MJ~Leben u. Sterben~u das Geschehen danach!

Michael Jackson's family offered to settle lawsuit, lawyer says

Michael Jacksons Familie hat Vergleich angeboten, um Klage beizulegen, sagt Anwalt

By Jeff Gottlieb
May 21, 2013, 12:30 p.m.

A lawyer for Michael Jackson’s family said they offered to settle their wrongful-death suit against concert promoter Anschutz Entertainment Group, but that they never got an answer.

Kevin Boyle, an attorney for Jackson’s mother and three children, said the family made the offers in January and March.
Kevin Boyle, ein Anwalt von Jacksons Mutter und den drei Kindern, sagte, dass die Familie im Januar und März die Angebote machte.

Boyle would not provide details but said AEG’s insurance would have paid, “which means they could have settled the case without them paying a dime of their money.”

He said AEG has never offered to settle “and they haven’t apologized.”

Marvin Putnam, an attorney for AEG, said it was inappropriate to discuss settlement discussions.

“We don’t settle matters that are utterly baseless,” he said. “We believe that is the case in this matter. I can’t see why we would consider a settlement as anything other than a shakedown.”

AEG was the promoter and producer of Jackson's comeback concert series in London. The singer died June 25, 2009, at the end of rehearsals, of an overdose of the anesthetic propofol administered by Dr. Conrad Murray.

The Jacksons say in their lawsuit that AEG negligently hired and supervised Murray. AEG says Jackson hired Murray and that any money the firm was supposed to pay him would have been loans to the singer.

The trial, in its fourth week, is expected to take as long as three more months.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-michael-jackson-trial-20130521,0,6307620.story

Director feared Michael Jackson 'could have hurt himself'

By Jeff Gottlieb
May 21, 2013, 8:18 a.m.

Michael Jackson tour director Kenny Ortega wrote in an email to the president and chief executive of AEG Live that the singer "could have hurt himself," according to court testimony.

The email, in which Ortega said the singer was in frail mental health, was shown to the jury Monday. It was sent to Randy Phillips, head of the company promoting Jackson's London concerts, five days before Jackson died in 2009.

Ortega wrote "trouble at the front" in the email's subject line.

"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. I honestly felt if I had encouraged or allowed him on stage last night he could have hurt himself. I believe we need professional guidance in this matter."

Testimony Monday in the wrongful-death lawsuit Jackson's mother and three children have filed against Anschutz Entertainment Group also revealed Ortega didn't have a contract, just a series of emails.

It was revealed earlier that Dr. Conrad Murray, who administered the fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol to Jackson, did not have a signed contract with the promoter of the London concerts by the singer, who died two weeks before they were scheduled to begin.

As Murray, who worked with the singer for two months to prepare him for the concerts, signed his contract the night before Jackson died, but neither the singer nor a company executive signed.

Asked if AEG paid Ortega based on the emails, Shawn Trell, AEG's general counsel answered, "In Kenny's case, that's true."
"And Dr. Murray had an agreement with AEG based on a series of emails?" Panish asked.

"No. I don't believe so," Trell replied.

Asked why Ortega didn't need a contract, Trell said, "Kenny Ortega is different."

Panish showed the jury a series of emails between Murray and AEG executives, including one dated May 8, 2009, in which AEG's Paul Gongaware agreed to pay the doctor $150,000 a month. Jackson died June 25, 2009.

In another email, tour accountant Timm Woolley went over details of employment with Murray, including a provision that if he didn't travel on Jackson's chartered plane, he would fly first class.

In a May 22, 2009, email, Murray wrote to Woolley that he was faxing over a voided check so that money could be wired directly to his account.

When Panish insisted that Murray was working for AEG in May 2009, Trell replied: "No. I totally disagree with that statement."

The Jacksons' lawsuit contends that AEG "hired and controlled" Murray, while the entertainment giant argues that any money it was supposed to pay Murray was an advance to Jackson, who hired the doctor.

Previous testimony has shown that Murray was never paid. On Monday, Trell was shown a report that AEG sent to Michael Jackson's estate that included a request that it be repaid $300,000 it had given Murray.

"To me, it's a mistake," Trell said.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-director-feared-michael-jackson-could-hurt-himself-20130521,0,4822550.story

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 4h
Lawyer: No background check done on Jackson doctor: http://yhoo.it/16MrxtZ (Updated @Alienpenis story on today's testimony)

Yahoo! News
Lawyer: No background check done on Jackson doctor
LOS ANGELES (AP) — AEG Live LLC did not conduct any background checks or supervise the doctor who was later convicted of killing Michael Jackson, a corporate attorney testified Tuesday in a lawsuit...
2:05 AM - 22 Mai 13



Lawyer: No background check done on Jackson doctor

By ANTHONY McCARTNEY | Associated Press – 5 hrs ago

LOS ANGELES (AP) — AEG Live LLC did not conduct any background checks or supervise the doctor who was later convicted of killing Michael Jackson, a corporate attorney testified Tuesday in a lawsuit claiming the concert promoter was negligent in hiring the physician.

AEG Live General Counsel Shawn Trell told jurors that no legal or financial checks were done involving Conrad Murray or anyone else who worked as an independent contractor on the "This Is It" shows.

Jackson's mother Katherine is suing AEG claiming it failed to properly investigate Murray, who was deeply in debt when he agreed to serve as Jackson's tour physician in 2009 for $150,000 a month.
Trell said he thought a background check would be appropriate for people working in financial roles, but not tour personnel who weren't employees of AEG.

Murray's employment status is a central issue in the case. Katherine Jackson's lawyers contend he was hired by AEG, but the company denies it hired him and notes the singer died before signing the doctor's contract.

Trell also acknowledged while testifying that numerous people in the company knew of concerns that Jackson's health was declining.

Five days before Jackson died, AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips alerted the promoter's parent company that Jackson had missed a rehearsal and didn't appear to be ready for his comeback concerts.

"We have a real problem here," Phillips wrote in the message to the CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group.

Trell agreed with a statement by plaintiff's attorney Brian Panish that company executives knew by then there was a "deep issue" with Jackson.

Trell also said he continued discussions with an insurance broker about additional coverage to recoup AEG Live's investment if the tour had to be canceled.

Hours after Phillips sent the warning email, attorney John Branca, who later became co-executor of Jackson's estate, offered to enlist a spiritual and substance abuse specialist to help Jackson, according to an email shown in court.

On that same day, Phillips and others met with Jackson and Murray at the singer's home.

Hours later, Phillips sent an email to tour director Kenny Ortega telling him not to worry. Ortega had expressed grave concerns about Jackson.

"This doctor is extremely successful — we check everyone out — and he does not need this gig so he (is) totally unbiased and ethical," Phillips wrote.

Panish called Phillips' statement "a flat out lie" and asked Trell whether he agreed with it or if it signified how AEG did business. Trell said he didn't know what Phillips thought he knew when he wrote the message.

"I know this statement is not accurate, but you'd have to speak with Mr. Phillips about what he thought or meant in saying it," Trell said.

Phillips is listed as a potential witness in the case, and Trell said he expects him to testify later in the trial.

Outside court, AEG's attorney Marvin S. Putnam declined comment on the email or Panish's characterization of it.

Trell also said on Tuesday that no one at AEG supervised or monitored Murray, who was convicted in 2011 of administering a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol to Jackson.

Trell is considered the most knowledgeable person on numerous issues involving the shows, including contracts and Jackson's health. He has not yet been questioned by AEG's trial lawyers.

Earlier in the day, Trell revised previous testimony in which he told jurors that tour director Ortega worked on "This Is It" without a contract.

The lawyer said Monday that Ortega worked under an agreement forged through a series of emails but didn't have a signed contract.

On Tuesday, he told jurors he was mistaken, and Ortega did have a contract. The agreement was signed in April and included three pages of legal text and several pages of emails laying out the terms.

Trell said he had been reminded of Ortega's agreement by AEG's trial attorneys.
___
Anthony McCartney can be reached at http://twitter.com/mccartneyAP

http://news.yahoo.com/lawyer-no-background-check-done-jackson-doctor-192339561.html (Archiv-Version vom 10.06.2013)

https://twitter.com/mccartneyAP (Archiv-Version vom 03.10.2013)


Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5h
Shawn Trell is expected to be on the stand all day tomorrow. AEG exec Paul Gongaware likely to start testifying on Thursday.

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5h
AEG attorney Jessica Stebbins Bina told Trell she'd ask him about contract and Tohme agreement in more detail Wednesday.

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5h
... and by that point Tohme was no longer Jackson's manager, so he wasn't entitled to be paid his monthly fee.

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5h
However, Trell said Tohme's agreement was predicated on Jackson getting tour cancellation insurance by a certain date. Deadline passed ...

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 5h
Oh Tohme's $100k per month agreement, Trell was shown a January contract that Jackson signed to pay that amount.

https://twitter.com/ABC7Courts (Archiv-Version vom 07.09.2013)


ABC7 Court News ‏@ABC7Courts 4h
Paul Gongaware is not expected until Thursday. That's the plan for now. We hope to see you all tomorrow again!

ABC7 Court News ‏@ABC7Courts 4h
That ended Day 15 of testimony in Jackson Family vs AEG wrongful death trial. Shawn Trell is expected to last all day tomorrow on the stand

ABC7 Court News ‏@ABC7Courts 4h
In May, AEG received letter from MJ saying Tohme didn't rep him anymore. "No payments were ever made under this agreement," Trell explained.

Na da passt ja noch dazu, daß die Jacksons unter AEG - Vertrag im Staples - Center auftreten,
entdeckt bei MJ-forever:





Alles für die Dollars, sie sind sich für nichts zu schade, wenn es um Geld geht.
Ich bin jetzt erst mal fertig mit der Welt, die Jacksons haben AEG einen Vergleich angeboten und das gleich zweimal??? Ich kann es nicht fassen! Also nichts mit Wahrheit und Gerechtigkeit. Eindeutig haben die damit gezeigt, um was es ihnen geht!!!
Frei zum Abschuss, für mich zumindest!

