Someone called Keya Morgan claims to overheard Randy Phillips & Tohme Tohme at the Polo Lounge bad mouthing Michael Jackson and Katherine Jackson. He claims it was so bad he could not eat his food.
He's been twittering like crazy, getting all excited. Is he credible who knows, but his claims about Micheal Jackson giving away hundreds of millions of dollars from his tours seem at odds with reality and evidence given in court.
Someone called Keya Morgan claims to overheard Randy Phillips & Tohme Tohme at the Polo Lounge bad mouthing Michael Jackson and Katherine Jackson. He claims it was so bad he could not eat his food.
He's been twittering like crazy, getting all excited. Is he credible who knows, but his claims about Micheal Jackson giving away hundreds of millions of dollars from his tours seem at odds with reality and evidence given in court.
I don't think MJ could tell reality from his own fiction. He promoted an image of how he wanted to be seen and probably took too many drugs to know what really was fiction in the end.
The TMZ website has published what it calls 'shocking' photos taken by LAPD investigators.
...every single shocking photo taken, from the doll he slept with, Propofol bottles, Dr. Murray's mysterious medical bag, portentous writing on the wall, old costumes ... everything.
During his evidence Randy Phillips rattled off tours and events AEG Live is involved with promoting, among them is the BET experience featuring the Jackson's on June 28.
ABC7 Court News queried this obtained this statement from AEG Live...
For at least the third time since Michael Jackson's death and the filing of Katherine Jackson's lawsuit against AEG Live, Michael Jackson's brothers, the Jacksons, have chosen to work yet again with AEG Live (one scheduled event, last year, unfortunately had to be cancelled due to low ticket sales).
Most recently, they agreed to perform as part of the BET Experience scheduled to take place at LA Live later this month. In fact, just this past week the Jacksons specifically requested AEG Live provide them w/ VIP suite during BET Experience AEG Live has worked to put on concerts with Janet Jackson 4 times since MJ's death and filing of her mother's lawsuit.
ABC7 Court News also obtained this statement from the Jackson's attorney Kevin Boyle....
Mrs Jackson fully supports her children performing wherever they wish to perform, even though many of the world's venues are owned by AEG. Mrs. Jackson is involved in lawsuit where evidence shows that AEG made a mistake in hiring, supervising an unfit doctor for her son. There is no reason the Jackson family needs to ban AEG venues because of AEG's prior mistake, and so the family has not done so. Despite that Jacksons have acted civilly toward AEG in this litigation, AEG has chosen to attack Mrs. Jackson for bringing this suit AEG has threatened in open Court to bring out "ugly stuff" about Michael.
It is unfortunate that AEG cannot act civilly toward Mrs. Jackson and Michael, as other corporations across the country who commit negligence act toward their victims. There is no reason for AEG to go after victims of AEG's mistake. The Jacksons are willing to continue to take high road, even if AEG isn't.
You'd think one member of that family would have had the sense to advise their mother against this ridiculous lawsuit. Part of me really hopes that they lose all the money for being so stupid.
Brian Panish for the family continued to re-examine Randy Phillips CEO of AEG Live.
Panish picked up where he left off the previous day, regarding Phillips meeting with Dr. Tohme at the Polo Lounge on May 4 this year. Phillips again denied using derogatory terms about Katherine Jackson.
Asked what Michael Jackson, Peter Lopez abd Frank Di Leo have in common Phillips replied, "They've all passed away".
Panish returned to the subject of the hiring of Dr. Murray and what may have been said in interviews by Phillips.
Phillips again said he was confused with Murray saying Jackson was fine compared to the emails from Ortega & Hougdahl.
Panish showed a picture of a thin Jackson at a costume fitting on the 19 Jun 2009. Phillips said his description of Jackson looking good was when he saw him rehearse on 23 Jun 2009.
Phillips was then questioned on the ethics of agreeing to pay Jackson's manager Dr. Tohme $100,000 a month. Phillips said there was talk of an 'ethical wall' between AEG Live and Jackson. Asked if there was a potential conflict of interest with AEG & Dr. Tohme, Phillips said Jackson directed AEG Live to do the agreement which he signed.
Phillips had previously said Jackson changed managers as many times as he changes socks. Panish asked Phillips how many times a day he changes his socks, he said 2-3 times depending if he's been excercising.
