حتما ویدیوی آهنگ «پشت نقاب» (Behind the Mask) را که پس از فوت مایکل منتشر شد، تماشا کرده‌اید. یک ویدیوی دیگر از این آهنگ وجود دارد که پیشتر منتشر نشده بود. این ویدیو در سال ۲۰۱۱ توسط گروه اگرسیو، الکس توپالر و دن شاپیرو کارگردانی شد. در یوتوب تماشا کنید. منبع: eMJey.com

امروز فیلم بازجویی از رندی جکسون، برادر کوچکتر مایکل توسط وکلای کمپانی در دادگاه به نمایش درآمد. مادر او، کاترین، پیشتر شهادت داده بود که تنها دو بار به خواست فرزندان‌اش در مورد مصرف داروهای مسکن با مایکل صحبت کرده بود، اما رندی جکسون در بازجویی خود گفت که تعداد مداخله‌های خانوادگی برای ترک مصرف داروی مایکل بیش از این تعداد بوده است، چیزی در حدود ده مرتبه. کاترین گفته بود که مایکل از شدت درد دارو مصرف می‌کرد و وی از این موضوع باخبر بود اما هرگز تصور نکرد که پسرش دچار اعتیاد یا وابستگی به داروهای مسکن شده است. رندی جکسون در این بازجویی، دردهای برادرش را رد کرد و او را معتاد خواند. رندی همچنین در این بازجویی شهادت مادرش کاترین را به چالش می‌کشد و گاه در تضاد با او سخن می‌گوید. رندی گفت که بسیاری از خواهران و برادران در مداخله‌ها دخیل بودند و پزشکانی را با خود به همراه می‌آوردند تا به آنان کمک کنند. جانت و ربی همواره رندی را همراهی و حمایت می‌کردند. پدرشان جو نیز حامی آنها بود، گاه تیتو و مارلون حضور داشتند و مادرشان نیز یکبار آنها را همراهی کرده بود. رندی در مورد مادرش کاترین گفت: "او نمی‌خواست بپذیرد که مایکل معتاد است و انکار می‌کرد، نمی‌خواست باور کند." کاترین در دادگاه اظهار داشته بود که مایکل نگران حال او بود، به وی احترام می‌گذاشت و نمی‌خواست که مادرش در مورد مصرف داروها آزرده و دلواپس شود. رندی در بازجویی گفت که برادرش مایکل به خوبی می‌دانست که چگونه برای مادرشان چاپلوسی کند. او بیان داشت که این مداخله‌ها از میانه دهه ۱۹۹۰ و در کشور تایوان آغاز شد، جایی که مایکل تور برگزار می‌کرد؛ و سپس در مکان‌های مختلفی از جمله هتلی در نیویورک در سال ۲۰۰۰، چهار تا پنج بار در نورلند طی سال‌های ۲۰۰۴ و ۲۰۰۰۵ و نیز خانه‌ی مایکل در لاس وگاس کمی پس از خاتمه‌ی دادگاه ۲۰۰۵ و آخرین خانه‌ی مایکل در کاروول وود در سال ۲۰۰۹ ادامه یافت. رندی گفت که چیزهایی شنیده بود و برای همین همراه با خواهرش ربی به تایوان رفت. این نخستین مداخله‌ی آنان بود. رندی گفت که آنها می‌خواستند به عنوان یک خانواده به مایکل عشق بورزند تا احساس آسودگی نماید و از مصرف دارو دوری کند. یکبار رندی نامه‌ای به تمام اعضای خانواده از جمله مادرش نوشت و گفت که باید به مایکل کمک کنند تا مصرف داروهای مسکن را کنار بگذارد. او ایمیل نفرستاد زیرا تمامی اعضا از این سرویس استفاده نمی‌کردند. جانت، ربی و پدرش به او پاسخ داده بودند. رندی می‌گوید همه شوکه شده بودند و مادرشان هم چیزی را باور نمی‌کرد. "من نام همه را در آن نوشتم. همه. تا مطمئن شوم که همگی موضوع را می‌دانند. من می‌گفتم که او (مایکل) معتاد است و معتادان مسئولیت اعمال خود را بر گردن نمی‌گیرند." در جلسه‌های پیشین دادگاه یک پزشک شهادت داده بود که به عقیده‌ی وی، مایکل در دوره‌هایی از زندگی‌اش به داروهای ضد درد وابستگی پیدا کرده بود و نیز اینکه وابستگی با اعتیاد متفاوت است. (خبر) رندی گفت که مایکل همیشه درخواست مداخله‌ی آنها را رد می‌کرد و طی سال‌های اخیر از خانواده‌اش فاصله گرفته بود. مایکل در پنج سال پایانی عمرش با رندی صحبت نمی‌کرد. رندی دلیل را از دید خود اینچنین بیان می‌کند: "مایکل نمی‌خواست خانواده او را در این وضعیت ببیند به همین دلیل زیاد با خانواده رفت و آمد نمی‌کرد. او از من پنهان می‌شد." رندی گفت که مایکل نمی‌خواست کسی صدایش را بشنود زیرا دارو مصرف کرده بود و نمی‌توانست خوب صحبت کند. تابستان سال گذشته، پس از یک آشوب خانوادگی و دخالت رندی، جانت، ربی و جرمین در امور بنیاد مایکل جکسون و فرزندان وی، پاریس دختر مایکل در توییترش نوشت که اکنون برایش مشخص شده است که چرا پدرش از خانواده فاصله گرفته بود. پاریس تهدید کرده بود که این عده جزای کارشان را می‌پردازند. آنها کاترین را از پاریس، پرینس و بلنکت دور کرده بودند تا بنا بر گفته‌ی برخی، او را وادارند تا علیه بنیاد مایکل وارد عمل شود. پرینس نیز این عده را به دروغگویی و فریبکاری متهم کرد و گفت که پدرش در مورد آنان به وی هشدار داده بود. رندی جکسون در بازجویی گفت هر بار که تصمیم به مداخله گرفته بود، در نتیجه‌ی تماس تلفنی بود که از گریس روآمبا، پرستار فرزندان مایکل دریافت کرده و شنیده بود که مایکل بیش از حد از داروها استفاده می‌کند. یکبار در اوایل تا میانه‌ی سال ۲۰۰۰ گریس با رندی تماس گرفته و خبر داده بود. مایکل در نیویورک اقامت داشت. رندی همراه با جانت، ربی و تیتو به نزد مایکل رفت. رندی: "گریس گفت که باید به اینجا بیایید، چیز بیشتری لازم نبود بگوید." رندی در نیویورک از مایکل خواست تا به مرکز درمان اعتیاد برود اما مایکل نپذیرفت. رندی به خاطر نمی‌آورد که آیا مایکل مصرف دارو را پذیرفته یا انکار کرده بود. رندی والدین‌شان را در جریان این مسئله قرار نداده بود تا نگران نشوند. در نوبت‌های بعدی، رندی همراه با تعدادی از خواهرها و برادرها به نورلند می‌رفت و یکبار جانت، پزشکی را همراه خود آورده بود. نخستین مداخله در نورلند در سال ۲۰۰۲ با حضور مادرشان صورت گرفت. کاترین پیشتر در این مورد شهادت داده بود. مایکل حالش خوب بود و قضیه منتفی شد. کاترین گفته بود از شرکت در این مداخله احساس شرمساری کرده بود. در نوبت‌های بعدی کاترین آنها را همراهی نمی‌کرد اما رندی می‌گوید که جانت و ربی همواره با او همراه می‌شدند و از او حمایت می‌کردند. وی گفت پدرشان نیز حامی آنها بود. تمامی این مداخله‌ها پیش از دادگاه سال ۲۰۰۵ به وقوع پیوسته بود. یکبار وقتی رندی، ربی و جانت به نورلند رسیدند، مایکل آنجا نبود. رندی ادعا کرد که کارمندان مایکل از وی بیمناک بودند و پنهانی به مایکل حضور وی را خبر داده بودند و مایکل نیز مکان را ترک کرده بود تا رندی را نبیند. رندی: "حضور من برایشان خبر بدی بود. می‌گفتند باز رندی آمده است تا اوضاع را برهم بزند." بار دیگر گریس از نورلند با رندی تماس گرفت. رندی گفت که سایر خواهران و برادران شاید جکی، ربی، تیتو یا جانت نیز با گریس صحبت کرده بودند و شاید مکالمه، گروهی بوده است. آنها علیرغم اینکه اجازه‌ی ورود نداشتند و مایکل نمی‌خواست ایشان را ببیند، از دروازه‌های نورلند گذشته و به دیدن مایکل رفتند. یکی از برادران به طرف دروازه رفته و آن را گشوده بود زیرا نگهبانان در را باز نکرده بوند. رندی با خنده و در حالیکه به دوربین نگاه می‌کند و عینک‌اش را روی سرش زده است، می‌گوید: "به او گفتم که می‌خواهم او را به مرکز ترک اعتیاد ببرم و او گفت که نمی‌آید. گفتم چرا، می‌آیی و او گفت «نه، نمی‌آیم.»" مایکل حرفی در مورد مصرف دارو نزده و یا چیزی را انکار نکرده بود. او نگفته بود که دارو مصرف نمی‌کند یا مشکلی ندارد. مایکل طی دو ساعتی که آنها آنجا بودند فقط گفته بود: "نگران نباشید، من حالم خوب است، من جایی نمی‌روم." رندی در پاسخ به این پرسش که آیا مایکل براستی حالش خوب بود، پاسخ مثبت داد اما گفت که فکر می‌کرد مایکل مشکل دارویی دارد. رندی، گریس را مسبب