Jacko's Mum Sues AEG Over Star's Death
8:35am Thursday September 16, 2010
Andy Winter
Michael Jackson's mother is suing the company that was promoting his comeback concerts for failing to provide proper life-saving equipment.
Michael Jackson was due to play 50 gigs on the This Is It tour
According to the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles, Katherine Jackson has claimed AEG is liable for the actions of the singer's personal doctor, Conrad Murray, who has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. It says the promoter put "its desire for massive profits" over the wellbeing of the superstar and failed to reduce a punishing rehearsal schedule. "AEG's action and inactions led to Michael Jackson's death," the lawsuit adds, accusing the company of negligence, breach of contract and fraud.
Jackson suffered cardiac arrest and died just days before the planned start of a mammoth series of 50 London concerts. He was 50. His death has officially been ruled as homicide. He died mainly from a powerful anaesthetic used as a sleep aid, as well as other painkillers and sedatives. The civil action claims that Jackson had appeared drugged and disorientated at rehearsals shortly before his death. It accuses AEG of failing to alter his "gruelling schedule", despite being aware of his condition.
Damages are also sought for Jackson's eldest son, Prince Michael, who "has suffered great trauma and emotional distress" after watching his father injured and dying. In a statement issued by her lawyer, Katherine Jackson said: "The purpose of this lawsuit is to prove to the world the truth about what happened to Michael Jackson, once and for all." A spokesman for AEG said he could not comment on the case.