Panish then asked how many mangers Jackson had since 2007, Phillips told of Dr. Tohme iniating the deal, then there was Frank DiLeo, Arpac Hussain for a period of time and subject to dispute Leonard Rowe. Phillips also added Raymone Bains and Petter Lopez, the latter was said to have done a Pepsi deal as Jackson's manager.
Phillips described how he invented AEG Live based on a business plan he created.
Panish questioned why Phillips thought Dr. Murray was a good doctor when he asked for $5m.
Panish: If he wanted $10 million, he would be more successful? Phillips: Absolutely true
Panish: For $20 million the most successful doctor around? Phillips: Correct
"I wasn't alarmed by the number because it was Michael's doctor and Michael was paying for it," Phillips explained
John Branca was hired was hired by Jackson 18 Jun 2009, he asked in an email if Jackson's problem was related to substance abuse. Phillips said he didn't know one way or the other.
Panish concluded his questioning. Phillips joked, "Your honor, is this really over after this?" at which the courtroom laughed.
Marvin Putnam for AEG stepped to the plate, Phillips clarified he was unaware of any articles quoting him saying 'we hired him' (Dr. Murray).
It seems Jackson being able to do 360 degree spins was important, Phillips confirmed a video shown to the jury had been of a production rehearsal not a full dance rehearsal. Another video shown to the Jury on Thursday had been Jackson performing in the early 1980's. Phillips said Jackson did 360 degree spins aged 50.
Putnam sat down and Brian Panish returned...
Phillips: You are back? Panish: Just a couple of questions Phillips: I'm gonna miss you
Everyone laughed
Panish asked about the 360 degree spins, Phillips said he didn't recall Jackson doing multiple spins, he didn't know if the choreographer for them. He said he wasn't a choreographer, "I'm flat footed, there's a reason I'm in this side of the business." He said if he did a 360 spin he'd end up on the jury's lap.
Panish: Who's more competent to judge choreography you or Hougdahl? Phillips: Could be me since he hadn't worked in pop production before.
And with that Randy Phillips was excused...........subject to recall.
David Berman told jurors hearing a negligent hiring lawsuit against concert promoter AEG Live LLC that the company should not have negotiated with Jackson's physician without notifying the singer's representatives of the discussion.
The former head of Capitol Records and holder high-level positions at several other record companies is being paid to testify for Katherine Jackson in her lawsuit against AEG Live.
David Berman a former President of Capitol Records took the stand as an expert witness.
William Bloss has taken over the questioning for the Jacksons and Sabrina Stong crossed examined for AEG. No family members were in court.
David Berman has been hired at $500 an hour to act as an expert witness for the family, and has so far been paid $25,000 by the Jackson lawyers and $5,000 by AEG’s when he was deposed.
Berman had been in the music industry for 45 years, he represented artists, negotiated management agreements, worked with Beach Boys, Temptations, A&M records, 20th Century Fox, The Doors. At Warner Brothers he worked with Madonna, Fleetwood Mac , Prince. Left Capitol records in 1989 and returned to law firm for a year, then joined Geffen Recors as a senior executive in charge of business affairs. In 1998 he went to Walt Disney to be in charge of Buena Vista Music Group. He retired in 2001.
Since then he has acted 38 times as an expert witness 60% of the time for the plaintiffs.
Berman said he was contacted in December 2012 and met lawyers for the plantiffs and provided with ‘an enormous amount of written material’. He reviewed 26 depositions, declarations, extraordinary amount of emails, pleadings, etc.
Berman has never been a concert promoter & producer but said, “The customer for concert promoter is not the ticket buyer, it is the artist.” He was of the opinion it was entirely inappropriate and highly unusual for a tour producer to hire a physician for the artist. He said he’d never heard of it being done it was his understanding until this time AEG hadn’t done.
Berman was of the opinion Michael Jackson was not a party to the discussions relating to the agreement with Dr Murray. That Murray asking $5m was a red flag, even the $150k a month was an exorbitant amount, that it was than any individual in the tour was getting.
Berman said AEG was aware Dr. Finkelstein had been willing to take the position as Jackson’s doctor for $40k a month, he felt that information should have passed to Jackson. Berman understood Paul Gongaware was the person dealing with Dr Murray. The Jury was shown the email where Gongaware wrote, “Done at $150k a month, per MJ.” Berman explained, “It's indicative of fact that agreement had been reached on behalf of AEG Live…" but he didn’t think this email alone proves AEG hired Dr. Murray.