وابستگی دارویی مایکل اعلام کرد و در اظهار نظری متناقض ادعا کرد که گریس که نگران حال مایکل بود و با رندی تماس می‌گرفت تا کمکی کند، برایش دارو تهیه می‌کرد. رندی گفت که فکر می‌کند "نه گفتن" به مایکل برای گریس سخت بود. رندی: "من از اینکه به او «نه» بگویم، نمی‌ترسیدم. به همین خاطر با من گلاویز می‌شد. اما او فقط ۴۰ کیلو وزن داشت و کاری از دست‌اش برنمی‌آمد." این را رندی با خنده می‌گوید. رندی جکسون گفت که بعدها در یک داروخانه گریس را در حال خرید دارو برای برادرش دید و به همین دلیل پرستار فرزندان برادرش را اخراج کرد زیرا به ادعای وی، مایکل چنین خواسته بود. رندی بیان داشت اینکه گریس برای برادرش دارو تهیه می‌کرد و سپس از او می‌خواست که برای حل مشکل پیش قدم شود، وی را ناراحت می‌نمود و او گریس را به درون داروخانه‌ها تعقیب می‌کرد تا وی را به دام بیاندازد. این اخراج از کار در سال ۲۰۰۴ یا ۲۰۰۵ رخ داده بود. رندی مدعی شد که با اخراج گریس موفق شد مانع مصرف مایکل شود. این مداخله درست پیش از آغاز دادگاه رخ داد و رندی می‌گوید مایکل موفق شد خود را برای دادگاه آماده نماید. اما گریس بازگشت. رندی به ربی گفته بود که مایکل را ترک نکند زیرا رندی به گریس اعتماد نداشت و دوباره وی را اخراج کرد. "من متوجه‌ی یک الگو شدم. هر وقت گریس آنجا بود، حال مایکل بد میشد. بنابراین گریس را اخراج کردم." (گریس پس از پایان دادگاه سال ۲۰۰۵، مایکل و فرزندان‌اش را به دور دنیا همراهی می‌کرد و همچنان پرستار آنها بود.) وکلای کاترین جکسون در پی گریس هستند تا او را بیابند و به دادگاه بیاورند تا اظهارات رندی را نقض کند. گفته‌های رندی جکسون به سود وکلای کمپانی خواهد بود. کمپانی کوشیده است تا در دادگاه مایکل را به عنوان فردی معتاد که چهره‌اش به خاطر اتهامات مخدوش شده و توانایی خلق درآمدهای بزرگ را نداشت، به تصویر بکشد و در مقابل، وکلای کاترین کوشیده‌اند تا این ادعا را باطل کنند. رندی در مورد دادگاه جنایی سال ۲۰۰۵ علیه مایکل، گفت که برادرش پیش از آغاز دادگاه بسیار ترسیده بود و یکبار که به عقیده‌ی رندی تحت تاثیر دارویی بود، مجبور شده بود برادرش را به بیمارستان و سپس به دادگاه برساند. طی دادگاه سال ۲۰۰۵ مایکل دچار اسپاسم شدید در ناحیه‌ی کمر شد و به دلیل درد بسیار، مسکن دریافت می‌کرد. در حالیکه مادر، همکاران و پزشکان مایکل گفته‌اند که کمردرد مایکل جدی و حقیقی بود، رندی امروز آن را انکار کرد. این کمر درد یک روز باعث شد تا کار مایکل به بیمارستان بکشد و او با شلوار راحتی در جلسه‌ی دادگاه حاضر شد زیرا مستقیم از بیمارستان به دادگاه می‌رفت. آنها به دلیل رفتن به بیمارستان دچار تاخیر شده و قاضی تهدید کرده بود که اگر مایکل به جلسه نرود، او را زندانی خواهد کرد. رندی مدعی شد که دلیل تاخیر مایکل، نه کمر درد او، بلکه ترس‌اش از حضور در دادگاه بوده است. رندی مدعی شد که از طریق اخبار، در مورد تاخیر مایکل باخبر گشته و بسیار آشفته شده بود. او به بیمارستان رفت و مایکل به او گفت که به دادگاه نخواهد رفت. وقتی وکیل از رندی پرسید که آیا مایکل به خاطر مصرف دارو به بیمارستان رفته بود، او گفت خیر، به بیمارستان رفت زیرا نمی‌خواست به دادگاه برود. رندی همچنین گفت: "مایکل نمی‌توانست به کدامیک از افراد دور و برش اعتماد کند، زیرا آنها به او دروغ می‌گفتند تا موقعیت خودشان را در نزد او تثبیت کنند." رندی مورد دیگری را پس از اتمام دادگاه ۲۰۰۵ به یاد آورد. این اتفاق در خانه‎ای در بورلی هیلز که از آن با عنوان شدو وود (Shadow Wood) یاد شده است، رخ داد. رندی می‌گوید آن خانه پنجاه هزار فوت مربع وسعت داشت و از آن متنفر بود زیرا بیش از حد بزرگ بود. رندی مدعی است که پرستار گریس با او تماس گرفته و گفته بود که مایکل مقدار زیادی از داروی تجویزی پزشکان را که به نام وی برای مایکل صادر شده بود، مصرف نموده است. رندی می‌گوید گریس به او خبر داده بود که مایکل تحت تاثیر دارو قادر به شمرده سخن گفتن نبود. در این زمان فرزندان مایکل و مهمانانی در خانه حضور داشتند. رندی پس از مراجعت به خانه با هدایت گریس تمامی داروهایی که به دست‌اش رسید را جمع آوری نمود و برای صرف خوراک به طبقه‌ی پایین رفت که شنید مایکل از هوش رفته است. رندی بیان داشت که پس از آنکه مایکل را که به زمین افتاده بود، بلند کرد و در تخت‌اش قرار داد، با یک پزشک تماس گرفت. پزشک دارویی برای رفع تاثیر مسکن‌ها تزریق کرد و از آنها خواست که جانب مایکل را ترک نکنند. رندی گفت که جزئیات کلام‌اش با مایکل را به خاطر نمی‌آورد اما به او گفته بود که خانواده، دوست‌اش دارند و می‌خواهند کمک‌اش کنند. رندی: "دکتر گفت که کسی باید در کنارش بخوابد، مراقب باشد که او بالا نیاورد و خفه نشود." رندی از یکی از پسران خانواده‌ی کاسیو خواست تا نزد مایکل بماند. خود نیز شب در خانه ماند. روز بعد مایکل دیر هنگام از خواب برخاست. رندی پرسیده بود که آیا چیزی از شب گذشته به خاطر می‌آورد. ام‌جی گفته بود: "نه، نه، فقط چیزهایی می‌شنیدم." مایکل به رندی گفته بود که دارویی مصرف کرده بود تا بتواند بخوابد و اینکه کار اشتباهی مرتکب شده و معذرت خواسته بود. رندی گفت که پس از مداخله‌ی وگاس، گریس به او گفته بود که مایکل ترک کرده و پاک است. "من سعی کردم به او کمک کنم اما نتوانستم افراد زیادی را با خود همراه کنم." رندی گفت که وضعیت جسمانی مایکل در سال‌های ۲۰۰۶ تا ۲۰۰۷ یا ۲۰۰۸ در ایرلند مساعد بود. خانواده‌ی جکسون در سپتامبر ۲۰۰۷ بیانیه‌ای را برای مجله‌ی پیپل فرستاده بودند که شایعه‌ی اعتیاد مایکل و مداخله‌های خانوادگی را رد می‌کرد. این نامه توسط کاترین، لاتویا، جکی، مارلون، تیتو و جرمین امضا شده بود. پیشتر کاترین در این باره در دادگاه شهادت داده و دوباره شایعات را رد کرده بود. در آن روز وکیل کمپانی از کاترین پرسیده بود که آیا مایکل از وی خواسته بود تا نامه را امضا کند. کاترین رد کرده بود. امروز رندی گفت که وقتی این شایعات در سال ۲۰۰۷ منتشر شده بود، گریس روآمبا و ریمون بین، سخنگوی مایکل به او گفته بودند که رندی پشت این جریان است و اطلاعات را به جراید داده است. رندی در بازجویی ادعا کرد که این موضوع ارتباطی با وی نداشته است و سخن گریس و ریمون بین به این دلیل بوده که رندی هر دوی آنان را اخراج کرده بود. (اتهام درز اخبار خانوادگی به رسانه‌ها، اتهامی است که امروز به طور گسترده توسط هواداران به رندی وارد می‌شود. تی‌جی و تاج جکسون، برادر زاده‌های رندی، پیشتر در شهادت خود از گریس دفاع کرده و او را فرد صادقی خوانده‌ بودند. تی‌جی همچنین گفته بود که پس از فوت مایکل، گریس به نزد فرزندان او بازگشت اما با مداخله‌ی تعدادی افراد خانواده که اکنون گمان می‌رود رندی، ربی و جانت بوده‌اند؛ مجددا از کار برکنار شده و بدین ترتیب خواست فرزندان مایکل نقض شده بود.) رندی گفت مایکل از افراد خانواده خواسته بود تا بیانیه را امضا و در مجله‌ی پیپل منتشر کنند. رندی، ربی، جانت و پدرشان نامه را امضا نکردند. رندی گفت انتشار بیانیه، ایده‌ی مایکل بوده است. وقتی مایکل در سال ۲۰۰۹ به کارول وود رفت، رندی و پدرش سعی کردند به خانه بروند اما اجازه‌ی ورود نداشتند و نمی‌توانستند با مایکل تماس بگیرند. رندی گفت نگهبانان به آنها اجازه‌ی ورود نداده و گفته بودند که مایکل آنجا