the amount MJ would lose in future earnings?
Ackerman: I don't recall.
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Panish: Did Mr. Briggs give a number for loss of future earnings for MJ? Ackerman said he recalls Briggs saying projections were speculative
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Ackerman said had Erk included interest, the red bar would go much higher, since most of the expenses are interest.
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Panish asked if Ackerman knows that Erk did not include the interest rate in his calculations of consumption. He said yes.
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Re: Jacksons vs AEG - Day 68 - August 13 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 7m
Debbie Rowe is expected to take the stand tomorrow. We hope to see you then for complete coverage of her testimony.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 7m
That ended the video deposition. Jurors ordered to return tomorrow at 10:45 am PT. Juror 6 has a court hearing somewhere else.
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May 1998 was last time Dr. Sasaki saw and spoke with MJ. He knew doctors Hoefflin, Klein and Metzger treated MJ back then.
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"I'm totally ignorant regarding that," Dr. Sasaki said.
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He testified he is not familiar with MJ's announcement in 1993 about being dependent on prescription medication.
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Dr. Sasaki said MJ was the only patient he injected with Demerol.
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"Because I don't do that kind of surgery that requires that kind of pain medication," Dr Sasaki testified.
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Q: About how often do you prescribe Demerol?
A: None
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Dr. Sasaki explained Demerol is for acute pain, not chronic pain, following major surgery.
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Aug 15, 1993 Dr. Sasaki prescribed Demerol to MJ under Omar Arnold. This was the first and last time Dr. Sasaki gave Demerol to MJ, he said
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Dr. Sasaki said he injected site with pain reliever, gave Demerol 100 mg, suggested MJ to see pain specialist.
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On Aug 15, 1993, Dr. Sasaki said he saw patient, with Debbie Rowe. He was complaining to pain in scar area, area had healed completely.
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Percocet prescription, 45 tablets each time, were prescribed on:
July 3, July 20 and Aug 10, 1993.