At this point Judge told the jury, “YOU will decide whether Dr. Murray was hired. All the testimony by hiring is made on assumption he was hired or not.
Berman’s opinion was that AEG inserted themselves themselves in the middle of the deal as an attempt to be in position to control Jackson’s doctor.
Asked if agreements can be oral in the music industry Berman said of course, it’s a common occurrence. He went on to say it is not unusual in the entertainment business to amend contracts without putting the changes in writing. Berman pointed out Jackson’s tour contract was for 31 shows, which was amended to 50 and the tour budget amended from $7.5m to $30m.
Berman said there was a conflict of interest for Murray, Jackson contract terminated then agreement terminated with Murray. Bermain said the chain of email ‘Trouble at the Front’ showed an attempt to exercise some control by AEG. He said it was the first time AEG reached out to various Jackson advisers telling them of the problem they see. AEG rejected the suggestion by John Branca of someone who might help and did not answer the question of substance abuse.
Berman was of the opinion AEG should not have entered into an agreement with a physician, he said they had no expertise or experience supervising a doctor. That it was unreasonable and inappropriate not to include one (Jackson) of the three partiesof the agreement in the discussions of the deal.
The family’s attorney sat down and Sabrina Strong for AEG cross examined Berman. Asked if he agreed Jackson chose Murray Berman said “That’s my understanding.” Berman disagreed that Jackson was the one paying Murray, he said the critical factor with Dr. Murray regarding conflict of interest is knowing in fact he was to be compensated by AEG not Jackson.
Berman said he was aware Murray performed services for Jackson and possibly his children but doesn’t know the extent of those services. He didn’t have any way of knowing what would happen with Dr. Murray if the show was cancelled. Berman confirmed with Strong that he knew AEG Live negotiated contract with make up artist Karen Faye. Strong asked if Faye could have caused skin damage on Jackson’s face. Apparently a juror looked at Strong very puzzled. Berman said anyone could have hurt Jackson.
Berman was of the opinion the producer should not be engaging the services of a doctor even if the doctor has been treating the artist and/or his children for a long time. Berman said, “Producer did request Dr. Murray to perform services.” Shawn Trell who was in court shook his head, indicating no.
Berman testified increasing shows from 31 to 50 was not in writing, neither was an increase in production cost to $30m. Berman said it was the contract does not limit spending to $7.5m.
Berman was asked if he is an expert in doctor’s salaries, to which he said he said he was not an expert but was aware another doctor was willing to be paid $40k a month. Strong asked Berman if he knew how much Kenny Ortega was going to make from the tour for him to say Dr. Murray was getting more money. Berman responded that the red flag was the $150k a month compared to a doctor asking $40k, "It was not a problem that the doctor was going to make more, it's an indicative something is out of whack."
Berman said as President of Capitol Records, he was involved in hiring heads of departments. It was put to Berman he never checked the financial background of executives he’d hired in the music industry. Berman said he personally never checked financial background of anyone, it would have been done at Human Resources level. Strong then played Berman’s deposition where he said he couldn’t recall any credit check being done.
Bloss for the family did re-direct. Berman repeated that Jackson’s contract required any modification to be done in writing, but additional shows and budget increase was never written anywhere.
Berman believed the Frank DiLeo letter of May 2 2009 was an attempt to get a Jackson representative to retroactively approve the budget. (The letter signed by Jackson confirmed DiLeo as one of his new representatives & tour manager). Berman said it was inconsistent with DiLeo’s declaration that he was Jackson’s representative since March 2009.
On re-cross examination by Strong, attorney for AEG, Berman said he was not aware Jackson had directed Randy Phillips to deal with Frank DiLeo on his behalf. Berman also did not know when DiLeo was hired.
Kai Chase, Michael Jackson's personal chef, who now works for Katherine Jackson & the children gave evidence yesterday Day 32, here's the Associated Press report.
Michael Jackson's personal chef described for jurors the home lives of the children during the final months of the singer's life and their ongoing grief over their father's death nearly four years ago.