نیست. رندی: "او مشکل دارویی داشت، خوب غذا نمی‌خورد، مسائل بسیاری در جریان بود و فشار روانی زیادی روی او وارد میشد." رندی به خاطر نمی‌آورد که آخرین بار چه زمانی با مایکل صحبت کرده بود. او صحبت کردن با مایکل و دیدار او در سال ۲۰۰۹ را به خاطر نمی‌آورد. آخرین دیدار مایکل با خانواده‌اش در جشنی در ۱۴ می صورت گرفته بود. در سال ۲۰۰۹ پس از اخراج تمی تمی، خبر رسید که لئونارد رو، مدیر برنامه‌ی مایکل شده است. سپس نامه‌ای منتسب به مایکل منتشر شد که بیان می‌کرد پدر وی بدون اجازه‌ی او، لئونارد را منصوب کرده و اینکه لئونارد حق دخالت در امور را ندارد. رندی اما گفت که لئونارد بسیار فعال بود و به رندی گزارش می‌داد که حال مایکل مساعد نیست. رندی در آن زمان یک مرکز درمانی در سان فرانسیسکو را برای مایکل در نظر گرفته بود تا در آنجا وابستگی دارویی‌اش را ترک نماید. رندی گفت که در این مورد با والدین‌اش صحبت کرده و آنها از اینکه مایکل کمکی دریافت نمی‌کرد، نگران شده بودند. این در حالیست که کاترین پیشتر شهادت داده بود که هیچکس چیزی در مورد مشکل مایکل به او و پدرش نگفته بود، و اگر نه، آنها مداخله کرده و مایکل را نجات می‌دادند. فرانک دلیو، آخرین مدیر برنامه‌ی مایکل در سال ۲۰۰۹ بود. رندی او را ۲۰ تا ۳۰ سال بود که می‌شناخت. گفت مدیر خوبی بود. فرانک دیلو در سال ۲۰۱۱ در پی یک عمل جراحی قلب باز درگذشت. رندی گفت که وقتی دلیو در کما بود، در بیمارستان به عیادت‌اش رفته بود. رندی گفت که هرگز مشاهده نکرده بود که مایکل نوشیدنی الکلی مصرف کند و نیز اینکه مشکل دارویی او طی سال‌های ۲۰۰۰ یا ۲۰۰۹ پیوسته نبود. رندی گفت که مایکل در مورد سوختگی پوست سرش با او صحبت کرده و گفته بود که بسیار دردناک است. رندی هرگز مایکل را در حال مصرف دارو ندیده بود اما طی سال‌ها تنها دو بار متوجه شده بود که برادرش به خوبی صحبت نمی‌کند. او هرگز تا پس از فوت برادرش در مورد پروپوفول نشنیده بود. وی همچنین گفت که مایکل هرگز از داروهای غیرقانونی یا مواد مخدر استفاده نمی‌کرد و مداخله‌های ایشان صرفا به دلیل مصرف بیش از حد داروهای مسکن که توسط پزشکان تجویز شده بود، انجام می‌گرفت. رندی همچنین گفته‌های خود را تصحیح کرد و گفت که نمی‌داند آیا می‌تواند عنوان معتاد را به برادرش اعطا کند یا خیر، زیرا پزشک نیست و نمی‌تواند تشخیص دهد. رندی گفت که سعی کرده بود با پزشکان مایکل یکی در وگاس و دیگری در فلوریدا تماس گرفته و در مورد مصرف برادرش از آنها جویا شود اما آنان پاسخگو نبودند. حفظ حریم پزشک و بیمار یک قانون در آمریکا است. رندی نام پزشکان را به خاطر نداشت. رندی همچنین در پاسخ به پرسش بازجو، گفت که مایکل در تورهایش مشکل خواب نداشت و به خوبی می‌خوابید. این گفته مغایر با تمامی اطلاعات داده شده توسط شاهدان بسیار در دادگاه است. رندی همچنین گفت که مایکل از تور لذت می‌برد. مایکل شخصا سال‌ها پیش گفته بود که علاقه‌ای به برگزاری تور ندارد، اما تور را به خاطر هواداران‌اش و جمع آوری پول برای خیریه‌ها انجام می‌داد. رندی در این بازجویی بار دیگر به سرپرستان بنیاد برادرش پرخاش کرد. گفت که پس از فوت مایکل همه شوکه شدند. آنها هنوز مایکل را دفن نکرده بودند که جان برانکا، وصیت نامه‌ی مایکل را به دادگاه تسلیم کرد. رندی: "من از تمام اتفاقاتی که در دادگاه می‌افتاد و عملکرد برانکا و ویتزمن ناراضی بودم. ما هنوز داشتیم سعی می‌کردیم راهی برای سوگواری بیابیم و این افراد در دادگاه هستند و وصیت نامه و این چرندیات... من هنوز برادرم را دفن نکرده بودم." در وصیت نامه سهمی از ثروت مایکل برای برادران و خواهران‌اش لحاظ نشده و تمام ثروت به سه فرزند مایکل، مادرش و سازمان‌های خیریه رسیده بود. رندی گفت که تنها چند روز پس از فوت مایکل، همه چیز را کنار گذاشت و در کنار کمپانی اای‌جی و کنی اورتگا درگیر برپایی مراسم یادبود مایکل شد که در روز ۷ جولای ۲۰۰۹ در استپلس سنتر برگزار گردید. رندی گفت شب‌ها در محل می‌خوابید تا نمایش را حاضر کنند. وکیل: "آیا کار با اای‌جی تجربه‌ی مثبتی بود؟" رندی: "افتضاح بود! (می‌خندد) نه، شوخی کردم. انسان‌های خوبی بودند، خیلی خوب." وکیل: "آیا به خاطر دارید که به رندی فیلیپس گفتید که مایکل خوشبخت بود که برای بازگشت به صحنه آنها را در کنار خویش داشت؟" رندی: "گفتن این حرف را به یاد ندارم، اما به این معنی نیست که آن را نگفته‌ام. من آن زمان همین احساس را داشتم." رندی مدعی شد که در میان خواهران و برادران از همه به مایکل نزدیکتر بود زیرا اختلاف سنی کمتری (سه سال) دارند، البته اختلاف سنی مایکل و برادر دیگرش مارلون، یک سال است. مایکل سال‌ها پیش گفته بود که به جانت از همه نزدیکتر بوده است. رندی همچنین گفت که مایکل از بودن در کنار بچه‌ها بسیار لذت می‌برد و برای آنها آشپزی می‌کرد. منبع: eMJey.com / AP & CNN & LA Times

Jacksons vs AEG - Day ۶۶ - August ۹ ۲۰۱۳ - Summary Katherine Jackson is not present in court. Source : ABC۷ unless otherwise indicated Kathy Jorrie Testimony AEG redirect Kathy Jorrie is back on the stand. Jessica Stebbins Bina resumed re-direct examination. Bina showed Jorrie MJ's contract. Paragraph ۱۳: Artistco hereby represents/warrants that Artist does not posses any known health condition injuries or ailments that would reasonably be expected to interfers with Artist's first class performance. Bina: Who signed this? Jorrie: Michael Jackson. Bina: So MJ represented that he did not have any health condition that would interfere with his performance? Jorrie: I never had any information that MJ was not in good health. Bina: Drug problems? J: None whatsoever 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. Bina: Did Mr. Panish show any documents that he was not an officer? Jorrie: He did not. Regarding the email Dennis Hawk, MJ's attorney, sent Jorrie on January ۱۴, ۲۰۰۹, she said they wanted to replace the name of MJ's company. Bina: Before Jun ۲۸ you had been told Tohme was an officer of the MJ's company? Jorrie: Yes. It's usually the type of representation she gets. Bina asked if Jorrie was told on June ۲۸, ۲۰۰۹ that Dr. Tohme was an officer of MJ's company when he received the consent document. Jorrie: That's my best recollection, I was informed that he was an officer of Michael Jackson's company. Jorrie said Tohme himself represented to her he was an officer of MJJ's company. Jorrie said the meeting on June ۲۸, ۲۰۰۹ was called by John Branca, co-executor of MJ's Estate, co-executor John McClain was on the phone. 