Da muß es ihnen ja jetzt äußerst unangenehm sein, immer da in dieses Gerichtsgebäude zu fahren, alles vergeudete Zeit, sie wollen doch eh nicht hören, was da vor sich geht, sie wollen nur das Geld. Ich wünsche denen, daß sie alle Kosten selbst bezahlen müssen, weil, unschuldig an dieser ganzen Situation sind sie auch nicht, beide Seiten ausgeglichen.
Und außerdem passt die 40 Mrd.-Forderung nicht. Wie soll denn ein kranker, drogensüchtiger noch so viel Gewinn einfahren? Nach Jacksons war ja Michael drogensüchtig, deshalb verstehe ich die Forderung nicht. Jetzt war er noch paranoid, na da hätte er ja auch keinen Gewinn mehr machen können, tja selbst ins Knie geschossen, die Jacksons.
So, jetzt habe ich mir Luft gemacht, ist bissel durcheinander, war aber gerade so aufgebracht, da könnte ich noch ganz anders.

Armer Michael.

Ich habe gerade die Aussagen von gestern gelesen und bleibe bei meinem Eindruck der völligen Verzweiflung Michaels kurz vor seinem Tod. Er wollte nicht, daß die Konzerte abgesagt werden, weil wohl davon die Rede war.
Er hat gebettelt, ich betone "gebettelt", daß es weitergeht und er war total am Boden zerstört. Es ist so, er hatte Angst vor dem völligen Bankrott, er hat keinen Ausweg mehr gesehen, total verzweifelt. Ich wette jetzt, er hat selbst was gemacht.

Ich könnte mir sogar vorstellen, daß AEG hinter diesem Vorwurf von Wade Robsen steckt. Bei diesen ganzen Intrigen ist das naheliegend.
Aber wir werden sehen, ich denke, wenn es für AEG schlecht steht, wird dieses Thema auch noch vor Gericht präsentiert.
Bis jetzt haben wir ja nichts weltbewegendes zu lesen bekommen, blablabla in der Geschäftswelt.

Quelle: MJJC . Eintrag #17 . User: Ivy
http://www.mjjcommunity.com/forum/threads/129265-Katherine-Jackson-vs-AEG-Live-Daily-Trial-Testimony-Summary/page2



Jacksons vs AEG - Day 14 – May 20 2013 – Summary

Katherine, Rebbie and Trent Jackson are at court.

LATimes reported that Jacksons offered a settlement.

Kevin Boyle , a lawyer for Katherine Jackson and MJ’s kids , said they offered to settle lawsuit against AEG, but that they never got an answer. Kevin Boyle said the family made the offers in January and March. Boyle would not provide details but said AEG’s insurance would have paid, “which means they could have settled the case without them paying a dime of their money.” He said AEG has never offered to settle “and they haven’t apologized.” (LATimes)

Marvin Putnam, an attorney for AEG, said it was inappropriate to discuss settlement discussions.“We don’t settle matters that are utterly baseless,” he said. “We believe that is the case in this matter. I can’t see why we would consider a settlement as anything other than a shakedown.” (LATimes)

CNN Reports there was a snack controversy during trial: AEG lawyers gave a bag of peppermint candy to the bailiff to hand out to the jury this week. Even Katherine Jackson enjoyed the treat. But Jackson's lawyer raised an objection Tuesday afternoon, suggesting jurors might be influenced if they realized the source of the sweets. A compromise was reached. Each side can provide snacks for jurors, but they'll be placed at the bailiff's desk before jurors enter court so they have no clue who brought it. (CNN)

Shawn Trell Testimony



Jackson direct

AEG Live General Counsel Shawn Trell told jurors that he had forgotten that Kenny Ortega was working under a signed contract. (AP)

Trell said he met with his attorneys last night and reviewed one doc -- Kenny Ortega's contract. "He had a written contract," Trell said. "I remember the email dynamic. I'm not too proud to admit that I didn't recall the cover contract," Trell said. Trell said he was changing his testimony from yesterday to add that Ortega had a written contract, not only emails between him and AEG. (ABC7)

Next topic was Insurance: Cancellation/Non-Appearance/Sickness. Trell said he started working on insurance for MJ tour in November of 2008. Panish showed several chains of emails where the parties talked about the insurance for the tour. (ABC7)

Email from Bob Taylor insurance broker to Trell on 1/7/09: prior to speaking w/ carriers we ask the artist to attend medical with a doctor... A full medical with both blood/urine tests. The doctor also wants to review the medical records over the last 5 years to ensure full disclosure. Insurers require further medical examination to be carried out by their nominated doctor. They may restrict illness cover or death from illness cover until this examination has taken place. (ABC7)

Email from 4/30/09: Wooley to Trell : "We have no coverage against MJ sickness unless and until MJ submits to another medical in London” (ABC7)

Email from 5/28/09: Trell to Taylor:"We really need to get that medical done" (ABC7)

Email from 6/23/09: Trell to Taylor : "Any update on the availability of Term insurance?" (life insurance) (ABC7)

Trell said if they secured life insurance, they would get money if MJ died. "We would get the money owed to us, yes," Trell testified. (ABC7) Trell also said he continued discussions with an insurance broker about additional coverage to recoup AEG Live's investment if the tour had to be canceled. (AP)

Email from 6/24/09: Taylor to Trell : Insurers have refused to move on this. Huge amount of speculation in the media regarding artist's health. They feel if they're to consider providing illness to cover this particular artist, they must have very through medical report (ABC7)

Email from 6/25/09: Gongaware to Taylor : "If we don't get sickness coverage, we are dropping this policy" (ABC7)

Email from 6/25/09: Taylor to Gongaware : The consultation in London is critical. The doctor is holding the afternoon of the 6th July open at Harley St. But keep in mind the visit could take 2 hours plus (ABC7)

Next topic: Budget/Costs. Panish showed an email from AEG's Rick Webking to MJ's Estate with 1st report of artist advances/expenses. This was a letter sent to the estate containing the expenses incurred, Trell said. "It seems to me we submitted this report for their review, I don't see any request for payment," Trell said. (ABC7)

Trell said he spoke with Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware about Michael Jackson's physical condition prior to coming to testify. "I had heard about rehearsals in which Mr. Jackson was fantastic," Trell said. (ABC7)

Trell said he's aware of email from Ortega saying doctor was not allowing MJ to attend rehearsal on June 14, 2009. "I was aware of MJ's doctor not allowing him to attend rehearsal," Trell said. (ABC7)

Email from 6/17/09 from Phillips: ...Ortega, Gongaware, Dileo, and his doctor Conrad from Vegas and I have an intervention with him to get him to focus and come to rehearsal (ABC7)

Email from 6/17/09 from Gongaware to Phillip's assistant: "We need a physical therapist and a nutritionist" (ABC7)

Email from Production Manager - Gongaware/Phillips on 6/19/09 : “Paul/Randy I'm not bring a drama queen here. Kenny asked me to notify you both MJ was sent home without stepping foot on stage. He was a basket case and Kenny was concerned he would embarrass himself on stage, or worse yet, be hurt. The company is rehearsing right now, but the DOUBT is pervasive. (ABC7)

Email from Randy Phillips to Tim Leiweke on 6/19/09 : "We have a huge problem here." (ABC7)

"I think he recognized there was a problem on the 19th," Trell said. "I would take it seriously, as I believe Mr. Phillips did." (ABC7) Trell agreed with a statement by plaintiff's attorney Brian Panish that company executives knew by then there was a "deep issue" with Jackson.(AP)

Does Trell consider that exchange a "red flag" that AEG Live should have noticed, Panish asked. "I would take it seriously, as I believe Mr. Phillips did," Trell answered. "I don't know I would use the word 'red flag.'" (CNN)

One of the emails shown to jury was from Jackson estate co-executor John Branca, sent 5 days before Jackson’s death. Branca wrote Phillips, Gongaware and other AEG execs on June 20th that he had an spiritual/substance abuse expert who could work with MJ.(AP) John Branca, Jackson’s attorney, also chimed in, sending an email marked “confidential” to a handful of people, including Phillips, Gongaware and Leiweke. (LATimes) Branca asked whether there were substance abuse issues, but wrote that the issue might be best discussed on the phone. The email was sent the same day that a meeting was held at Jackson’s home with Murray. No further info given to jury. (AP)

Email from John Branca to Phillips, Gongaware, Joel Katz, Frank DiLeo, Michael Kane on 6/20/09 : "I have the right therapist/spiritual advisor/substance abuse counselor who could help (recently helped Mike Tyson get sober and paroled) Do we know whether there is a substance issue involved (perhaps better discussed on the phone). (ABC7)

Trell said Mr. Phillips never told him about this email. (ABC7)

Email from Ortega to Randy Phillips on 6/20/09: (chain of emails) : "I honestly don't think he is ready for this based on his continued physical weakening and deepening emotional state”

Trell said he didn't see these emails. He said he spoke with Randy Phillips about Phillips' perception of MJ in order to prepare for testifying, but not about specific emails. Trell has been designated as the most qualified person to speak on behalf of AEG. (ABC7)

Email from Phillips to Gongaware on 6/20/09 at 1:52 am : Tim and I are going to see him tomorrow, however, I'm not sure what the problem is Chemical or Physiological? (ABC7)

From Gongaware to Phillips, on 6/20/09 at 5:59 am : Take the doctor with you. Why wasn't he there last night? (ABC7)

From Phillips to Gongaware, on 6/20/09 at 2:01 pm : He is not a psychiatrist so I'm not sure how effective he can be at this point obviously, getting him there is not the issue. It is much deeper. (ABC7)

Trell said Randy Phillips went to a handful of rehearsals, three at the Forum and two at Staples Center. The head of the marketing department attended rehearsal on June 23, 2009. "She was blown away by it," Trell testified. (ABC7)

He said he was unaware of issues with Jackson at rehearsals.“I knew of no problems with Michael Jackson at all,” Trell testified. (LATimes)