Q: Was that very frequent?
A: Frequent
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Dr. Sasaki told Dr. Klein and MJ he would no longer prescribe Percocet to MJ since he was asking for too much.
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Dr. Sasaki said he prescribed 45 tablets of Percocet each time.
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Q: Was he taking too much?
A: Yes
Q: Where you the only person prescribing Percocet to MJ?
A: I don't know
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"I was concerned about pain patterns and his use of Percocet," Dr. Sasaki testified.
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Dr. Sasaki suggested to Dr. Klein that MJ be seen by a pain management specialist.
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Doctor said pain was normal 4-6 weeks after surgery due to the nerves growing back.
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On Aug 10, 1993, Dr Sasaki received a phone call from Dr. Klein that MJ was experiencing extreme pain.
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On July 20, 1993, there was another request for Percocet, due to strenuous rehearsals, prescribed with the knowledge of Dr. Klein.
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Dr. Sasaki said he spoke with Dr. Klein and that Klein suggested Percocet.
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On July 3, 1993, Dr. Sasaki prescribed Percocet for MJ. It was the first time he prescribed pain medication to MJ.
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Dr. Sasaki said he told Debbie Rowe that the area should be exposed to air as much as possible to heal.
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He said MJ was experiencing pain due to his work and rehearsals. He had to wear a hairpiece to camouflage the scar.
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Dr. Sasaki testified from his record that on June 30, 1993 he had the first post op follow up at the Dr. Klein's office.
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Dr. Sasaki said normally a patient who undergoes that kind of surgery has pain lasting for 6 weeks.
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Q: Did you prescribe any medication to MJ?
A: No.
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Dr. Sasaki said he did the surgery but didn't see the patient until 2-3 months later, which is highly unusual.
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Dr. Sasaki: I think when you're dealing with high profile clients, some doctors prefer to keep it under control.
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He said he never talked to MJ about the pain treatment.
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Dr. Sasaki said if he doesn't see the patient regularly he prefers not to give pain medication.
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Q: Did you provide any post operation pain care?
A: None
Q: Was that unusual?
A: It's highly unusual
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 14m
Dr. Sasaki said that with celebrities, when he doesn't get to see patients frequently, he prefers not to treat them.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 15m
Dr. Hoefflin strongly suggested he managed the pain medications since he knew the patient better.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 15m
Dr. Sasaki prepared a summary of all the treatment of MJ on Feb 7, 2013. He wrote Dr. Hoefflin told him MJ had a low threshold to pain.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 15m
He said he was there for medical purposes, though, The visits may have been 5 years apart.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 15m
"More than talking about him, we talked about the Bible," Dr. Sasaki said.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 16m
Dr. Sasaki: I think he just wanted to have me look at his wound, which was healing quite well.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 16m
Dr. Sasaki said he visited Neverland Ranch twice, once with his family and once at MJ"s request.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 16m
Dr. Sasaki: We went up there, he was not there, but he was not supposed to be there. The staff served us lunch and showed us around.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 16m
Dr. Sasaki: He was kind enough to invite myself and my family to Neverland.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 16m
The scar was in the middle part of the scalp, Dr. Sasaki said.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 17m
He said he understands the burn happened during a Pepsi commercial and it had healed, but MJ wanted to reduce the scar.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 17m
Dr. Hoefflin was his first assistant in the surgery. Dr. Sasaki said he knew generically that in 1988 MJ had a burn in is scalp.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 17m
Dr. Sasaki said the method results in about 30% more skin from stretching. He then put ballon in the scalp to stretch further to cover scar
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 18m
He then put stitches going from one side of the metal to the other, crank it to put the sides together.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 19m
The surgery in 1993 lasted about half an hour. Dr. Sasazi explained he put a metal on a side of the defect and a metal on the other side.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 19m
The consultation with MJ and Dr. Hoefflin was set up, Dr. Sasazi said. Dr. Hoefflin is a well known plastic surgeon in Los Angeles.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 20m
Dr. Sasaki said he was asked to assist him in providing different alternatives to take care of the bald spot on his scalp.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 20m
Dr. Sasaki on how he met MJ: I received a phone call from Dr. Steven Hoefflin, a plastic surgeon.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 20m
Dr. Sasaki said the other two doctors were Steven Hoefflin and Arnold Klein. At some point Dr. Metzger as well, he said.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 20m
Dr. Sasaki said the care was placed into two other doctors that Mr. Jackson thought would be the best.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 21m
Dr. Sasaki: The medical care, which included post operation and pain management, were taken out of my hands willingly.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 21m
Second surgery was on October 31, 1997 for scar revision to reduce the width of the reduced scar on the scalp.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 21m
March 16, 1993 was the first surgery Dr. Sasaki performed on MJ. It was to reduce scar on the scalp, the bald spot.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 22m
Dr. Sasaki said he did two surgeries on MJ's scalp and 3 on the upper lip for contouring.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 22m
He laughed at that last comment.

Q: Did you ever provide medical treatment to MJ?
A: Yes, I did.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 22m
Dr. Sasaki served in Vietnam and wore several hats as doctor, including anesthesia and plastic surgery on days off.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 23m
He went to Yale University for his medical school, graduated in 1968.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 23m
Q: Question by attorney
A: Answer by Dr. Sasaki

He graduated from Pomona College in 1964, degree in Bachelor of Arts.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 24m
Jury entered at 3:27 pm PT. Katherine Jackson left for the day.

AEG called their next witness via video deposition Dr Gordon Hiroshi Sasaki
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 24m
Defendants have filed a motion for non-suit already. Judge said she won't rule on it right away.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 24m
Panish to tell the judge in the morning. She wants to tell the jury and put it in the record.
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ABC7 Court News ?@ABC7Courts 25m
Outside the presence of the jury, there was a discussion with the attorneys whether plaintiffs have formally rested their case.
 
Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1m
I’ll be back in court tomorrow at 10:45 a.m. PDT, when testimony is scheduled to resume in the case.
Have a good night everyone.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1m
The last time Sasaki treated Jackson was in in 1998 and he never saw the singer again after that.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1m
Sasaki said at the time, Dr. Klein told him that he was concerned about Jackson’s performance on a world tour.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1m
The doctor said it was the only time he ever gave anyone Demerol because the drug can start to alter a patient’s lifestyle.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1m
This time, Sasaki said he gave Jackson Demerol because the singer complained of serious pain.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1m
Sasaki said Klein told him that he would take care of Jackson’s pain needs. On Aug. 15, 1993, the doctor saw Jackson again.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1m
Each time Sasaki said he gave the singer 45 pills but he was concerned about the frequency of the requests.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1m
The doctor said he grew uncomfortable prescribing Percocet after Jackson requested the medicine 3 times between July-Aug. 1993.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 1m
Sasaki’s notes indicated that he suggested Jackson see a pain management specialist.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2m
In July 1993, Sasaki said he spoke to Klein, who suggested that he prescribe Jackson Percocet to deal with his pain.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2m
He said sometimes docs want to keep control of their celebrity patients, but noted he was just speculating that’s what was happening with MJ
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2m
The doctor said that was unusual, since he usually saw patients throughout their recovery process.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2m
Sasaki recalled that he was told that Jackson had a low pain tolerance, and that Hoefflin would take care of managing it.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2m
The second Neverland trip was a house call to check on his wound after a medical procedure.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2m
Sasaki was invited twice to Neverland Ranch after the procedures, once with his family when Jackson wasn’t there.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 2m
Sasaki performed two scalp surgeries after being introduced to Jackson by Dr. Steven Hoefflin. He also worked with Dr. Klein.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 3m
The doctor talked about his experience, going to medical school at Yale, then going to Vietnam to serve as a doctor.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 3m
Jackson’s scalp had been burned in 1984 while filming a Pepsi commercial. Sasaki’s testimony was taped on Feb. 7, 2013.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 3m
Sasaki performed a few medical procedures on Jackson in the 1990s, including surgery on his scalp to try to repair damage from burns.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 3m
Panish concluded shortly after that, and then AEG Live played the deposition testimony of Dr. Gordon Sasaki.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 3m
... because the contract was contingent on Jackson signing it. But the version presented to Tohme on June 28 lacked that footnote.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 3m
One version that the jury’s seen and Ackerman testified about had a footnote on it that $300k set aside for Murray wouldn't be paid ...
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 3m
Panish took over, and showed Ackerman the budget attached to the document that MJ’s manager Tohme signed in 2009.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 3m
The judge stopped Strong from asking her line of questions on this topic, and her questioning concluded soon after that.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 3m
Strong’s questions were meant to rebut questions by Panish about whether MJ had provided his mother the necessities of life, such as housing
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 4m
Strong then asked whether a $35k a month mortgage _ like the one on Hayvenhurst _ was necessary to live.
No, Ackerman said.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 4m
Sony had guaranteed to repay the loan if Jackson defaulted, Ackerman said. “It was one of the most secure pieces of debt I’ve ever seen.”
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 4m
Strong asked about Jackson’s loan on the Sony-ATV catalog. Ackerman said the creditors were extremely well protected.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 4m
“After you read it, you give it to me,” Judge Palazuelos said. “I guess we’re going to have to do it the old-fashioned way.”
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 4m
That’s not the way it’s supposed to be done, so the judge ended up taking the deposition away from him.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 4m
Ackerman was supposed to read the passages to himself, not aloud to the jury.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 4m
Strong asked Ackerman about a couple deposition pages, at which point the consultant read the testimony into the record.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5m
“He dug himself a very deep hole,” Ackerman said of Jackson’s debts by the time he died.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5m
Strong asked whether in 2009, I appeared Jackson had the resources to keep spending like that. The consultant said no.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5m
He said it averaged about $35 million a year, but fluctuated from $23 on the low end to almost $45 million on the high end.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5m
AEG Live defense attorney Sabrina Strong took over, and asked Ackerman about Jackson’s annual spending.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5m
... could have left nothing to his mother, children if he had lived. With Ackerman’s acknowledgement that was a possibility, Panish sat down
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5m
Panish made the remark that between Ackerman and Eric Briggs’ $1.6 million in fees, they had opinions that Jackson (cont.)
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5m
... to give his mother and three children any support if he had lived. Ackerman said it was a possibility.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5m
Panish asked Ackerman whether his opinion was, based on Jackson’s poor financial state, the singer might not have been able ...(cont)
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 6m
After the break, Panish didn’t immediately ask about the tour expenses budget again. Instead, he asked about Ackerman’s projections.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 6m
Panish asked a few questions about the “This Is It” expenses that Tohme Tohme signed for before the lunch break.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 6m
After a few moments, Ackerman said he believed Michael Jackson signed the agreement. He said he focused “on numbers, not process.”
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 6m
Panish asked about Jackson’s contract with AEG Live, and the consultant said he didn’t remember who signed it.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 6m
Ackerman: “I’m not here for a memory test.” He said that after Panish questioned his recollection of testimony he had read earlier.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 6m
Panish showed Ackerman numerous passages from depositions. Ackerman read them very deliberately.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 7m
... to testimony by Randy Phillips that said the company was aware of MJ’s debt and knew he needed to work to avert "financial disaster."
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 7m
Panish also asked whether AEG Live knew about Jackson’s financial condition. Ackerman said he didn’t know and the lawyer pointed... (cont)
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 7m
At around this point, Ackerman mentioned an estate accounting, which was prohibited by the judge.
She struck his answer.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 7m
Ackerman said he thought there was “strong testimony that conflicts with” the $700 million figure and he had a hard time believing it.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 7m
Panish questioned Ackerman on the value of Jackson’s share of the Sony-ATV music catalog and an IRS appraisal of its worth at $700 million.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 7m
The lawyer asked about Ackerman’s experience in wrongful death cases. He’d only worked on “a handful” he said, but never testified in one.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 7m
Panish asked about the billings by Ackerman’s firm. He said it was reasonable to expect the firm had billed $900k or more at this point.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 8m
Ackerman wasn’t familiar with that distinction. Panish moved on to other topics.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 8m
The lawyer then asked Ackerman whether he was familiar with Jackson being in the Guinness Book of World Records for his charitable giving.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 8m
Panish asked at one point whether Ackerman knew of anyone who donated more to charity than Jackson.
Bill Gates, the consultant replied.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 8m
Asked by Panish whether he could say how much Jackson would have given, Ackerman said that was for the jury to decide.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 8m
His big-ticket number from yesterday was more than $21 million over the next 15 years, but Ackerman said it could have been less.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 8m
There was a lot of back-and-forth about how much money Ackerman projected Jackson could have given Mrs. Jackson, his kids if he’d lived.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 10m
Ackerman said based on a table used in wrongful death case, Michael Jackson’s presumed life expectancy was 29 years.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 10m
Plaintiff’s lawyer Brian Panish complained that Ackerman had testified about Katherine Jackson’s life expectancy, so the judge relented.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 10m
One of the first questions Ackerman was asked was about Michael Jackson’s life expectancy _ the judge blocked the question yesterday.
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Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 10m
Some updates coming on today’s testimony in the Jackson vs. AEG Live. William Ackerman was the witness for the morning, early afternoon.
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Re: Jacksons vs AEG - Day 68 - August 13 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