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. "Dr. Tohme was there discussing MJ's business in front of everybody," Jorrie testified. "Nobody challenged Dr. Tohme or his presence." Jorrie said Dr. Tohme signed this document. She said she has seen Frank DiLeo's signature as well approving the expenses. Jorrie: I'm aware that the Estate reimbursed some costs. Bina asked if Weitzman told her Tohme had been fired but nevertheless the Estate agreed to reimburse AEG for production costs. Jorrie: Correct Bina asked if Woolley forwarded Jorrie an email saying Dr. Murray was fully engaged in Mr. Jackson's treatment in May. She said no. Bina: Did it surprise you Dr. Murray was fully engaged and treating MJ in May ۲۰۰۹? Jorrie: No. Bina: Why not? Jorrie: Because I understood from Murray that he was MJ's personal physician for ۳ yrs B: Did Murray tell you that? J: He did Bina asked if Jorrie told Dr. Murray to stop treating MJ until they had an agreement. She said no. 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. Jorrie said MJ had been his patient for many years. Bina: Did Dr. Murray need an agreement with AEG Live to treat patients? Jorrie: No, he did not need an agreement from AEG Live to perform services to his patients, including Michael Jackson. Jorrie read graph ۹ of the contract, "Artist Consent." It says that without the express written consent of MJ the contract was not valid. Jorrie: This is an independent contract agreement. Dr. Murray was MJ's physicians, retained to and in the expense of the artist. Bina: You didn't put any provision for Dr. Murray to be supervised by AEG Live? Jorrie: Of course not. 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. Jorrie said there was also no word about Dr. Murray having to use only equipment provided by AEG to treat Michael Jackson. Bina: Did Dr. Murray ever ask you for any equipment? Jorrie: No Bina asked about end date of contract. Original date was Sept. ۲۰۰۹, but Dr. Murray asked it to be changed to March ۲۰۱۰, Jorrie said. Bina asked Jorrie why she didn't check with MJ or his reps about changing the end date of the contract. Jorrie explained they were negotiating a contract to a place where Dr. Murray was happy with the agreement. She said it would then be presented to MJ and his representatives for approval. Bina: Did you ever send the signed agreement to MJ? Jorrie: No, I didn't. B: Why not? J: Michael Jackson passed away. Jorrie used as template an independent contract agreement used in the King Tut exhibition. 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. Jorrie said she took out the conflict provisions because they dealt with conflict of interest for the individual working for a competitor. She said that provision was no applicable to Murray. Jorrie also took out provision "Intellectual Property" since it was not applicable also. Bina asked if Jorrie's understanding was that Dr. Murray was making one million dollars a month. She said he understood his medical practice brought in a million dollars, from which he had to pay his expenses, nurses, medical equipments. 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. "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. Jorrie found that there were two places of businesses associated with Dr. Murray and his medical licenses. Jorrie: I found Dr. Murray was licensed to practice medicine in ۴ states, no disciplinary action against him in any state. The clinics she found were in Nevada and Texas, Jorrie said. "The ۲ places of businesses that I assumed were clinics." Jorrie: It was just spot check, I checked his medical licenses, there were no disciplinary actions, company was legit, everything matched. "I had no reason to doubt the information given to me was incorrect," Jorrie said. "There were no red flags." Jorrie: I didn't think it was my place to check Michael Jackson's physician, who he had for many years. Jackson recross Panish then did re-cross of Jorrie. Jorrie said GCA Holdings was a legitimate company, its license had not be suspended. Panish: Did you bill AEG for the research you did? Jorrie: It was ۱۰ minutes of research and it was part of preparation of Murray's contract. Jorrie explained she would not have entered into the invoice a spot check of Dr. Murray's licenses/company. 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. Jorrie said a red flag is when things come up that alerts her to evaluate further. Panish: There were no red flags raised in the ۱۰-minute search you did on Dr. Murray, correct? Jorrie: That's correct. Jorrie said she was checking to make sure the information Dr. Murray gave her were correct. Panish: Did you ever do a google search for Michael Jackson Company? Jorrie: No. Jorrie said she went on to the Delaware Secretary of the State website to check Michael Jackson's company. Panish: MJ's company was a sole member LLC, wasn't it? Jorrie: That I don't recall when I looked at it. Jorrie said she believes she has a copy of the Delaware Secretary of the State of when she checked MJ's company. 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. Jorrie said she never received any document from Shawn Trell stating anyone else as officer of Michael Jackson's company. Panish: Did you ever contact Delaware Secretary of State to see if Dr. Tohme was an officer of MJ LLC? Jorrie: No. Jorrie did not contract John Branca, co-executor to be, to check if Dr. Tohme was an officer of MJ's LLC. Jorrie said Mr. Tohme did not sign the consent document in her presence. She gave him the document for review. Panish: Were you aware Dr. Tohme was supposed to get paid $۲۰۰,۰۰۰ for signing this document? Jorrie: I wasn't aware, sir. Panish: Were you aware the budget called to pay Dr. Murray $۴۵۰,۰۰۰? Jorrie: I was not aware, sir. 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. Jorrie said she saw Dr. Murray was licensed for cardiovascular something. He was also licensed in internal medicine. Panish asked if there's such a things as cardiovascular license. "I told you what I remember seeing," Jorrie explained. Panish: Did you see his internal medicine license had lapsed in ۲۰۰۸? Jorrie: No, I don't remember seeing it. Panish: Is your testimony that Dr. Murray was licensed in internal medicine and cardiovascular? Jorrie: It's my testimony under oath that's what I saw ۴ years ago, yes. Jorrie said she told Dr. Murray he would get paid once the contract was fully executed. Jorrie sent all drafts of the contract to Trell and AEG, but never sent them to Michael Jackson or his representatives. This was the ۱st time Jorrie negotiated a contract for an artist's physician. She never researched about third party contract for artist/doc Jorrie said she did not go out of her way to check Dr. Murray's credit report, debts, outstanding child support claims. Panish asked if Jorrie was copied on any of the chain email "Trouble at the Front." She said she was not. Jorrie said the only medical check she's aware of that Michael Jackson underwent was for the insurance company. Jorrie said Howard Weitzman may have told her about the dispute in termination of Dr. Tohme. AEG redirect In re-re-direct, Bina asked: Why didn't you ask John Branca if Dr. Tohme was officer of the company? 