Gone are the freewheeling days when the children, Prince, Paris and Blanket Jackson played with their father and traded jokes at the dinner table, chef Kai Chase told jurors Tuesday.
Kai Chase, Michael Jackson's personal chef, who now works for Katherine Jackson & the children gave evidence yesterday Day 32, here's the Associated Press report.
Again, what does this have to do with the case (which is about whether AEG were culpable for the hiring of Dr Murray/contributing to the circumstances which led to MJ's death). What baring does MJ's homelife with his kids have on that?
Yesterday Katherine Jackson was present in court, here are details from the court from Associated Press tweets.
Yesterday Kai Chase a chef who was present at the house when Michael Jackson died took the stand. She was questioned for the family by Deborah Chang , Chase began by giving her biography, trained at Cordon Bleu in Paris, owned a catering company before becoming a private chef. She now works for Katherine Jackson and her grandchildren.
Chase first met Jackson when she bumped into him taking water to guests in his parlor and they became close. Jackson was said to be a hands on dad, wanting to know the woman who was feeding his family.
Michael Jackson & Michael Amir Williams initially interviewed her, the second interview was with the children, by the end of the interview she had the job. She worked 7 days a week but was let go in May 2009 only to return in June 2009.
Chase observed a lot of interactions because the children were often in the den next to the kitchen. Jackson spent a lot of time with his children, music was always on sometimes it was Disney music, sometimes classical.
Dinners were a major meal, sometimes they’d pretend they were eating in other parts of the world. Chase was teaching Jackson’s children about food, she would write the menu on a blackboard. The children received tutoring at in such subjects as creative writing, science and maths. The children weren’t allowed to watch television and didn’t use computers.
The jury were told the house was full of pets, a chocolate Labrador called Kenya, a talking bird called Siberia plus two cats, Katie & Thiller. Prince had a pet rat. One night Chase & Paris were in the backyard of the mansion collecting snails for a science project. When they returned Michael was waiting, chase thought she was going to be fired. Instead Jackson helped make a comfy box for the snails, complete with moss, cocktail umbrellas.
Chase described the children’s grief at losing their father chase said, “Being daddy’s little girl, Paris is devastated.”
Chase was let go in May 2009 but returned in June 2009 by which time Chase said Jackson had changed. She described him as appearing very weak and looking much thinner, he looked under-nourished. Jackson told her she needed to take care of his health. She was concerned and thought it unusual that Conrad Murray was at the house daily, but didn’t voice her concerns.
Chase testified about a June meeting involving AEG executives Randy Phillips & Paul Gongaware plus Murray & Jackson. A vase was broken by someone, Jackson & Murray left the meeting. Phillips, Gongaware & Dileo remained at the house and were still there when she left for the day. After the meeting Chase said Jackson seemed to have the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Chase gave an emotional account of the impact on the children of Michael Jackson’s death, also the impact on Katherine Jackson.
Questioning was handed over to AEG Live attorney Jessica Stebbins Bina, who focused on the secrecy at the Jackson mansion. Asked what happened when she wasn’t paid Chase said Jackson’s assistant would reassure staff cheques were coming. There was an unspoken rule in the house that anyone who complained to Jackson about missed pay cheques would be fired.
Chase told the court her impression of Conrad Murray was that he seemed like a nice man and well put together. Chase never expected Jackson to die or that Murray was giving him anything improper, she had not heard of Propofol and felt his deterioration in June was from too much rehearsing.
The day ended there. Kai Chase will continue to be questioned the next day.
Kai Chase began working for Michael Jackson at the end of March 2009 but was laid off in May, returning in June 2009. Chase has been a personal chef for 17 years. Among her clients was said to be President Barack Obama, Bernie Mack, Steve Harvey, John Sally, Maxine Waters, worked with Wolfgang Puck, Pamela Anderson.
Chase is studied nutrition of foods but is not a trained nutritionist.
She got a call from a staffing company who asked her to send them her resumé for a client husband, wife & two children. Within an hour she got a call back and a meeting was set up at The Grove LA, where she was interviewed by Michael Amir. Chase had asked who the client was and Amir showed her Michael Jackson’s business card, "When he handed me the card, whoa!" She was excited.
The second meeting was at Carolwood with Jackson’s children, they were excited to Chase and wanted to make sure she knew how to cook healthy food. The children said they liked fruits, Blanket likes Mango and their father liked apricots. “It felt like we were developing an immediate bond, it was a beautiful beginning." Chase began working the next day initially for 7 days a week, which changed to 6 days with Sunday’s off.