Trell said he never saw the emails from Phillips directing people to exclude images from TII of MJ looking "skeletal" while rehearsing. "What were his observations of MJ's physical condition during rehearsal," Trell said. "I asked for his (Phillips) personal opinion." (ABC7)

Next line of questioning is about human resources and background checks. Trell said they can be valuable and useful tools when hiring. Background check costs around $40 to $125. Trell said AEG Live could afford this fee. "We don't do background checks on independent contractors," Trell said. Trell said he was involved in the hiring by AEG Live for the TII tour. His department was responsible for retaining independent contractors. Trell said he is not familiar with background check process for hiring. (ABC7) "I am not familiar with the process of doing background checks," Trell said. "No training." (CNN)

Plaintiff’s attorney Brian Panish also asked Trell about background checks. Trell said AEG doesn't do checks on independent contractors. Panish said an AEG-retained expert testified at deposition that a background check on Murray would cost $40-125 dollars. Panish: “Could AEG afford that?” “Sure,” Trell responded. (Re: background checks for contractors) (AP)

Panish: There was no hiring criteria for the TII tour, correct?
Trell: Not to my knowledge (ABC7)

Trell testified that when it comes to independent contractors, they have either worked with the artists, AEG or known in the industry. Trell agreed that no background check was done on anyone working on "This Is It" tour. (ABC7) AEG Live General Counsel Shawn Trell told jurors that no legal or financial checks were done involving Conrad Murray or anyone else who worked as an independent contractor on the "This Is It" shows. (AP)

Depending on the nature of the position, a background could be done, Trell said, like for potential employees in the financial area.(ABC7) Trell said he thought a background check would be appropriate for people working in financial roles, but not tour personnel who weren't employees of AEG.(AP)

As to independent contractors, Trell said there's no supervision and monitoring like there's for employees. (ABC7)

Panish: you don't do anything to check into background, supervise or protect the artist?
Trell: No, safety is a concern (ABC7)

"When they leave the environment, what they do on their own time is their own business," Trell said. (ABC7) Trell said that AEG did not hire Murray, that the doctor was like many independent contractors, "what they do on their own time is their own business." (KABC)

Trell testified he doesn't believe the artist is more at risk because AEG Live doesn't do background check. (ABC7)

"We did nothing to monitor Dr. Murray," Trell said. "We did not monitor whatever it was that he was doing, no." (ABC7)

"It called for Michael Jackson being able to terminate Dr. Murray at will," Trell said about the contract. "If the concerts didn't go forward, and he was terminated under this provision, Dr. Murray would not be paid going forward," Trell explained (ABC7)

As to Dr Murray being under dire financial straits, Trell said that he doesn't know if he agrees with it, everyone's perception is different. (ABC7)

Trell: I certainly wasn't aware of it at the time
Panish: Because you didn't check, right?
Trell: That's right (ABC7)

"I don't think conflict of interests are a good thing, and we would want to prevent it," Trell said. (ABC7)

Email from Kathy Jorie to Shawn Trell on 6/24/09 at 12:54 am:
Subject: Revised agreement with GCA Holdings/Dr. Murray
It had two attachments Attachments:
Revised Michael Jackson -AEG GCA Holdings Murray Agreement 6-18-09
Final MJ -- AEG GCA Holdings Agreement (Dr. Murray) 6-23-09 (ABC7)

Email chain from 6/23/09, 5:39pm from Jorrie to Wooley, Murray
Subject: RE: Michael Jackson - Revised Agreement with GCA Holdings/Dr. Murray
Email: I have redlined the Word version so that you can see all of the revisions. In addition, I've attached clean PDF version for execution
The email says that if Dr. Murray approved it, he was to print it, sign and send it back to Jorrie. (ABC7)

Panish: Did Ms. Jorrie call this contract a draft?
Trell: She called it a Final Version (ABC7)

"Every document is a draft until it is executed," Trell said. (ABC7)

Panish showed emails exchanged among AEG executives that contained drafts of Murray’s contract. On June 23, 2009, attorney Kathy Jorrie emailed Murray and said she had “attached a clean pdf version which is ready for execution.” Although Murray had signed a contract with the company, neither Jackson nor anyone from AEG had added their signatures. Trell testified that a copy of the contract had never been sent to Jackson. (LATimes)

With Trell on the stand, Jackson lawyer Brian Panish played part of an interview that AEG Live President Randy Phillips gave to Sky News television soon after Jackson's death.
"This guy was willing to leave his practice for a very large sum of money, so we hired him," Phillips said. Panish also showed jurors an e-mail between AEG lawyers suggesting that Phillips told other interviewers AEG Live "hired" Murray. (CNN)

Panish: Isn't it true that Randy Phillips made numerous comments that AEG Live hired Dr. Murray?
Trell: I know he has made that statement (ABC7)

On July 1st, within 5 days of MJ's death, Phillips gave an interview to SkyNews saying AEG Live hired Dr. Murray. "I don't know what you mean about admitted, he made that statement," Trell said. (ABC7)

Panish said AEG higher-ups became concerned after Phillips made such admission. Trell said he didn't know if that was true. Bruce Black is the General Counsel for parent company of AEG and AEG Live. Michael Roth is AEG's media relations. (ABC7)

Email from Kathy Jorrie to Bruce Black and Michael Roth on 8/25/09:
Subject: AEG Live president says AEG Live hired Dr. Conrad Murray (ABC7)

Panish shows Trell a deposition, under oath, given by insurance broker Bob Taylor on another case. Trell said he has never seen or read it. Trell denied having a telephone conversation with Mr. Taylor where Trell asked him if a doctor's compensation was covered in the insurance. (ABC7)

Panish: Does that refresh your recollection that AEG was employing Dr. Murray?
Trell: Mr. Taylor has this completely wrong (ABC7)

After lunch break, Brian Panish asked if Shawn Trell wanted to change anything else in his testimony, to which he said no (ABC7)

Bruce Black, attorney for Anschutz, was present in the meeting with LAPD. Trell met with the police on Tuesday, January 12, 2010. Trell told the police that day that Dr. Murray would receive $150,000 compensation per month. Trell also said that Dr. Murray requested and AEG would provide necessary medical equipment and a nurse. (ABC7) The interview with detectives was in January 2010. A detective wrote in a summary that AEG told them it agreed to pay Murray $150k and also provide a nurse and medical equipment for the care of Jackson.(AP) More than five months after Jackson’s death, Trell said, he informed LAPD detectives that Murray initially requested $5 million to join the tour but eventually agreed to a salary of $150,000 a month for 10 months. AEG also agreed to provide medical equipment and a nurse, he testified. (LATimes)

Panish: as far as you know, all the agreements written for TII tour was done under AEG Live Productions, right?
Trell: Yes
Panish: Was Dr. Murray trying to help AEG get insurance?
Trell: The policy was in both names, so he was helping both parties. (ABC7)

Trell said Dennis Hawk, who represented MJ, was in touch with Taylor regarding the insurance. (ABC7)

Panish: As of June 2009, you don't even know whether Mr. Jackson had a personal manager working for him, right?
Trell: Well, my understanding at the time there were a couple of people acting in that capacity. (ABC7)

Email on 6/2/09 from Randy Phillips to Jeff Wald: "Jeff, remember getting MJ to focus is not the easiest thing in the world and we still have no lawyer, business manager, or, even real manager in place. It is a nightmare!" (ABC7)

Trell said the only time he saw an artist's signature required to retain an independent contractor was for Dr. Murray. Trell said his understanding was that Dr. Murray worked for MJ for 3 years; didn't know how many times MJ saw Dr. Murray. "I've never spoken with Dr. Murray ever. And I met/spoke with Mr. Jackson once," Trell said. (ABC7)

"He was a significant expense," Trell testified about Dr. Murray. Trell said AEG Live didn't do anything to check Dr. Murray's competency as doctor, other than checking his physician license. Trell said AEG didn't do anything to determine Dr. Murray's financial conditions in 2009. (ABC7)

Jury was shown an email that Phillips sent to Kenny Ortega on night of June 20, 2009. It was email urging Ortega to stand down. (AP)

Email on 6/20/09 Phillips to Ortega : Kenny it's critical that neither you, me, anyone around this show become amateur psychiatrist/physicians. I had a lengthy conversation with Dr. Murray, who I am gaining immense respect for as I get to deal with him more. He said that Michael is not only physically equipped to perform & discouraging him to will hasten his decline instead of stopping it. Dr. Murray also reiterated that he is mentally able to and was speaking to me from the house where he had spent the morning with MJ. This doctor is extremely successful (we check everyone out) and does not need this gig so he totally unbiased and ethical. (ABC7)

Panish asked Trell whether Phillips’ characterization to Ortega, given no background check was done, was a lie. Trell responded that he didn’t know what Phillips knew or was thinking when he wrote that email to Ortega. Trell also said he expected Randy Phillips to testify at some point during the trial, so he could address the email himself. (AP)

Panish then asked Trell, “Sir, you never checked out one single thing about Dr. Murray -- you’ve already told me that, correct?”
“As of the date of the email, that would’ve been correct,” Trell said. (LAtimes)

When pressed by Panish, Trell said that Phillips’ statement that Murray had been checked out, along with the executive’s claim that the doctor “does not need this gig” were inaccurate. “I don’t know where Randy’s understanding or impression comes from,” Trell said.(LATimes) Trell testified that Phillips might have been “misinformed” or simply was stating his impression of the Las Vegas cardiologist.(NYDailyTimes)

Panish: But no one at AEG checked Dr. Murray to see if he was successful or not, isn't that true?
Trell: Yes (ABC7)

Panish then asked several pointed questions about whether Shawn Trell agreed with Phillips telling Ortega they’d checked Murray out. One of Panish’s questions was whether Trell thought Phillips’ email was “acceptable conduct.” (AP)

Panish called Phillips' statement "a flat out lie" and asked Trell whether he agreed with it or if it signified how AEG did business. Trell said he didn't know what Phillips thought he knew when he wrote the message. "I know this statement is not accurate, but you'd have to speak with Mr. Phillips about what he thought or meant in saying it," Trell said. (AP)