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. Jorrie thought Dr. Tohme would be the most appropriate to ask whether he was an officer of MJ's company or not. Bina: Did u think there was conflict of interest in the contract? "I believe that there wasn't contractual conflict of interest" Jorrie said Jorrie explained MJ and Dr. Murray's interests were aligned, to treat him and keep him healthy while performing at the O۲ arena. Jackson recross 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. Jorrie said she read that Branca represented MJ about ۱۰ years before. Panish: AEG didn't have to have a contract with Dr. Murray, right? Jorrie: It was an accommodation, sir. Panish asked if there was anything preventing AEG from preparing the contract with Dr. Murray and giving it to MJ. She said no. AEG redirect 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 Jackson recross in re-re-re-cross, Panish rebutted: And AEG could've refused it, right? Jorrie: Yes

Jacksons vs AEG - Day ۶۵ - August ۸ ۲۰۱۳ - Summary Source: ABC۷ unless otherwise indicated. Katherine Jackson is in court. The judge started out by asking attorneys for a time estimate on the case. Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos said she felt she needed to give the jurors an update on how long they'd be here. AEG Live's lawyers said they hoped to be done with the defense case in early September. 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. There could also be a rebuttal case, which Panish said would probably currently be about ۴ witnesses. There's also closing statements. 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. "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 August (AP) Jury entered the courtroom ۱۰:۱۰ am PT. Judge Yvette Palazuelos advised jurors she came up with new time estimate for the trial. Judge: My estimate has now changed. The case will probably be submitted to you at the end of September. "It is what it is," judge said. She told jurors before they would get the case at the end of August. Outside the presence of the jury, AEG attorney told judge he will be done ۱st week of Sept or so. Panish said he has ۴ rebuttal witnesses. Kenny Ortega Testimony AEG cross Putnam showed Ortega a "Certificate of Employment -- Loan-Out," which Ortega said it's certificate that he works for The K.O. Company, Inc. AEG Live had an agreement with K.O. Company for the services of Ortega. Putnam: Did you understand you were an employee of AEG Live? Ortega: No P: What were you employee of? O: K.O. Company. "I was only contracted, and we were only focused, on the London tour at this time," Ortega explained. Ortega's contract was executed on April ۲۶, ۲۰۰۹. "I believe I was paid in advance of signing," Ortega said. In his deposition, Ortega was shown documents to refresh his recollection. Putnam showed him the same documents. Ortega looked at the document and said he was paid on May ۱۱, ۲۰۰۹, which is after he signed his contract. Putnam: You were paid after the contract was executed, right? Ortega: That's what appears in this document. Ortega said he has put himself in the position of working prior to signing a contract. "It's what I call working in good faith." "It's sort of common in the industry," Ortega said. Putnam: If you don't reach an agreement, you could work and not get paid? Ortega: Yes. "I can recall specifically, but I'm sure in my ۴۰-something years in this business that has occurred," Ortega testified. In Ortega's contract, there is a provision for bonus in case "This Is It" tour went around the world. "The shows were not booked or guaranteed," Ortega said. "That's what I think Michael hoped to do, but wasn't booked." Putnam: If tour was successful, you already have in your agreement what you'd be paid in bonus, correct? Ortega: That's what I understand it's in my contract Ortega's contract does not have a signature line for Michael Jackson. Putnam read Murray's contract were it says the contract is not valid unless MJ consented to it and asked if Ortega has that in his contract. Ortega went thru all the pages of his contract and said: "I do not see that anywhere." Putnam: Did you consider it a tour? Ortega: We called it tour, term used in the industry, but we weren't really touring, it was ۱ venue. "People were calling it a tour but it was more like an event," Ortega explained. "He told me he only wanted me," Ortega said about Michael Jackson's wished that he be the director. Putnam: Is it fair to say you were the "TII" director because of MJ? Ortega: Yes. Ortega said he doesn't remember who he said reached out to him first regarding the tour in his deposition. Putnam showed Ortega's deposition transcript. "In deposition, I remember it to be Dr. Tohme," Ortega said. In a deposition related to Lloyds of London litigation, Ortega also said Dr. Tohme first reached out to him regarding TII. In Dr. Murray's criminal trial, Ortega said it was Paul Gongaware. Putnam: Do you remember as you sit here today who first contacted you? Ortega: I'm not really certain. Ortega said he didn't really know who Dr. Tohme was, have never met the guy at that point. Tohme said he called on behalf of MJ. Ortega testified he never really fully understand Dr. Tohme's role related to MJ. He thought was a friend. Regardless of who contacted him first, Ortega said he was hired because Michael Jackson wanted