She arrived at 8:00 to 8:30am, readied the children for school, cooked breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, clean up, kept pantry stocked and grocery shopped.
Chase told the jury the children were the love of Jackson’s life, the children meant everything to him. Chase said she did not eat the meals with MJ and kids because Michael liked the meal with his children to be private bonding time.
Describing how the children reacted when Jackson arrived home Chase said the children took off like lightening grabbed him by the ankle, the arms, “..it brings tears to my eyes, so much love there.” Jackson was disciplinary when needed, when they had school they had to be in bed by a certain time. The children respected and obeyed their father.
Asked if the children were allowed to eat sweets whenever they wanted, chase said, “No! it was a big no, no.” Sweets were only allowed when Jackson said so. Jackson allowed Chase to provide comfort food on Saturday’s.
Chase described seeing Paris go through her wardrobe getting clothes she no longer wanted to wear. Paris would sew the clothes into new pieces of clothing, box them and send them overseas.
Chase put Blanket’s drawings on the fridge, she said, “I made it into a home there, the love was already there.” Paris had written on the chalkboard, “I love daddy! Smile, it’s for free.”
A lot of juices were made for Jackson with beats, organic vegetable, lots of lean protein. Jackson ate chicken, fish & turkey, no pork or beef. He liked Mexican food, one of his favourites was vegan ground beef tacos.
In April 2009 Paris celebrated her 11th birthday, she chose to decorate the party everything Michael Jackson. They had cheese pizza, hot wings and banana split. Jackson then took the children outside where there was a Cirque du Soleil type of performance, which Michael & Paris sat and watched together. According to Chase, Paris has not had a birthday party since as she doesn’t want to celebrate it anymore.
Michael was very excited about was happening, excited his children would see him perform. Prince told Chase his daddy wanted her to go to London for the tour.
The children’s nanny Grace Rwamba was described as very warm and loving, Chase said, "This is the mother that they knew, had been with them since birth." Chase said Rwamba was let go.
Chase herself was let go at the beginning of May by Michael Amir, she said she was told there had been a change in management. Chase argued her rate was negotiable, "I was feeding Mr. Jackson and his children, my rate is negotiable, you have to let me go to London." (Sounds like she was negotiating her fee for London with Amir?). Chase was told in person, ‘let me see what I can do’, the next day she got a call saying she didn’t need to come in, she was fired.
She didn’t get to say goodbye to Jackson or the children, didn’t have any discussions with Jackson about salary or firing. Chase didn’t believe Jackson knew she was fired, she believes if Jackson had fired her it would not have happened that way.
Chase said at the beginning of June Michael Amir called her asking her to come back. She asked for half her salary upfront as she was afraid she wasn’t going to get paid. She wrote an email to make sure everyone was on the same page. She decided to return because she understood AEG Live would be covering her salary. When she went back in on 2 June 2009 Jackson and the children wanted her back, Jackson asked where had she gone and told her he needed her to keep him and his children healthy.
On her first day off Chase went to Disneyland where she bought Jackson & the children presents, Paris wrote a note to Chase thanking her for the gifts.
Chase said when she arrived at the house the pantry was bare, on one side there was Fiji water. The refrigerator was bare, there was Coca Cola, Red Bulls and Starbucks coffee. She went to a store to buy organic food for the house using a card for chefs who have personal clients, the card was refused so she had to use her own card for food to feed Jackson and his children. That was not the first time the card had been refused, sometimes she had to leave the groceries behind or pay for them herself.
Chase said Jackson looked different in June, she could see his rehearsals and schedule was taking its toll on him. She recalled seeing Prince once helping his father up the stairs, it saddened her to see a 12 year old trying to carry his father. Chase expressed her concerns to her parents but did not know who to talk to at the house.
Chase found it strange Dr. Murray never discussed with her Jackson’s eating habits., she asked Murray a couple of times but his answer was she could fix Michael anything. In June she could recall seeing Murray at the house in the mornings and assumed he had stayed overnight. She had no reason to go upstairs to the upper floor of the house. She saw Murray bring Oxygen tanks down from upstairs into the kitchen. Sometimes she saw oxygen tanks lined up in the security booth with a sign saying fill up every Friday. She was concerned but never asked what they had been used for.