Panish: That's a flat out lie, isn't it sir?
Trell: I don't know what Mr. Phillips intended to say, this should be a question to him (ABC7)

Panish: You don't know if he was successful or facing bankruptcy, did you?
Trell: No (ABC7)

Trell: I know the statement is not accurate. You have to speak with Mr. Phillips about what he meant to say. (ABC7)

Panish: Do you agree w/CEO of your company making untrue statements?
Trell: I don't know that he didn't know it wasn't true when he said it (ABC7)

Trell said Phillips never told him that he checked Dr. Murray out. As to reference in Phillips' email about Dr. Murray being unbiased, ethical, not needing this gig, Trell said it was Phillips' impressions (ABC7)

He said AEG typically only runs background checks on candidates applying for full-time jobs with AEG, not independent contractors.
(KABC)

Panish: Isn't it true AEG Live does not do background check on independent contractors?
Trell: That's true (ABC7)

Trell said that no one from AEG interviewed Dr. Murray because he was an independent contractor. (ABC7)

“Did anyone from AEG ever at any time interview Dr. Murray?” asked Brian Panish
“No,” Trell replied. (LATimes)

Panish showed a document used by AEG entitled "Disclosure and Authorization to Conduct Background Check". Doc is used for employment, promotion, retention, contingent or the rate staffing, consulting, sub-contract work, or volunteer work. Panish asked if there was any reason why Dr. Murray was not given a background check. "He wasn't an employee, he wasn't applying for a full time position with the company," Trell explained. Trell said theoretically they could've asked to check Dr. Murray's background and credit. (ABC7)

AEG Cross

Jessica Bina began her examination by showing the letter submitted by AEG's CFO to the Estate of Michael Jackson for their review. (ABC7) She asked Shawn Trell about the estimate presented to Jackson’s estate that included Murray’s $300k fees. She asked why it was prepared. Shawn Trell said it was done at the request of the estate. He said Jackson’s estate wanted to know state of tour finances when Jackson died. (AP) Trell said the report was requested by the Estate after a series of meetings after MJ's death. The purpose of the meeting was to wind up the business affairs of the tour due to MJ's death, Trell said. "It was my understating in June Tohme was back in the picture in some capacity. I'm not sure which, Mr. DiLeo was in it too," Trell said (ABC7)

Bina: Is there any request for payment?
Trell: No, there's no demand for payment, it's for review (ABC7)

Stebbins Bina asked about the inclusion of Murray’s fee in the document. She said she wanted to show something Panish didn't. (AP) Bina showed the report that was attached to the letter. (ABC7) Murray’s fee on the document had a footnote. Trell read what that footnote said, and explained why estate wasn’t asked for Murray’s fee. (AP) Next to "Management Medical" there's a reference to footnote 3. Note 3: contract not signed by Michael Jackson and such signature was a condition precedent to any payment obligations.(ABC7) “Contract is not signed by Michael Jackson and such signature was condition precedent to any payment obligation.” _ Footnote on Murray fee.(AP) Trell testified Webking, the CFO for AEG, did not ask MJ's Estate for payment of Dr. Murray's salary. (ABC7)

“You testified you were somewhat confused (by the inclusion of the $300,000)?” AEG defense lawyer Jessica Stebbins Bina asked Trell as she projected the list, dated July 17, 2009, on a screen for jurors.

“Do you see there’s something in parentheses?” Stebbins Bina asked, zooming in to blow up a footnote from AEG CFO Frederick Webking that stated Michael Jackson never signed Murray’s contract, so its terms were not enforceable.

“Is Mr. Webking asking the estate to pay?” Stebbins Bina asked Trell.
“No,” he replied, explaining that upon reflection he believed Mr. Webking was just being “thorough” by including the $300,000 as a budgeted cost.

“Did Mr. Webking make a mistake as you thought yesterday?” she asked.

“No,” Trell answered. “He did not.” (NYDailyNews)

Second report made to the Estate on Sept. 18, 2009, there was no amount next to management medical. (ABC7) Stebbins Bina then showed a Sept. 2009 report of “This Is It” finances to Michael Jackson’s estate. Murray’s fee not listed in that document(AP)

Trell went thru his job description with AEG. He said he has five lawyers in his department and has worked on thousands of agreements. Trell explained what PMK is -- Person Most Knowledgeable, identified by the company to testify on its behalf. Trell said he didn't know about all the topics he was designated, so he had to do some studying and interviews with people.(ABC7)

As to Ortega's contract, Trell said he was aware ofa string of emails being at least a part of original agreement with Kenny. "When we were done here yesterday, I looked at Kenny Ortega's original agreement," Trell said. Trell noted he hadn't looked at Ortega's agreement since it was entered into in 2009. Bina showed copy of Ortega's contract. (ABC7) Before the afternoon break, Trell and jury were shown Kenny Ortega’s tour agreement. It was signed in April 2009. The agreement was three pages of legalese, with several pages of emails attached that confirmed the terms. The first three pages included some paragraphs that described who owned the rights to “This Is It” content. (AP) A large number of emails are part of the agreement as exhibits. Trell said he recalled the emails exchange and admitted again not being proud of forgetting the cover contract portion. Bina showed Ortega's executed contract with everyone's signature on it. Trell said Kenny Ortega was paid after his contract was signed. (ABC7)

Trell, Phillips and Kathy Jorrie were involved in drafting and negotiating the contract with Michael Jackson. For MJ, Trell said Dr. Tohme Tohme and attorneys Dennis Hawk and Peter Lopez represented him. He said there were multiple drafts. "It's my understanding they were talking to, or at least receiving offers from, a competitive of ours, Live Nation," Trell said. (ABC7) Trell also said that before signing an agreement with AEG, Jackson had been considering a tour offer from its main competitor, Live Nation. (LATimes)

Bina showed the jury the final tour agreement. Trell said he went to MJ's home at Carolwood to sign it. Upon arrival, Trell said Mr. Jackson got up from where he was seated, and said 'Hi, welcome, I'm Michael." Trell said it was pretty funny, since he was a very distinct person. Trell said they shook hands, he had a good firm handshake and his voice was not what people think. (ABC7)

"He popped up, came over, introduced himself, was very cordial, there was a real positive energy, good vibe in the room," Trell said. "He seemed genuinely enthused," Trell added. "He had the contract in front of him, said he read every page, seemed very enthused." Trell said they all signed it and Mr. Jackson was really keen on the 3-D stuff, that he was already down the road in his mind. "I was probably there just a little less than an hour. And that was the only time I met him," Trell recalled. (ABC7)

“There was a real positive energy and vibe in the room,” Trell said. “He seemed genuinely enthused, we sat there for some time and he had the contract out in front of him. He said he had read every page; he was flipping through it. It just felt -- he just seemed so enthused by the whole thing.” (LATimes)

Bina discussed the contract for the tour agreement: A first class performance by Artist at each show on each of the approved itineraries. Contract: Artist shall perform no less than 80 minutes at each show, and the maximum show length for each show shall be 3.5 hours. Artist shall approve a sufficient number of shows on itineraries proposed by promoter or producer as to recoup the advances made. Trell said compensation was agreed on 90-10 split. Artist received 90% of what's defined contingent compensation.(ABC7)

Trell explained to jury how concerts get paid for. One scenario is artist pays for production up front. A second scenario is that the promoter gives artist an advance, and then they use the money to put together the show. The third option, Trell said, is the artist pays someone like AEG Live to produce and promote the show, with costs to come out of their pay. Trell called the second and third option like an interest-free loan. In Jackson's case, AEG agreed to a 90/10 split of show's proceeds. Jackson would have received the 90 percent portion, Trell said. Jackson also on the hook for a 5% production fee. (AP)

AEG Live was promoter and producer. "We advanced the money necessary to mount the tour," Trell explained. "It's interest free money". (ABC7) Trell testified Tuesday that Jackson’s advance, which covered his $100,000-a-month rent on his mansion and a $3-million payment to settle a lawsuit that would free up his performance rights, was considered a loan to be paid back to AEG. (LATimes)

Part of the advance was to pay off the settlement agreement of $3 million in London court. The underlying dispute was that a company owned the rights for Jackson's live performance. "The rights needed to be freed up," Trell said. The advances were to be paid back to AEG Live before the split of revenue. Production Advances were capped to $7.5 million. Contract: Artist was responsible for all the production costs in excess of the cap and had to reimburse promoter. (ABC7)

"Michael Jackson was known to have very elaborated productions," Trell said. "Production values can get significant, for lack of a better word, it really depends on how many bells and whistles they want," Trell said. Trell said AEG would not advance money without the artist requesting it. (ABC7)

Trell said it's not only typical and customary, but standard and artist needs to secure either non-appearance or cancellation insurance. Their interest in the policy, Trell said, was to cover the advances and production costs incurred with the production of the show. If the were no obligations to AEG, the payout would go back to the artist, Trell explained."It just recoups our loan made to the artist." (ABC7)

Trell was also asked about elements of tour insurance policies and an agreement with former manager Tohme Tohme. Jackson's contract called for him to represent to AEG that he didn't have any health conditions that would keep him from performing. (AP)

Contract: Artistco hereby represents and warrants that artist does not possess any known health conditions, injuries or ailments that would reasonable be expected to interfere with Artist's first class performance at each of the shows during the term (ABC7)

Oh Tohme's $100k per month agreement, Trell was shown a January contract that Jackson signed to pay that amount. However, Trell said Tohme's agreement was predicated on Jackson getting tour cancellation insurance by a certain date. Deadline passed and by that point Tohme was no longer Jackson's manager, so he wasn't entitled to be paid his monthly fee. (AP)

January 24, 2009 -- agreement entered with Dr. Tohme Tohme. Trell said MJ was involved and signed this agreement. "This agreement was entered into January 26, Trell testified. "There are conditions that needed to be met before any payment could be made." One of the the conditions was placement of non-appearance insurance, Trell said. That placement was done in late April, early May. In May, AEG received letter from MJ saying Tohme didn't rep him anymore. "No payments were ever made under this agreement," Trell explained. (ABC7)

AEG attorney Jessica Stebbins Bina told Trell she'd ask him about contract and Tohme agreement in more detail Wednesday. (AP)

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Shawn Trell will continue to testify. Paul Gongaware is the next expected witness.