him. Ortega said AEG Live and MJ were co-producers of the show. Ortega said he reported to Michael Jackson for the creative side of the tour and regarding budget/financial matters he reported to Gongaware. Ortega explained he dealt with Gongaware regarding technical things, like moving dates to new rehearsal venue, delivery of stage parts, etc. Ortega would discuss with Michael about hiring someone and the director would go to Gongaware to get the contract drawn and the person hired. Ortega did not discuss with Gongaware anything related to creative matters. "Because the creative person was Michael, and myself," Ortega explained. "We talked about these things together and I'd go with Michael's blessing to Paul to begin the process," Ortega explained. "I'd go and say 'this is what we'd like,'" Ortega said. Putnam: Did he ever tell you you couldn't get something? Ortega: No. "He would just make it happen," Ortega said. He could not recall Gongaware denying anything. "Final say would be Michael," Ortega said. "Michael had final creative say." Putnam: Why? Ortega: Because he was brilliant and he knew what he was doing. "At the end of the day, creatively, we trusted Michael knew what we needed," Ortega said. Ortega said February, March and April MJ was very involved in the creation of the show, would show up a lot. "A lot meaning ۳-۴ times a week," Ortega clarified. He said things changed as they were moving to the Forum, which was end of May. Putnam: Who did you consider your boss? Ortega: Michael. Ortega: I thought of MJ as my partner, I didn't think of him as my boss. But MJ always had the final creative say in all the years we worked. Putnam: Did you ever see AEG pressure Michael in any way? Ortega: No Putnam: Did you feel AEG Live supported MJ? Ortega: Yes . Ortega: Everything we brought to AEG, in terms of enormous creative needs, that AEG was very supportive in doing all they could. Ortega said he would ask Gongaware for more and more things to create the show. Gongaware never denied anything. He said there were professional discussions like 'is this something you really feel it's going to benefit,' 'do you really need this.' Ortega: I think we were getting in a place were we had a ceiling, because we were already with a fat budget. Ortega: But at the end, I believe they thought Michael had what he wanted. Ortega said he learned from Randy Phillips that Dr. Murray was responsible to get MJ to rehearsals on June ۱۵, ۲۰۰۹. He explained he didn't think Phillips was involved as much in MJ's scheduling, but was overseeing it. Ortega said he never spoke with Timm Wooley about scheduling. "I looked at Mr. Phillips as the promoter, Michael's promoter and producing partner," Ortega testified. Ortega: In this stage of the game, Mr. Phillips took on overseeing position to make sure the schedule was responsible for Michael. Ortega: I think they were trying to create a schedule to factor in all of Michael's needs (like family) and still could come to rehearsal. Putnam asked about June ۱۹, ۲۰۰۹. "I'll always remember June ۱۹," Ortega said. Putnam asked if Ortega testified before he thought MJ had a really bad case of flu. "I supposed I might have suggested it could look that way," Ortega said. "It would've been a really, really bad flu." Putnam asked if throughout the night on June ۱۹th, if MJ got better. Ortega said yes. Putnam: He was coherent? Ortega: Yes P: Warmed up? O: A bit P: More engaged? O: Yes P: Calm? O: Yes. "I felt somewhat calm when we left," Ortega said. But he said he was still concerned, thus the email he sent to AEG high ups. Ortega: It didn't appear to me it was drugs, it appeared to me it was something else, emotional. Putnam: It never crossed your mind it could be drug related? Ortega: No, I was thinking it was something else. Putnam: You have never seen Mr. Jackson like that before? Ortega: No. Ortega sent an email after seeing MJ that way because he thought Phillips and Gongaware should know about it. There was a meeting scheduled next day to address MJ's problems on June ۱۹. Ortega said he thought it was a responsible way to deal with it, and pretty immediate after the fact. At the meeting, Dr. Murray told Ortega to stay out of it and to leave MJ's health for him to take care. Dr. Murray told Ortega to quit being an amateur doctor and that MJ was physically fit to show, the director recalled. Putnam: MJ assured you that he was fine? Ortega: I didn't feel assured. Ortega: He said don't leave me, I'm gonna take the reins, you'll see I'm going to change this. He seemed absolutely committed at that point. 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. Ortega testified he said: 'Wait a minute, that's not at all what happened.' The director recalled Dr. Murray said MJ told him that. Ortega: I looked at Michael and asked him to tell what had happened, that I didn't forbid Michael of anything. 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. Ortega: I did think it was right he didn't rehearse that night, I did think it was the right thing he went home. 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. Ortega: I'd like to think that Michael would not set me up that way, I'd like to think Dr. Murray misunderstood Michael. Ortega said Michael explained in the meeting that what Dr. Murray said was not what had occurred. Putnam: Did you talk about drugs in that meeting? Ortega: No Putnam: Did he (Murray) offer any explanation of what happened to MJ the night before? Ortega: I don't believe so. Ortega: I worked with ۱۰,۰۰۰ people in the Olympics, how can I be responsible for everybody's health? "Adults are responsible for their own health," Ortega opined. Putnam: Do you think MJ was being responsible with his own health? Ortega: I didn't think he was being very responsible, but it was his responsibility, in my opinion. (Jurors were writing vigorously at this point. Juror number ۶ looked over at Katherine Jackson) 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. Putnam: Were you responsible for MJ's health? Ortega: No. Someone on behalf of Michael Jackson contacted Ortega to be part of the