Of a meeting around 2nd week in June with Jackson, Murray, Paul Gongaware, Randy Phillips and former manager Frank DiLeo, Chase said Jackson was wearing a surgical mask and several layers of clothing. She said Jackson looked scared and frightened.
Chase heard a loud crash, a large expensive vase had been broken, she and one of the housekeepers ran into the room to pick up the pieces. Chase said she was able to hear some of the conversation, “They were very firm with him. Everyone was talking over each other.” Michael left first, then Murray, who was upset saying to her, "I can't take this s**t," as he stormed out the house. She left about 6pm shortly after Dr. Murray.
On 24 June 2009 she prepared breakfast, Dr Murray was at the house and around 10 am came to the kitchen. in June Jackson rarely came down stairs Dr. Murray collect the food and take it to him. Jackson was contemplating going to Staples Corner or train at home with Travis Payne. Chase was told to leave two dinners in the fridge for Dr. Murray & Jackson. She worked till 6:30 -7pm.
On 25 June 2009 Chase arrived at her usual time and prepared breakfast. The children were playing in the den, Chase went grocery shopping, lunch was always served around 12:30pm. Saw Dr. Murray come down the stairs between 12:05 – 12:10, “He was frightened.” Chase testified. Murray screamed at her, "go get help, go get security, go get Prince." Chase went and got Prince and told him, "Hurry, Dr. Murray needs you, there may be something wrong with your father."
Again, what does this have to do with the case (which is about whether AEG were culpable for the hiring of Dr Murray/contributing to the circumstances which led to MJ's death). What baring does MJ's homelife with his kids have on that?
It's staggering how many people said they were close to Michael Jackson and how many people he told he depended on them making them feel they had a special relationship and had an understanding.
Finishing off the ABC7 Court News coverage of Wednesday Day 33.
Deborah Chang for the family was questioning Kai Chase, personal chef to Michael Jackson and currently employed by Katherine Jackson.
Prince went to Dr. Murray, Chase saw the housekeepers, Jimmy & Blanca crying saying there was something wrong with Michael Jackson. Chase heard Prince screaming daddy, daddy, daddy, Paris screamed DAD!. Chase cried a bit on the stand. She hugged the children and said, “Let’s pray.” There was chaos, people were crying, security was everywhere, paramedics going up the stairs. The children were devastated. Katherine Jackson wiped a her eyes as she sat in the courtroom. Chase heard on the radio that Michael Jackson had died, she thought they were lying she didn’t want to believe it.
Chase was paid for overseas interviews, which were mostly on food preparation. She got a phone call last year saying the children had been requesting her since their father’s death. Chase began working for Katherine in July 2012. Family was very important to Michael Jackson they talked about it 50% of the time, he loved his mother and children. Chase said she has lot in common with Katherine Jackson, including the love for Michael Jackson.
Katherine loves music, art and beautiful flowers and speaks with the children every day. Mrs. Jackson misses her son very much, “This was her child, her son! It saddens her .” Chase comforts Katherine when she cries. Katherine misses her son’s spirit, the love he gave her, the conversations, the jokes they shared.
Prince & Paris go to private school, Blanket is home schooled. They were huge and becoming teenagers when she came back last year. Before they were in a protective type of special life, they are thrust into the world now, which is all new to them. The love and the home is the same and it’s apparent they miss their father. The children talk about their father’s music and what he would do in certain situations. Prince now 16, was daddy’s little man, but now feels the weight of thye world on his shoulder. Being daddy’s little girl Paris is devastated and lost. Paris is trying to find herself, trying to find who she is and it’s taking a lot of love and understanding to keep her together. She is having a difficult time coping with the death of her father, she breaks down, talks about him, she doesn’t want to have another birthday again. The entire household has been worried about Paris.
Chase said Blanket had just graduated from grade school, this is all new to him. As the littlest he has older siblings to protect him. Chase still thinks the youngest child will be the most affected. He is hurt too and feeling a little lost too, he never had a growing up moment when was father-son only. He remembers his father.
Deborah Chang for the family ended her questioning, Kai Chase hugged Katherine Jackson and they both cried.