Quelle: MJJC . Eintrag #18 . User:Ivy
http://www.mjjcommunity.com/forum/threads/129265-Katherine-Jackson-vs-AEG-Live-Daily-Trial-Testimony-Summary/page2


Jacksons vs AEG - Day 16 – May 22 2013 – Summary

Katherine, Rebbie and Trent Jackson are in court

Shawn Trell Testimony

AEG Cross

Trell was first asked about contract between AEG and Jackson’s former manager, Tohme R. Tohme. (AP) Jessica Bina asked Trell about an agreement regarding former manager Tohme Tohme. He was employed by Jackson and contract added duties. Compensation is detailed in contract. There was a condition precedent. Trell refers to cancellation insurance in tour agreement. Trell: while this agreement started in January, the conditions/terms not met. If Tohme would've performed as specified, would've been paid. (ABC7) Shawn Trell said Tohme’s agreement called for him to get paid once cancellation insurance was secured. Tour cancellation insurance wasn’t obtained for “This Is It” tour until late April, after Tohme had been fired. (AP)

Trell: To pursue Jackson's interest films, AEG would put up a million dollars for development. They contemplated making 3 films. (ABC7) Trell was also asked about an agreement Jackson signed in Jan. 2009 for a possible three-film deal. The film agreement would have allowed Jackson to get $1 million to develop a script for an AEG-owned film company. Trell said the initial project Jackson was interested in was connected to “Thriller.” He didn't offer any more details. He said by June 1, 2009, the film industry wasn’t interested in pursuing that project. June was deadline for the agreement to kick in. Trell said AEG offered to extend the deadline to Oct. 2009, but Jackson never signed the extension agreement. (AP) In addition to the tour contract between Jackson and AEG, Trell said the two also had an agreement that proposed developing up to three film projects together, one of which was related to his “Thriller” video. When nothing was developed by the agreement’s June 1, 2009, deadline, AEG sent a proposed amendment to extend that date to Jackson’s representatives, Trell said. (LAtimes)

“I think the interest was still there on Mr. Jackson’s side and I know we were interested in helping him realize what he wanted to accomplish,” Trell said. (LAtimes)

After discussing the possible film deal, AEG lawyer Jessica Stebbins Bina then asked him more about tour cancellation policy. (AP)Trell said it's always the artists obligation to obtain this form of insurance to pay back the advances. Trell: The cancellation insurance, whether one show lost or the entire tour, MJ was obligated to pay us regarding the production costs. Trell: AEG had obligation regarding advances. We don't secure insurance to cover profits, only to protect losses from cancellation.(ABC7) “We don’t secure cancellation insurance to secure anticipated profits,” only advanced costs, AEG lawyer Shawn Trell said. (AP)

Trell: It is not uncommon for an artist to have the assistance of a promoter. We have to be satisfied with the strength of the policy. Trell said insurance was $17.5 million. He said in the market place there was lot of skittishness; tabloid media possibility of skin cancer. (ABC7) He said the insurance broker was having difficulty at first getting cancellation insurance. There wasn’t a lot of interest and Trell said the underwriters in London were concerned about tabloid reports about Jackson’s health. Some reports referenced Jackson having skin cancer, which wasn’t the case. Broker suggested a med exam to alleviate concerns. The exam would involve blood and urine tests, filling out a questionnaire and the doctor reviewing 5 years of Jackson’s med records. (AP)

Broker suggested a NYC ear, nose and throat specialist, who was flown out to Los Angeles and evaluated Jackson. The doctor had to provide his resume and sign a confidentiality agreement before examining Jackson in early February 2009. Trell said he never saw the medical records from Jackson’s exam, and has never seen an artist’s records after a physical. Trell was asked if he ever heard about results of Michael Jackson’s February 2009 physical exam. (AP) Trell said the exam took place in February 2009, and that although he wasn’t privy to Jackson’s medical records, he was satisfied. (LATimes) Trell never saw results because of confidentiality, but testified that Taylor later told him: "Other than a slight case of hay fever, he passed with flying colors." (AP)

Trell says that he received report from insurance broker about the exam. "Other than a case of hay fever, Jackson passed in flying colors." (ABC7) Trell: The broker’s “exact words to me were, ‘Other than a slight case of hay fever, he passed with flying colors.’” (AP)

After the exam, AEG was able to obtain a $17.5 million cancellation policy for Jackson’s “This Is It” concerts. Jackson was referred to as “Mark Jones” in the documents to mask his identity. The policy covered first 30 shows at O2 Arena. Trell said it was unusual for an artist to be listed under a different name on an insurance policy in his experience. (AP) AEG ended up securing a $17.5-million insurance policy that listed among its exclusions “the illegal possession or illicit taking of drugs and their effects.” (LATimes) AEG had a $17.5 million "non-appearance" policy on Jackson should he fail to perform the first 13 of his 50 shows at London's O2 Arena, Trell said. But the insurers wouldn't cover illness until Jackson underwent a second medical exam to be performed in London by a doctor selected by the insurers. (AP)

Bina: you wouldn't go out to get a policy for an artist with an illicit drug problem? Trell: no, because it wouldn't be covered (ABC7)

Trell: If someone died and the artist was so distraught that the artist could not perform, that loss would be covered by this policy. (ABC7)

Bina: We're you ever able to get more insurance coverage? Trell: No, because concerns over what marketplace saw in media reports. List of what appeared on tabloids: Mj using a wheelchair, back injury, lupus, cancer, cosmetic procedures, lung infections. Trell said there was no mention of drug abuse, alcohol abuse, sleep disorder.(ABC7) Trell said he continued to check in with Taylor to see if the marketplace had changed and the coverage could be increased because it was unusual for the insurance not to cover the entire advance made. “We were just trying to bridge the gap between cost and expense,” he testified. A second insurance physical was scheduled for July 6, 2009. “We had no reason to believe that he wouldn’t pass,” Trell said. (LAtimes)

On June 25, 2009, at 5:54 a.m., London time, Taylor sent an email to Dr. Conrad Murray, who had been brought onto the tour to tend to Jackson. The email, introduced as evidence in the case, read:

“The insurers have specifically requested information on the following:

Press reports on the artist at various times using a wheelchair, and whether any of these occasions were as a result of a medical issue.

Press reports that the artist had, or has, suffered a back injury.

Press reports that the artist is suffering, or has previously suffered from lupus.

Press reports that the artist is suffering, or has previously suffered from cancer.

Press reports that the artist was hospitalized in 2005.

Dates and brief details of any cosmetic procedures, and specific details of any complications.

Press reports that the artist has suffered from lung infection/emphysema and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding.

Press reports that the artist has minimal diet (is possibly anorexic).”

Jackson died hours later from a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol administered by Murray.

Jessica Stebbins Bina, an attorney representing AEG, pointed out in the courtroom that the list of insurers’ concerns did not include drugs, painkillers, alcohol or sleep disorders. (LATimes)

Bina: Could AEG make a profit from cancellation insurance? Trell: No, only to cover losses (ABC7)

Trell said employees are insured by the company. Independent contractors are just that, that is why it is called independent. "Independent contractors have area of expertise needed to make the project happen" Trell said. It's expertise not within the company itself. Trell: We hire third parties for equipment, sound. They're usually referred to us or they are known to the artist. Trell: people responsible for the project would be involved in establishing rates and conditions, agreement is handled by me or my office. Trell: On a nightly basis when they leave the premises, they go home, that is the sanctity of their home, that is their business. Trell: It would be misguided for us to inject ourselves in the lives of those people. (Referring to members of an artist's entourage) (ABC7) “It would be misplaced or misguided for us to inject ourselves into the affairs of an artist,” Trell said. (LATimes)

It was Jackson who requested Murray, Trell said, and he believed the two had worked together for three years prior. (LATimes)

Bina: Did AEG have any role in choosing doctor Murray? Trell: No (ABC7)

Bina: Surprised to bring family physician on board? Trell: No we've had other tours where artists brought doctors for themselves/families (ABC7)

Trell said insurance was required based on the contract. Trell said they produced Prince's tour a few years ago, which was analogous to the "This Is It" tour. (ABC7)

Email on 5/21/09 from Wooley to Dr. Murray: Dear Conrad, I should like to send a contract to you in the next day or two But am looking for help writing the legal department because the form within which I work don't apply to your specialized position. So it has to be custom-generated. (ABC7)

5/28/09, Wooley to Dr. Murray He said the legal department has not yet completed the agreement which is rather specialized, rare event Email noted payment could only be made upon fully executed contract. Kathy Jorrie is attorney retained by AEG to work on Murray's contract.(ABC7)

Bina: Did Ms. Jorrie begin contract negotiations with Dr. Murray at your direction? Trell: Yes (ABC7)

6/15/09 Jorrie wrote to Wooley: I've attached draft for your review/comment. If you approved the attached, please submit copy to Dr. Murray (ABC7)

Contract: Provision 9 Artist Consent: The effect of this agreement is conditioned upon the approval and consent of the artist. (ABC7)

Contract: Without the artist's expressed and written approval of the agreement neither party to the agreement will have any rights obligations to one another arising from the agreement. Trell testified this was the first contract he saw this provision included (ABC7)

"Because of the personal nature here from MJ for this particular engagement of his personal physician," Trell explained. (ABC7)

Contract: The undersigned hereby confirms that he has requested producer to engage Dr. Murray on the terms set forth herein. Contract: on behalf of an at the expense of the undersigned: Michael Jackson (ABC7)

“My understanding is that he was going to be categorized as artist advance," Trell explained. “This was specific accommodation at the request of the artist as opposed to production cost incurred while mounting a show," Trell said (ABC7)

Trell said there's a final settling of the tour after the project is completed. That's where they categorize/re-categorize things. Trell said he doesn't do the final settlement himself, but people who do ask him questions about how it should be done. "My understating he was an Artist Advance," Trell said. MJ's company was responsible for both artist and production advances. "I'm not aware of MJ making objections to this provision," Trell said. (ABC7)