HBO special. Ortega never asked MJ about his rehab stint or any drug use. Putnam: Did you have any reservation to work with him after rehab? Ortega: No P: Why not? "Because he came out of rehab," Ortega said. "He was moving on with his life in a healthy way, hopefully." Putnam: Did you ever talk to him about nutrition? Ortega: As a general idea P: Physical therapy? O: Yes Ortega said he would talk to MJ, as a performing artist, and ask if he was focusing on nourishment, health, warming up, stretching, sleeping. MJ wasn't really fond of massage, Ortega said. "Don't forget to eat, get some rest," Ortega would tell MJ. The singer would smile and answer "okay" in a very loving way, Ortega recalled. Ortega said MJ liked to be in a certain kind of place (weight) to execute his moves and to get the look he wanted. "I might have been a little concerned (with his weight) when I brought that up, yes," Ortega testified. Putnam: In your opinion, was Mr. Jackson always skinny? Ortega: In the early years I worked with him he was light, lean performer. "He was strong," Ortega said. But ۲۰ years later, when Ortega worked with MJ in the "This Is It," the director said MJ was much different. 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 ۱۹۹۲-۹۳. Ortega said he usually likes to stay in tour until everything is working to everybody's satisfaction. He said it may be ۴-۵ shows or ۸-۱۰. Putnam: Did you have any concerns he might have been using drugs then? Ortega: No At this time, MJ was living at Neverland. Ortega said they never rehearsed at MJ's ranch, but a stage in Los Angeles. Ortega was called to help MJ with the HBO special. Putnam: He seemed well to you? Ortega: Unhappy Putnam: Was he physical well? Ortega: He seemed tired and unhappy, stressed. Putnam: But at no time you thought he was using drugs? Ortega: No. Ortega was present at Beacon Theater when MJ collapsed. He didn't see the artist fall, though. He said security responded quickly, everybody stayed away to give paramedics room to work. MJ was transported to the hospital. Ortega didn't go, because he said he wasn't invited. "Certainly concerned," though, he explained. "HIStory" tour rehearsal was done in Los Angeles, Ortega said. Putnam: Did you have any concern with MJ's health? Ortega: I don't recall having any concerns P: How about mentally? O: No Putnam: Were you concerned MJ was doing drugs before "TII" in ۲۰۰۸? Ortega: No, I saw him. 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. The director described MJ very excited, even not knowing yet what "TII" was going to be, but feeling exhilarated. Ortega said MJ was being approached by someone from American Idol, also Randy Phillips approached him, they wanted to do something with him. "I think seating in a theater for ۵ years in Las Vegas wasn't really attractive to him," Ortega explained. "Michael wanted to get out on the road," Ortega said. Ortega: I was happy for him, because he had been through so much, I wanted him to be the King again. Ortega: I think the arrival of his children in his life brought something he didn't have before. "He seemed exhilarated, excited, like the Michael I always knew," Ortega described. Ortega: He was unbelievable! His reasons for doing the tour were incredible. He was motivated. Ortega said the meeting on June ۲۰th was at MJ's Carolwood home. On June ۲۳rd, Ortega testified MJ was in great spirits, ready to work. Putnam: Completely different? Ortega: Completely. Ortega: He seemed healthy, ready and happy, there didn't seem to be any left over issues from the ۱۹th. Ortega said MJ was always a little chill, but not like on the ۱۹th. The director was surprised how quickly MJ got better. "It was like metamorphosis," he said. Putnam asked if Ortega inquired MJ what had happened. "I didn't pry in his personal life," he replied. Putnam: How was the rehearsal? Ortega: Great. It was one of the best rehearsals we had up until then. MJ was there a number of hours, Ortega said. He went thru a number of songs. Putnam: Had he taken the reins? Ortega: Yeah. Ortega: He was in charge. Not only capable to rehearsing but to talk about other aspects of production, like films, the effects, costumes. Ortega said he just embraced it and went with it. "We were all delighted" Ortega recalled. "The energy in the room changed, hope returned" Ortega: Everybody felt there was a different Michael in the room. Ortega said MJ was almost as good on the ۲۴th as the ۲۳rd. He seemed a little tired from the day before but talked about things for the show. MJ also rehearsed and performed. Ortega said he was feeling they were back on track, believing they were in a new chapter. 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" Putnam: Did you have concern on the ۲۳rd or ۲۴th he was taking drugs? Ortega: No. Ortega said said excitement was pretty unanimous among all the people working on "This Is It." Jackson redirect In re-direct, Panish asked: Prior to June ۲۳rd, you thought Michael got real organic sleep? Ortega: Yes. Panish: And before that you thought he was not having any sleep? Ortega: Yes. Panish: The symptoms he had, did it seem like someone who wasn't sleeping? Ortega: I think that might have been a factor there. Panish asked Ortega to assume MJ was getting Propofol for ۶۰ days then didn't have Propofol the last few days before his death. Ortega: I assumed sleep had to be a part of it, he looked rested. Panish asked is Ortega saw MJ several times appearing under some kind of drugs during TII. Ortega: It seemed like it was doctor related, so it wasn't like taking drugs but just being under the influence. 