Jessica Stebbins Bina for AEG cross examined Kai Chase. Chase did not know if Michael Amir did a background check on her. She did not sign anything to have a credit check on her.
By mid April Chase was working 6 days a week, and saw Jackson a lot in that month. Jackson came home for lunch and would stay for dinner. She spent most of her time in the kitchen, the rest of the time she spent playing with the children. Jackson hung out with the children about 3-4 times a week for about 25% of the time. He wasn’t there as much in June.
Told by Michael Amir that client (Jackson) requested quarters upstairs to be private, she did not know if it was an unspoken rule. Either the children or Dr. Murray would take the food upstairs. LAPD detective Orlando Martinez said Chase took a tray of food for Jackson upstairs, she told the court that never happened. The court was shown a paparazzo picture of the children in 2008. At the corner there’s a man in a wheelchair wearing surgical mask. Chase could not say whether the person was Jackson.
Bina played Paris Jackson’s video deposition, Paris said her dad didn’t like Grace Rwamba, he said she was sneaky, wasn’t a honest person and lied a lot. Paris contradicted what Chase testified, Paris told of Rwamba pretending to be Jackson’s wife in an attempt to gain entry to Michael’s hotel rooms.
Chase did how the private circus at Paris’s birthday party in 2009 was paid for. Michael Amir had told her she would be fired if she asked Jackson or the children about not being paid.
Neither Michael Jackson or the children called Chase after she was fired in May 2009 to find out why she wasn’t at the house. She did not know the reason why Jackson could not buy food in May 2009. Chase had no idea what Jackson & the children were eating in May. Jackson looked ‘great’ in April, he didn’t look good in June.
Chase was asked why she never mentioned the stair incident where Prince assisted his father upstairs to the media, she said she wanted to be very general when talking with the media in respect of his privacy. Prince’s video deposition was played where Prince said he would not be able to help his dad upstairs. Chase said Jackson was rehearsing a lot, tired, that’s what I saw.
Murray was asked by Chase about Jackson eating, he said Jackson didn’t each much. She never saw Jackson drink alcohol or under the influence of drugs. In April 2009 she saw Dr. Murray 2-3 times a week. The times she saw Dr. Murray with Jackson they had a friendly relationship and the children seemed to like Dr. Murray as well.
The oxygen tanks were bigger in June than in April, Chase said she saw Murray come down with a tank in each hand in the morning. Chase did not inquire about the oxygen tanks because it was none of her business.
Chase testified that in April 2009 that Jackson ate his breakfast with his kids every morning, but in her deposition she said Dr. Murray would collect Jackson’s breakfast. Chase said Jackson had breakfast with his children when he wasn’t having food upstairs.
Jessica Stebbins Bina for AEG continued her cross examination of Kai Chase, personal chef to Michael Jackson.
When asked why Chase had not told police or testified at Murray’s trial about the meeting at Jacksons house she said she wasn’t asked. The first time she had mentioned the meeting was in her deposition in October 2012, Bina pointed out at that point Chase was working for Mrs. Jackson. Chase confirmed she had testified at the meeting Jackson was wearing the surgical mask and layers of clothing, Bina said she had not mentioned it before. Chase explained she described his emotions, she could see fear in his eyes.
Asked if she thought it was important to mention Jackson wearing a surgical mask during her deposition, Chase responded, “I said what I said.” She said “They didn’t ask for that and I didn’t say it.” Chase didn’t why he wore the mask, it was pretty strange, he had not worn it in the house before. Chase agreed it wasn’t important enough to tell anybody before testifying the day before.
Chase said she had mentioned before testifying Jackson was cold at the meeting.
Chase repeated Jackson was scared at the meeting , but Jackson didn’t tell her he was fearful, he never spoke to her about it. Chase said she overheard bits & pieces at the meeting going in & out with beverages. She was not allowed to say what she heard Frank DiLeo said as it was hearsay. Chase said there was voices being raised at the meeting. She doesn’t know who broke the vase. After Murray stormed out of the meeting Chase never asked him what happened to make him so upset. Chase didn’t know the reason Murray was upset was because of the meeting, she assumed it was because he came out of it and left.
Asked if Jackson saying, “They are killing me, I’m working to hard.” was a figure of speech Chase said she took it for what Jackson said, it was an indication he was tired according to Chase, “He was tired, he needed a rest, a break.” Chase’s deposition was played in which said Jackson gave no indication he was trying to avoid the concert. Chase said Jackson and everyone was excited about the tour.