Bina showed Dr. Murray's last page of the contract signed by Murray. The agreement was between AEG Live Productions, LLC and GCA Holdings LLC and Conrad Murray. GCA Holdings is Dr. Murray's employer. "The intention was to make it (provision 9) expressly subject to have Michael's signature on it," Trell explained.(ABC7)

Bina shows the Recitals of the contract. In one of them, it says Dr. Murry was a licensed cardiologist. Contract Scope of Services: Dr. Murray will provide general medical care to the Artist... Contract: Such services will be administered professionally and w/ the greatest degree of care expected from members in the medical field. (ABC7)

Email on 6/23/09 from Kathy Jorrie to Wooley and Dr. Murray I've attached hereto a revised version of your agreement which incorporates all of the revision you requested. I have redlined the word version so that you can see all the revisions. (ABC7)

Redline: It changed the scope of services from producer to artist in the sentence: "Dr. Murray shall also provide such other services as are reasonably requested by Artist from time to time during the term hereof. "It was requested by Dr. Murray," Trell said (ABC7)

Responsibilities of GCA/Dr. Murray 4.3 Obtain, maintain and comply with all licenses or other approvals required by any applicable law or from any governmental agency or authority to permit or otherwise legally authorize Dr. Murray to perform any and all Services and to fulfill all of his obligations under this Agreement including in accordance with applicable laws in the United Kingdom. Present to Producer within two (2) weeks from the date of this Agreement documented proof of any and all licenses required for Dr. Murray to practice Medicine in the United States and to perform the Services under this Agreement. Present to Producer no later than July 3, 2009 documented proof of all licenses required for Dr. Murray to practice medicine i n the United Kingdom and to perfonn the Services under this Agreement to the reasonable satisfaction of the producer. (ABC7)

Contract included provisions to terminate the contract for failure to provide appropriate medical licenses to work in the US and UK (ABC7)

Trell spoke with individuals from AEG about MJ's physical condition. He said he was told MJ seemed fine and the performances were terrific. (ABC7)

Email on 6/20/09 from Ortega to Phillips: Finally, it's important for everyone to know, I believe that he really wants this it would shatter him, break his heart if we pulled the plug. He's terribly frightened it's all going to go away. He asked me repeatedly tonight if I was going to leave him. He was practically begging for my confidence. He broke my heart. He was like a lost boy. There still may be a chance he can arise to the occasion. If we get him the help he needs. (ABC7)

Trell said he was in the courtroom when Travis Payne testified. He remembers Payne saying MJ looked like he had flu-like symptoms on 6/19/09. "Everyone mentioned chilling or cold, but no one definitively stated at the time what was going on," Trell said. (ABC7)

Bina: Did you speak with Mr. Phillips about his interaction with Dr. Murray? Trell: Yes

"My understanding there were two meetings in which Dr. Murray attended and MJ was present," Trell said. He knew one on June 20th, and another one in the beginning of June, but he didn't know the date. (ABC7)

Meeting on June 20th: Dr. Murray, Michael, Randy Phillips and Kenny Ortega. "Firstly, Michael indicated he was fine, just fine," Trell said. Trell: Secondly, Dr. Murray scolded Kenny Ortega for raising concern, that he was taking care of Michael and he was just fine. There were no rehearsals on 21st and 22nd, Trell said, and MJ rehearsed on the 23rd and 24th. "He appeared fine and the rehearsals were terrific," Trell said he was told. (ABC7)

On June 25, Trell said there were two people that represented Michael Jackson in some management capacity: Dr. Tohme and Frank DiLeo. Trell said that MJ's Estate ultimately approved the productions advances incurred in the tour. (ABC7)

Bina: Does AEG Live does background check on its employees? Trell: credit history may be requested when related to the position at issue (ABC7)

Jackson redirect

Panish only got about 15 mins of questions in at the end of the day. He immediately went at Trell on his recollection of dates, details. (AP)

Brian Panish: Have you seen documents where Dr. Murray is referred to as a consultant? Trell: I don't recall (ABC7) Trell said he was very, very involved in the "This Is It" tour. (ABC7)

He started out by asking Trell if he was certain that Jackson signed the "This Is It" agreement on Jan. 26, 2009, as he'd testified. Trell said he was certain he'd testified correctly about the events of the day, but conceded toward the end of several questions that he might have been wrong about the exact date. (AP) January 26, 2009 was the first and only time Trell met with Michael Jackson. "I'm sure it was the only time I met MJ." "I won't forget meeting Michael Jackson," Trell said. "He seems very personable when I met him, I thought it was very interesting when he got up and met me at the door," Trell explained. (ABC7)

Panish asked Trell if it was appropriate for AEG to use derogatory terms to refer to an artist. "I think people have their own impressions, and thoughts and feelings about Michael Jackson," Trell explained. "I may not necessarily agreed with some of the life choices he made," he said, adding "I won't forget meeting him that day." (ABC7)

That's when plaintiff's attorney Brian Panish showed the emails. (AP)

Email on 1/28/09 from Gongaware to Phillips: MJ still on today, right? Panish noted the contract signing was on the 28th and not 26th as Trell referred to. (ABC7)

Panish: You were wrong about that, sir? Trell: I was wrong about the signing date "I didn't have the date necessarily in my calendar, I didn't have the date in front of me," Trell explained. "I don't believe he was misrepresenting the truth. It was Wednesday 28, not Monday the 26," Trell said. (ABC7)

Hours before Anschutz Entertainment Group executives were heading to Michael Jackson’s Holmby Hills home to sign multimillion-dollar contracts for his concert series in London, the firm’s top lawyer called Jackson “the freak” in an email to another company attorney. (LATimes)

Trell’s cross-examination began with Jackson attorney Brian Panish asking the lawyer about his visit to the singer’s house to sign the contracts, the only time he met Jackson. “It was exciting to meet Michael Jackson,” he said.

Panish began to built toward a climax, asking Trell if it were company policy to speak in derogatory terms about an artist they were about to sign a huge deal with. “I may not have necessarily agreed with some of the life choices Michael Jackson made but I certainly had enormous respect for him as an entertainer,” Trell said.

Then Panish gave the jury a foreshadowing of what was to come. He asked Trell, “Did Mr. Fikre say to you that Michael Jackson was a freak?” a reference to Ted Fikre chief legal and development officer and a member of the board of parent company AEG, before slowly unraveling the emails. (LATimes) The email chain starts Jan 28, 2009, with AEG Live executive Paul Gongaware writing Randy Phillips, president and chief executive of AEG Live, “MJ still on today?”

Phillips emails back. “Yes. 5 p.m. 100 Carolwood Dr. You and Shawn should be there,” referring to Trell.

From Trell to Ted Fikre (attorney on the board of AEG) on 1/28/09 FYI...

From Fikre to Trell on 1/28/09, in response, three minutes later Does this mean you get to meet the freak?

Trell replies, “Apparently. Not sure how I feel about that. Interesting for sure, but kind of creepy.” (LATimes)

Panish to Trell: "This is the kind of respect that your lawyer shows to this artist, referring to him as a freak?" (AP) Panish: And this is the kind of respect your lawyer shows to the artist referring him as a freak? Trell: you have to ask Mr. Fikre (ABC7)

Panish: Have you ever told Mr. Anschutz that his general counsel at AEG referred to MJ as a freak? Trell: No (ABC7)

Panish then scolded Trell as he sat in the witness box. “Didn’t your mother ever tell you if you don’t have anything good to say about someone not to say it?” (LATimes) AEG objected to the question. Some of the jurors laughed. Judge sustained the objection that Panish's question was argumentative. (AP)

Trell returns to the stand in the morning to undergo more questioning from Panish.
"I’ll see you in the morning," he brusquely told Trell. (AP)

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Outside the court :
"That email just exemplifies that AEG had no respect for Mr. Jackson.," Panish said outside of court. "All he was was a vehicle to make money and to promote their concert business to catch up to Live Nation." (AP) Panish cont'd: We're going to continue to prove that for members of the board and attorneys to refer to him as that is disgraceful we're going continue to show and prove what AEG is all about. This was just the tip of the iceberg." (ABC7)

Jessica Stebbins Bina, a trial defense lawyer for AEG, said the emails were shown merely to embarrass AEG. "We are four weeks into trial and we have yet to hear one piece of substantive evidence," said Marvin S. Putnam, an attorney who is leading AEG's defense. (AP)

-------------------------------------------

Shawn Trell will continue to testify. Gongaware is next witness. Karen Faye will complete her testimony next week.

@FaIrIeFlOwEr
hast Du auch gelesen, wie sich alle darüber aufregen, daß Michael in einer E-Mail als Freak bezeichnet wurde? Na so schlimm finde ich das nicht. Freak muß nicht unbedingt was schlechtes bedeuten, eher außergewöhnlich. Außerdem kann sich mal jeder an die eigene Nase fassen, was er in seiner persönlichen Post so schreibt. Hat das schon mal jeder überlegt? Ich kann doch in persönliche E-Mails schreiben was ich will und muß nicht damit rechnen, daß das dann vor Gericht verwendet wird. Damit will ich nicht sagen, daß ich es schön finde, wenn die sich kurz vor einer Vertragsunterzeichnung so äußern, aber das war ja wohl die persönliche Meinung dieses Mailers.
Warten wir mal ab, was in den E-Mails von Dileo steht, hahaha.