Michael Jackson owed $30million annually just in interest payments on the $500million in debt he accrued over two decades


  • Forensic accountant William Ackerman said the late singer was paying a staggering $30 million annually just in interest on his debts, which totaled roughly half a billion dollars when he died
  • Ackerman was called to testify by attorneys for concert promoter AEG Live in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Jackson's family
  • Records show Jackson spent money on donations to charity, gifts, travel, art, jewelry and furniture
By HAYLEY PETERSON
PUBLISHED: 15:31, 13 August 2013 | UPDATED: 15:31, 13 August 2013
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Despite his fame, Michael Jackson was mired in debt and spending millions more than he earned, a financial expert testified on Monday.
Forensic accountant William Ackerman said the late singer was paying a staggering $30 million annually just in interest on his debts, which totaled roughly half a billion dollars when he died.
Ackerman was called to testify by attorneys for concert promoter AEG Live in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Jackson's family.


In this March 5, 2009 file photo, Michael Jackson announces several concerts at the London O2 Arena. A Forensic accountant testified Monday that the late singer was paying a staggering $30 million annually just in interest on his debts when he died


article-2391485-1B357AF5000005DC-21_634x425.jpg
Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, has brought a wrongful death lawsuit against concert promoter AEG Live. Here, she exits Santa Barbara County Superior Court for Michael's child molestation trial in April 2005

'On an annual basis [he was] spending 15 to 20 million dollars a year more than he brought in,' Ackerman said, according toCBS Los Angeles. 'He was tapped out.'
Jackson appears to have started accruing debt in 1993, when he owed about $30 million. By the time he died, his debt had grown to half a billion dollars.


More...



Records show Jackson spent money on donations to charity, gifts, travel, art and furniture, according to the Los Angeles Times.
'He spent a lot of money on jewelry, 'Ackerman said.
Neverland Ranch, where Jackson lived, was also a huge expense because it required a maintenance staff for the zoo and train that traveled around the property.

