Michael Jackson Wrongful Death Lawsuit to begin today

Roughly four years after the death of the incomparable King of Pop, a wrongful death lawsuit against concert promoter/powerhouse AEG, is set to begin. The late Jackson’s mother, Katherine, and his three children, are accusing AEG of “threatening to end Jackson’s career if he failed to deliver on a series of comeback concerts in London and hiring the doctor (Conrad Murray) who was later convicted of giving the singer a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol.”

Both in life and death, matters around M.J. were anything but straight-forward. His seeming plastic surgery addiction countered by his unwaivering claims he “only had my nose done”. The child molestation charges that went away nearly as quickly as they came (well, perhaps not quite as quickly) and at the heart of it, his utter dichotomy. Was he an innocent child-man or a deranged, drug-addicted abuser? His actions and persona were always an enigma.

The case will take place in civil court starting today and could very likely stretch out for months into the summer. The Jackson case is neither a simple one nor one lacking witnesses or evidence… from both sides of the fence. Since the case is civil versus criminal, evidence from both sides will be allowable.

The lawsuit does not seek a definitive dollar amount as this point but it is speculated the figure could veritably reach the billions. Between Jackson’s family and estate and one of the largest entertainment powerhouses there is, the dollars will not be insignificant. The case pits the responsibility of hiring of Dr. Conrad Murray on the two sides of the fence. The Jackson family alleges the doctor was hired by AEG to keep Jackson in “top form”, thereby allowing him to perform money-maker-career-comeback shows while AEG claims he was hired by Jackson himself in an effort to help him sleep. At the heart of the trial lies the ultimate question: did Michael Jackson seal his own fateful demise or did they?

It will be an undoubtedly painful, uncomfortable road to reach that answer. Awkward chapters that, during M.J.’s life, had been seemingly closed, will be re-opened, once again exposing his family and the world to his unconventional antics.  Doctors will take the stand on matters of his frail health, financial experts and accountants on his money troubles and at the core, the financial stakes AEG had in the would-have-been-concerts.

As with all things Michael Jackson, both good and bad, the trial will unquestionably receive immense publicity while it lasts.

http://thewire.sheknows.com/2013/04/29/michael-jackson-wrongful-death-trial-set-to-begin-today/