@Sylvina

Sylvina schrieb:hast Du auch gelesen, wie sich alle darüber aufregen, daß Michael in einer E-Mail als Freak bezeichnet wurde? Na so schlimm finde ich das nicht. Freak muß nicht unbedingt was schlechtes bedeuten, eher außergewöhnlich. Außerdem kann sich mal jeder an die eigene Nase fassen, was er in seiner persönlichen Post so schreibt. Hat das schon mal jeder überlegt? Ich kann doch in persönliche E-Mails schreiben was ich will und muß nicht damit rechnen, daß das dann vor Gericht verwendet wird. Damit will ich nicht sagen, daß ich es schön finde, wenn die sich kurz vor einer Vertragsunterzeichnung so äußern, aber das war ja wohl die persönliche Meinung dieses Mailers.

ich hinke etwas hinterher ... hinzu kommt, dass ich mit der Allmy-Seite gerade PC-Probleme habe ...
ich antworte später ... :)

@FaIrIeFlOwEr
o.k. dann bis später, vielleicht gibt es ja einen bei Allmy, der sich mit dem Problem auskennt? :D
Ich bin leider computertechnisch-und-wahrscheinlich-auch-sonst-völlig-talentfrei :D

@Sylvina

Sylvina schrieb:hast Du auch gelesen, wie sich alle darüber aufregen, daß Michael in einer E-Mail als Freak bezeichnet wurde? Na so schlimm finde ich das nicht. Freak muß nicht unbedingt was schlechtes bedeuten, eher außergewöhnlich.

so, ein neuer Versuch ... hatte leider noch keine Zeit, zum Nachlesen ...

da gebe ich dir Recht, ich finde es auch nicht so schlimm MJ als Freak zu bezeichnen ... im gewissen Sinne, hat er doch selbst dazu beigetragen, dass dieses Images von ihm sich im laufe der zeit geprägt hatte ... ich habe es manchmal schon so empfunden, dass MJ sehr wohl mit diesem "Freaky" Images kokettierte ... es gehörte wohl doch zu seinem öffentlichen Erscheinungsbild ...
aber wie so oft, bleibt es leider nicht bei der Trennung öffentlich und privat ... es wird von den Medien vermischt und zeigt ein ganz falsches Bild ... ja, man wird die Geister, die man rief, nicht wieder los ...
leider ein Preis vieler berühmter Leute ...

Sylvina schrieb:Warten wir mal ab, was in den E-Mails von Dileo steht, hahaha.

ja, da bin ich auch gespannt ...
die Nichte von DiLeo hatte ja auch einige aufschlussreiche Tweets gepostet ...


Anna Marie Drago ‏@annamariex0 22 Mai
Away NONE of them called my aunt to send their condolences, they didn't even acknowledge my uncles death..that shows the kind of ppl they r!

Anna Marie Drago ‏@annamariex0 22 Mai
When mj passed away my aunt Linda was the first one to call Katherine Jackson and say how sorry she was and when my uncle Tookie passed

Anna Marie Drago ‏@annamariex0 22 Mai
I was at my uncles house when joe AND Katherine called my uncle begging him to come back and manage Michael!!

Anna Marie Drago ‏@annamariex0 22 Mai
Funny how the Jackson's are saying that AEG forced Michael Jackson to hire my uncle, Frank Dileo, which is a lie!!

weiterer Gesprächsverlauf unter
https://twitter.com/annamariex0

https://twitter.com/mccartneyAP (Archiv-Version vom 03.10.2013)


Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 11h
Last Jackson vs AEG update for now - makeup artist Karen Faye will be back next week to finish testifying. #JacksonTrial

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 11h
At end of the day, Mrs. Jackson left the courtroom through a back door. She passed Trell, who had his back to her. He was arranging papers.



Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 12h
Emails show AEG lawyer called Jackson a 'freak' on day singer signed multi-million dollar concert deal: http://yhoo.it/10RtLUC (Update)

Yahoo! News
Emails show AEG lawyer called Jackson a 'freak'
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A lawyer for the parent company of AEG Live LLC called Michael Jackson a freak on the day the singer signed a multimillion contract for a series of ill-fated comeback concerts,...
3:13 AM - 23 Mai 13


Emails show AEG lawyer called Jackson a 'freak'

By ANTHONY McCARTNEY | Associated Press – 12 hrs ago

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A lawyer for the parent company of AEG Live LLC called Michael Jackson a freak on the day the singer signed a multimillion contract for a series of ill-fated comeback concerts, emails displayed for a jury on Wednesday showed.

The emails were presented by Brian Panish, an attorney for Jackson's mother in her lawsuit claiming AEG was negligent in hiring the personal physician who was later convicted of killing the pop superstar.

The lawsuit also says AEG pushed Jackson too hard despite signs that he was in poor health.
The emails were sent Jan. 28, 2009, roughly four months before the singer's death.

In the exchange, AEG Live General Counsel Shawn Trell told his boss that he was going to Jackson's home to sign contracts for the "This Is It" shows later that year in London.

Ted Fikre, the general counsel for Anschutz Entertainment Group, wrote back in two minutes.
"Does this mean you get to meet the freak?" Fikre replied, according to the emails.

"Apparently. Not sure how I feel about that. Interesting for sure, but kind of creepy," replied Trell, who had spoken approvingly while testifying on Tuesday about his only meeting with Jackson,
Katherine Jackson was seated in the front row of the courtroom when the emails were displayed, and she passed Trell on her way out at the end of the day. They did not acknowledge each other.

"That email just exemplifies that AEG had no respect for Mr. Jackson.," Panish said outside of court.
"All he was was a vehicle to make money and to promote their concert business to catch up to Live Nation."

Live Nation is the chief rival of AEG Live.

Jessica Stebbins Bina, a trial defense lawyer for AEG, said the emails were shown merely to embarrass AEG.

"We are four weeks into trial and we have yet to hear one piece of substantive evidence," said Marvin S. Putnam, an attorney who is leading AEG's defense.

He said Katherine Jackson's lawyers have instead opted to attack AEG Live with "side issues and characterizations."

Panish said after court that he would show more evidence of AEG's disdain for Jackson.
___
Anthony McCartney can be reached at http://twitter.com/mccartneyAP

http://news.yahoo.com/emails-show-aeg-lawyer-called-jackson-freak-002212426.html (Archiv-Version vom 20.08.2013)

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 13h
AEG lawyer referred to Michael Jackson as a "freak" on day singer signed multi-million contracts for concerts: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1206&sid=24969612
1:52 AM - 23 Mai 13 ·

ABC7 Court News ‏@ABC7Courts 8h
Shawn Trell will resume testimony tomorrow at 9:30 am PT. Paul Gongaware will follow as soon as Trell is done.

ABC7 Court News ‏@ABC7Courts 8h
Panish: Have you ever told Mr. Anschutz that his general counsel at AEG referred to MJ as a freak?
Trell: No

Top AEG attorney called Michael Jackson 'the freak' in email

By Jeff Gottlieb
May 22, 2013, 5:33 p.m.


Hours before Anschutz Entertainment Group executives were heading to Michael Jackson’s Holmby Hills home to sign multimillion-dollar contracts for his concert series in London, the firm’s top lawyer called Jackson “the freak” in an email to another company attorney.

The revelation, which came during the last 15 minutes of court Wednesday, enlivened the day’s testimony in the wrongful death suit that Michael Jackson’s mother and children have filed against AEG.

The email was shown to the jury during the testimony of Shawn Trell, general counsel for AEG Live, who has been on the witness stand for three days.

Trell’s questioning began with Jackson attorney Brian Panish asking the lawyer about his visit to the singer’s house to sign the contracts, the only time he met Jackson. “It was exciting to meet Michael Jackson,” he said.

Panish began to built toward a climax, asking Trell if it were company policy to speak in derogatory terms about an artist they were about to sign a huge deal with. “I may not have necessarily agreed with some of the life choices Michael Jackson made but I certainly had enormous respect for him as an entertainer,” Trell said.

Then Panish gave the jury a foreshadowing of what was to come. He asked Trell, “Did Mr. Fikre say to you that Michael Jackson was a freak?” a reference to Ted Fikre chief legal and development officer and a member of the board of parent company AEG, before slowly unraveling the emails.

The email chain starts Jan 28, 2009, with AEG Live executive Paul Gongaware writing Randy Phillips, president and chief executive of AEG Live, “MJ still on today?”

Phillips emails back. “Yes. 5 p.m. 100 Carolwood Dr. You and Shawn should be there,” referring to Trell.

Trell forwarded the email to Fikre, who replied two minutes later, “Does this mean you get to meet the freak?”

Trell replies, “Apparently. Not sure how I feel about that. Interesting for sure, but kind of creepy.”

Panish then scolded Trell as he sat in the witness box. “Didn’t your mother ever tell you if you don’t have anything good to say about someone not to say it?”

Asked outside court about the email, Jessica Stebbins Bina, an attorney representing AEG, replied, “I think it speaks for itself.”

The Jacksons are suing AEG, saying that the company negligently hired and supervised Dr. Conrad Murray, who administered the fatal dose of propofol to Jackson in June 2009. AEG says that Jackson hired Murray and that any money the entertainment company was supposed to pay the doctor was an advance to the singer.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-top-aeg-attorney-called-michael-jackson-the-freak-in-email-20130522,0,2797304.story

AEG exec called Michael Jackson 'freak' before signing

By Alan Duke, CNN
May 23, 2013 -- Updated 1258 GMT (2058 HKT)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

* Top AEG lawyers derided Michael Jackson in e-mails the day he signed concert deal
* AEG Live lawyer tells boss idea of meeting Jackson is "kind of creepy"
* Jackson's mother and children claim the concert promoter is liable in his death
* AEG Live contends Jackson, not it, chose the doctor convicted in his death

Los Angeles (CNN) -- A top AEG executive referred to Michael Jackson as "a freak" and another called him "creepy" just hours before their company signed the pop icon to a huge concert deal.

The revelation brought an audible gasp in the Los Angeles courtroom at the wrongful death trial Wednesday and left fans crying.

Jackson's mother and children are suing AEG Live for the negligent hiring, retention or supervision of Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death.

Katherine Jackson watched from the front row as her lawyer questioned AEG Live Senior Vice President and General Counsel Shawn Trell about an e-mail exchange with his boss at parent company AEG.

Sweet controversy at death trial

"Is it the policy of AEG to talk in derogatory terms about the artist you're going to do business with?" Jackson lawyer Brian Panish asked.

"No," Trell answered.

Panish then showed jurors an e-mail Trell sent on January 28, 2009, to Ted Fikre, AEG's chief legal officer, letting him know he was about to go to Jackson's home for the signing of the contract for his "This Is It" concert tour.