His largest expenditure, however, were his annual interest payments on his debt.


Jackson's family claims in their wrongful death lawsuit against AEG Live that the concert promoter had negligently hired Dr. Conrad Murray (pictured in 2011) to watch over the singer while he prepared for his comeback tour. Murray gave the singer a fatal dose of anesthesia in 2009


This Oct. 27, 2009 file photo shows Columbia Pictures' Premiere of Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' tour at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, in Los Angeles

Jackson died from a lethal dose of anesthetic while preparing for his comeback concert series titled 'This Is It.' The anesthetic was administered by Dr. Conrad Murray, who was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death.
Jackson's family claims in their wrongful death lawsuit against AEG Live that the concert promoter had negligently hired Murray to watch over the singer while he prepared for his comeback tour.
The family is seeking income lost by his death, which their lawyers estimate at roughly $1.5 billion for the months of touring he was preparing for.
AEG counters that Jackson had requested Murray as his doctor and that Jackson's earnings potential would have amounted to $132 million.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...nnually-just-payments-debt.html#ixzz2bvusdjmc

 
Jacksons vs AEG - Day 69 - August 14 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

Jacksons vs AEG - Day 69 - August 14 2013 - News Only (no discussion)

Use this thread to post any and all news stories from day 69 of Katherine Jackson vs. AEG trial.

Daily news threads are merged into the main News thread in the stickies

Please help the staff by posting all the news stories as well as tweets from media you see.

Please Don't post updates or tweets from Fans in news thread
 
Debbie Rowe arrives to courthouse to testify in Michael Jackson’s wrongful death trial
The ex-wife of the late pop star told reporters she was 'good' as she made her way into the courtroom with her lawyer.

BY NANCY DILLON / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013, 2:24 PM
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SPLASH NEWS/SPLASH NEWS

Debbie Rowe arrives at Los Angeles County courthouse on Wednesday.

Michael Jackson's ex-wife appeared in a Los Angeles courthouse Wednesday morning to testify in the wrongful death case brought by the King of Pop's heirs, including her kids Prince and Paris.

"I'm good, thank you," Debbie Rowe said as she approached the courtroom with her lawyer Eric George.

Michael Jackson and then-wife Debbie Rowe in Pasedena, Calif. in 1996.
CHRIS PIZZELLO/AP

Michael Jackson and then-wife Debbie Rowe in Pasedena, Calif. in 1996.

Rowe brushed her eyes and fanned herself in the hallway before taking the stand.

She was called as a defense witness by concert promoter AEG Live but she recently revived her relationship with one of the plaintiffs, daughter Paris Jackson, after the teen’s suicide attempt.

Paris Jackson spent the day with mom Debbie Rowe in May.
BLUE WASP / SPLASH NEWS/BLUE WASP / SPLASH NEWS

Paris Jackson spent the day with mom Debbie Rowe in May.

Lead AEG lawyer Marvin Putnam said during his opening statement in April that Rowe had intimate knowledge of the superstar's lengthy use of the surgery-strength anesthetic that ultimately killed him in 2009.

He told jurors that Rowe would testify about Michael using propofol as a sleep aid as far back as the 1990s.

Michael Jackson posed with Debbie Rowe during her pregnancy with daughter Paris.
BUSINESSWIRE/REUTERS

Michael Jackson posed with Debbie Rowe during her pregnancy with daughter Paris.

"(She) will tell you she saw several doctors put Mr. Jackson to sleep with propofol overnight in hotel rooms (while touring)," he said. "Ms. Rowe knew this was incredibly dangerous. ... She would always insist on being there when he got propofol overnight."

Michael's mom, Katherine Jackson, and his kids are suing AEG for wrongful death, contending the company negligently hired and supervised the personal physician now serving four years behind bars for overdosing the singer.

Michael Jackson pictured rehearsing for his planned shows in London at the Staples Center in June 2009.
GETTY IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

Michael Jackson pictured rehearsing for his planned shows in London at the Staples Center in June 2009.

AEG has denied any wrongdoing, claiming it was Michael who hired Dr. Conrad Murray and secretly begged for propofol behind his locked mansion doors.



Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertai...l-death-trial-article-1.1426736#ixzz2byGG27FK

Debbie Rowe today arriving court

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