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. Ortega said he thinks it's unusual for producers to engage attorneys to hire a doctor for an artist. Ortega clarifies that the only artist, "the" artist, was Michael Jackson. Panish asked if MJ could've been fired by AEG. "No, he was a partner," Ortega responded. He said Michael told him that. Panish: The producer could fire you if they wanted, right? Ortega: I think Michael would not be happy with that. "I assume they could give a good try," Ortega responded. "I assume they could do that but I doubt it would last more than ۲۴ hours." "I don't think producers can fire Tom Cruise," Ortega opined. Panish said movies are different from singers. "I don't think producers can fire Cher," Ortega said. Panish: Were you ever involved in a show where promoter was buying CPR machine? Ortega: Not that I know of. Panish: Were you ever involved in a show where promoter was buying saline, catheter, needles for a doctor? Ortega: No. Email from Woolley to Bob Taylor saying Randy Phillips and Dr. Murray were responsible for MJ rehearsal and attendance schedule. "I recalled that Dr. Murray was going to be responsible for the schedule," Ortega said. Earlier in the trial, Ortega testified rehearsal schedule and attendance was up to Dr. Murray and Randy Phillips. Ortega said, at one point, there was a standstill regarding his contract. Email from Gongaware to Ortega on March ۲۵, ۲۰۰۹: I'm afraid we may not be able to meet your financial requirements for a deal. Panish: Are you aware of any artist in the world with the drawing power of Michael Jackson? Ortega: I'd think if done right, that Michael would be the highest draw on the planet. Panish: You don't thinkCeline Dion would be bigger? Ortega: I think the Stones come close, McCartney come close. But if MJ was not the number one, he was very close. "He sold ۵۰ shows," Ortega said. "Pretty awesome, historical." Ortega said he disagrees with anyone who says there's no way MJ could've done ۵۰ shows. 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 "Yes, he did change over time," Ortega said about Michael Jackson. Panish: Was MJ perfectionist? Ortega: That would be something that people would have called him. Ortega: Most of us have never seen anyone work as hard to accomplish something as MJ. 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. "It was fairly obvious he was not moving forward in the rehearsals with this sort of tempo," Ortega testified. Panish: Did you have concerns about his physical condition on June ۱۴? Ortega: I'd say yes. Panish: Sir, did you tell anyone that MJ should've been taken to the hospital? Ortega: I might have. Panish: Did you say that after MJ died? Ortega: No, I think I'd have said it sooner than that. 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 Panish: Did you think MJ was irresponsible? Ortega: It seemed to me that he was in trouble. Ortega: MJ was very cool, bold, strong in his ideas and what he wanted all through the beginning of the process. "Eventually he started to decline and disappear," Ortega recalled. 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. Panish: You expect AEG to check them out, not being under conflict of interest situation? Ortega: Yes. 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. Ortega said Dr. Murray did not have the same mindset as him in the June ۲۰th meeting. Phillips didn't do anything to stop Dr. Murray's admonishment of Ortega in the meeting, Panish said. Ortega agreed. Panish: Did you ever learn that Phillips was grabbing Dr. Murray's arm? Ortega: I never heard that. Panish asked if Ortega knew how much pressure AEG was putting MJ and Dr. Murray on. He said no. Panish: Did you heard Murray walked out and said he couldn't take this s**t anymore? Ortega: No, I never heard that. Ortega then opined: If Michael ever heard you talk like that it would not be appropriate. Isn't that right Mrs. Jackson? 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. 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. AEG recross Putnam did re-cross. Ortega: Michael had not performed in ۱۰ years. Whether he'd command the world like he had before remained to be seen. "However, the sell out at the O۲ for ۵۰ shows showed he still had drawing power," Ortega opined. Putnam: Did you see Michael deteriorate over ۸ weeks? Ortega: I would've not used the word deteriorate to describe what I saw. The week of June ۱۵th is when Ortega grew concerned with Michael Jackson. Ortega said nobody came up to him on the ۲۳rd or ۲۴th expressing concern about MJ. They did on the ۱۹th but not after MJ came back on ۲۳rd. Putnam: Would it be surprising to you that the Rolling Stones have a doctor on tour with them right now? Ortega: No. Putnam: You just don't know some of those things, right? Ortega: Yes. Putnam: Have you ever worked on a tour where an artist was $۴۰۰ million in debt? Ortega: Not to my knowledge. Putnam: Have you ever worked on a tour where the artist could not afford his daily expenses? Ortega: I don't believe so. 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. 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. 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. 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. Putnam: If they weren't hiring Dr. Murray, would that responsibility be above and beyond anything they needed to do, in your mind? Ortega: I think that would've been responsible. Putnam: Did Mr. Phillips ever tell you he wanted MJ to come on tour? Ortega: No Jackson redirect 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 AEG recross Putnam in re-re-cross asked if it's common practice to check a doctor's credit report prior to hiring him. "I wouldn't think it would be something that would be the norm," Ortega responded. 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. Putnam asked if being in debt diminishes your capability. "I don't think so," Ortega responded. Ortega: Being in debt doesn't change your talent, your gift, your ability. Jackson redirect Panish in re-re-re-direct: Do you have access to a prescription pad? Ortega: No ----------------------------------------- Putnam and Panish took turns in asking out-of-the-ordinary questions regarding responsibility to Ortega. Jurors were laughing out loud with the exchange between the attorneys. The director kept his composure and responded to all questions. Ortega was dismissed, subject to recall in AEG's case in chief. When the director got up, all jurors clapped for him. He thanked the jurors, kissed Mrs. Jackson, shook hands with Shawn Trell and left.