"Does that mean you get to meet the freak?" Fikre replied.

Trell responded: "Apparently. Not sure how I feel about that. Interesting for sure, but kind of creepy."

The e-mail exchange happened less than four hours before Trell and other AEG excutives visited Jackson's Los Angeles home.

AEG execs face questions about Jackson's death

"This is a man you hoped to make millions and millions of dollars from?" Panish asked Trell. "Didn't your mom ever say if you don't have anything good to to say about someone don't say anything?"

Trell earlier testified that he was excited to meet Jackson for the first time and was impressed with his "good, firm handshake."

"I may not have necessarily agreed with some of the life choice Michael Jackson made but I certainly had enormous respect for him as an entertainer."

A dry review

Most of Wednesday's session was a dry review of Jackson and Dr. Murray's contracts as AEG Live's defense team worked to convince jurors that Murray was not hired by the concert promoter.
Jackson chose, hired and supervised the doctor, they contend.

Murray signed his contract the day before Jackson's June 25, 2009, death, but AEG executives and Jackson never put their signatures on it. Jackson lawyers, however, argue he was already working for two months based on an oral contract.

The Jackson lawsuit contends that AEG Live executives ignored red flags that should have warned them Jackson was in danger from Murray's treatment.

The coroner ruled that Jackson died from an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol, which Murray told police he was using to treat the singer's insomnia.

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/23/showbiz/jackson-death-trial/?hpt=us_c2

Sweet controversy at Michael Jackson death trial

By Alan Duke, CNN
May 22, 2013 -- Updated 1356 GMT (2156 HKT)


STORY HIGHLIGHTS

* Jackson's lawyer objects that AEG gave peppermint candy to jurors
* Candy controversy might seem trivial, but stakes are high for AEG Live
* AEG Live's president told reporters about Dr. Murray: "We hired him"
* Jacksons accuse the promoter of negligently hiring the doctor convicted in Jackson's death

Los Angeles (CNN) -- Every issue in the Michael Jackson wrongful death trial is so disputed that even giving candy to jurors caused an argument.

AEG lawyers gave a bag of peppermint candy to the bailiff to hand out to the jury this week. Even Katherine Jackson -- the pop icon's mother -- enjoyed the treat.

But Jackson's lawyer raised an objection Tuesday afternoon, suggesting jurors might be influenced if they realized the source of the sweets.

A compromise was reached. Each side can provide snacks for jurors, but they'll be placed at the bailiff's desk before jurors enter court so they have no clue who brought it.

While the candy controversy might seem trivial, the stakes are high for AEG Live. The promoter and producer of Michael Jackson's comeback concerts could be found liable for billions of dollars in damages if the jury decides the company is responsible for the star's death.

Jackson's mother and three children are suing AEG Live for the negligent hiring, retention or supervision of Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death.

The candy argument may be the most interesting thing about Tuesday's proceedings, unless you are a student of employment law and budgeting.

AEG Live Senior Vice President/General Counsel Shawn Trell was on the stand for a second day hoping to give testimony that would convince the jury that Murray was chosen, hired and supervised by Jackson -- not his company.

Murray never had an executed contract with AEG Live, although one had been negotiated. The doctor signed it and returned it to the company on June 24, 2009, but the AEG Live executive decided not to sign it after Jackson died the next day.

Jackson lawyers contend Murray was already on the job, working under an oral agreement confirmed by a series of e-mails that promised him $150,000 a month to be Jackson's full-time physician.

With Trell on the stand, Jackson lawyer Brian Panish played part of an interview that AEG Live President Randy Phillips gave to Sky News television soon after Jackson's death.

"This guy was willing to leave his practice for a very large sum of money, so we hired him," Phillips said.

Panish also showed jurors an e-mail between AEG lawyers suggesting that Phillips told other interviewers AEG Live "hired" Murray.

Jackson's manager's e-mails found, could be key in AEG trial

Trouble at the Front

The Jackson lawyers argue that AEG Live executives ignored a series of "red flags" that should have alerted them that Jackson needed help as he prepared for his comeback concerts.

Earlier testimony from Jackson's makeup artist, choreographer and an associate director described his failing health and mental condition in the last two weeks of his life.

Panish asked Trell about e-mails titled "trouble at the Front" between AEG executives and people working on the production starting on June 19, 2009 -- a night that show director Kenny Ortega sent Jackson home because of his strange behavior.

"He was a basket case and Kenny was concerned he would embarrass himself on stage, or worse yet -- get hurt," production director John "Bugsy" Houghdahl wrote to AEG Live top execs Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware. "The company is rehearsing right now, but the DOUBT is pervasive."
Phillips forwarded the e-mail to his boss -- Tim Leiweke -- at AEG Live's parent company, with the comment: "We have a real problem here."

Jackson had missed a number of rehearsals and the "This Is It" tour debut was just three weeks away in London.

Ortega, in an e-mail previously reported, told Phillips that same morning -- five days before Jackson died -- that he did not think he would be ready for the shows.

"I honestly don't think he is ready for this based on his continued physical weakening and deepening emotional state," he wrote. Ortega described seeing "strong signs of paranoia, anxiety and obsessive-like behavior" with Jackson. "I think the very best thing we can do is get a top psychiatrist to evaluate him ASAP."

Even John Branca, a former Jackson advisor and lawyer who had just been rehired, weighed in with advice in an e-mail: "I have the right therapist/spiritual advisor/substance abuse counselor who could help (recently helped mike tyson get sober and paroled) ... do we know whether there this is a substance issued involved (perhaps better discussed on the phone.)"

Does Trell consider that exchange a "red flag" that AEG Live should have noticed, Panish asked.
"I would take it seriously, as I believe Mr. Phillips did," Trell answered. "I don't know I would use the word 'red flag.'"

Phillip called a meeting the next afternoon with Murray at Jackson's home.

Afterward, he sent this e-mail to Ortega:

"Kenny, it is critical that neither you, me, or anyone around this show become amateur psychologists or physicians. I had a lengthy conversation with Dr. Murray, who I am gaining immense respect for as I get to deal with him more. He said that Michael is not only physically equipped to perform and that discouraging him to, will hasten his decline instead of stopping it. Dr. Murray also reiterated that he is mentally able to and was speaking to me from the house where he had spent the morning with MJ. This doctor is extremely successful (we check everyone out) and does not need this gig so he totally unbiased and ethical."

The Jacksons' lawyer called this e-mail "a flat out lie," since AEG Live had not done a background check on Murray before hiring him -- and if they had it would have disclosed that he was in deep debt and not a successful doctor.

"We did not do a background or credit check on Dr. Murray," Trell conceded.

No due diligence

The Jackson lawyers contend that AEG Live is liable for his death because they did not do their "due diligence" by checking Murray's background and credentials.

If they had done so, they would have realized that Murray had a major conflict of interest that made him vulnerable to break rules in his treatment if Michael Jackson, they argue.

Murray needed the high-paying job because he was more than $1 million in debt, his home was being foreclosed on, he was being sued for unpaid child support and delinquent taxes, and his cardiology clinic in Las Vegas faced eviction. His $150,000 a month job would end if Jackson's shows were canceled or delayed, according to the terms of his contract.

AEG Live failed to conduct the background check, which the company's own expert witness said would between cost between $40 and $125.

"I am not familiar with the process of doing background checks," Trell said. "No training."

Trell is back on the witness stand Wednesday for questioning by AEG Live lawyer Jessica Stebbins Bina.

The trial, which is in its fourth week in a Los Angeles courtroom, is expected to last through July.

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/22/showbiz/jackson-death-trial/

Paris Jackson Hair: Michael Jackson's Daughter Shows Off Orange Locks (PHOTO)

The Huffington Post Canada | Posted: 05/22/2013 3:59 pm EDT

Paris Jackson has inherited dad Michael Jackson's flair for fashion.

The 15-year-old was spotted wearing her new orange locks, which sported hints of blond at the tips, while out on a coffee run in California on Tuesday.

Paris, who loves to share her ever-changing look on Twitter, chopped off her hair into a dramatic short 'do à la Miley Cyrus last year and dyed it raven black later on.

But her new ginger hue may have been an accident. Jackson tweeted in early May:

"ohmygod i look like ron weasely idk if this is awesome or not."

Ron Weasley, for those who don't know their Harry Potter, was part of a family full of ginger-haired wizards.

Although Paris isn't attending Hogwards, she may be moving in with a another member of her family, her mother Debbie Rowe. (Although sources say these reports are not true).

Either way, Paris seems to be a happy teen.

What do you think of her hair?

Original anzeigen (0,1 MB)

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/05/22/paris-jackson-hair_n_3321503.html



Punk rock! Paris Jackson debuts her orange spiky cropped cut as she continues to experiment with her style

By JADE WATKINS
PUBLISHED: 18:48 GMT, 22 May 2013 | UPDATED: 23:39 GMT, 22 May 2013

Original anzeigen (0,2 MB)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2329189/Paris-Jackson-debuts-orange-spiky-cropped-cut-continues-experiment-style.html?ito=feeds-newsxml



A Red-Headed Paris Jackson Goes On A Coffee Run

Posted on Wed May 22, 2013 10:10 AM PDT

X17 photographers snapped Paris Jackson stopping by a coffee shop in Woodland Hills on Tuesday afternoon, and it looks like MJ's daughter was taking orders for a few friends!

Paris chopped off her hair and dyed it black in February, and this wasn't the color she was shooting for, but she made several jokes about the new hue. "Call me gingie," she tweeted earlier this month, "Ohmygod i look like ron weasely idk if this is awesome or not ... do i qualify for hogwarts now ?"

"People keep asking me why and how," she continued. "It's because i tried dying it back from black to brown and...... well...... eh whatever i'll get used to it .. lets just hope the dean at my school doesn't hunt me down for this."

We're guessing the dean cares more about the length of her skirt than her hair color though!


http://www.x17online.com/celebrities/paris_jackson/paris_jackson_red_hair_short_skirt_coffee_photos_052213.php