Chase understood she was hired by Jackson but was going to be paid by AEG Live, she knew nothing about Jackson paying back AEG for her salary. Chase understood she was let go in April for financial reasons. She had to file a claim against Jackson’s estate to be paid for the month of June. She has been paid in full. The credit card that was declined belonged to Michael Amir Williams. Chase assumed during May 2009 the Jacksons had food brought in.
On the day Jackson died Chase got Prince because it was such a serious matter, and returned to work she didn’t think it made sense to stop what she was doing and look for security. At some point she and the housekeepers were told to leave the house, the paramedics were still there.
Chase asked Alberto Alvarez, Jackson’s security guard if Michael was OK, he told her he would be fine. Alvarez asked her if she ever signed a confidentiality agreement, she said she had not. Alvarez asked her to sign something on the spot, “He asked me to sign some sort of a paragraph not on a letterhead.” Asked if it required her to keep things confidential, chase said it never said that. Chase signed but could not remember what it said. She then left the house. That was the last time she was at Carolwood House.
Chase said she served smaller portions of food to Jackson. When shown an blog with an interview Chase gave to Larry King Live Chase said, “I did not write this blog for Larry King.” Chase apparently became a little irritated with the question saying she had a blog about food, “And I’m telling you this, in a nice way.” Chase was asked if she told King during the time she fed Jackson she fed him well and he ate well, Chase said, “Yes, when I was feeding him, yes.”
According to Chase Jackson was a strict father, the children had to go to bed at a certain time. She didn’t go upstairs so didn’t see Jackson tuck the children in bed. Jackson would do school nights, weekends, sometimes he came home late would let the kids stay up .
Chase visited the children at the Hayvenhurst house a few times between 2009 and 2012. Chase was not present when Paris Jackson had her birthday. Chase testified Paris told her she does not like to celebrate birthdays after her dad died. Chase does not know if Paris celebrated her birthday in 2010, 2011 or 2012.
Of the paid interviews Chase did after Jackson’s death she said they were about the food and love he had for his children.
Chase never saw Katherine Jackson at Michael’s house, they never spoke to each other before Michael died. She was re-hired by Katherine Jackson and they speak daily. Asked if Katherine gave Chase a birthday present this year, Chase said no, since she doesn’t celebrate dates being a Jehovah’s Witness. The jury was shown a tweet posted by Chase, “Going to see the MJ Immortal Cirque Du Soleil show tonight. What a wonderful pre-birthday gift. Thank you Katherine Jackson.’
Chase said Katherine does not celebrate dates, but the chef considered it a pre-birthday gift for herself.
After Jackson died she worked sporadically as a chef for Mary J. Bilge, she did not have a steady job, her family and friends helped her financially. In April 2012 Chase received a subpoena from AEG Live, in July 2012 chase was contacted to work for Katherine Jackson. Sandra Ribera, Katherine’s lawyer asked Chase if she wanted to go back to work for her. Ribera also acted as Chase’s attorney at her deposition in October 2012, Chase does not know who paid Ribera to be there.
Chase met Deborah Chang attorney for the Jacksons for about an hour a month ago, another hour a week ago and again on Tuesday. Asked if she was afraid Katherine might fire her if she didn’t testify in the right way, Chase answered, ‘no’. Asked if it ever crossed her mind, Chase again said no and said that it was absurd.
AEG’s attorney had no further questions.
Deborah Chang for the family began the re-direct. Chase confirmed Sandra Ribera hires all staff for Katherine Jackson. Chase also confirmed Ribera handles the payroll for Katherine Jackson. Chase and Katherine had not discussed the lawsuit. Chase had never seen Katherine threaten to fire anyone who didn’t testify in the right way in the trial.
In 2009 thinking Michael Amir was the client she asked him his age, he told her he was 23. She is 45. Michael Admir was the librarian at Neverland and used to sort DVDs with his father. Chase said the agency she worked with does a lot of background on people before setting up meetings with a client. Her resumé was 4 pages long, including her experience, schooling and references. Chase had filled out AEG paperwork for a working permit in the UK. The form asked about criminal background, citations, financial information, Chase completed it and gave it to Michael Amir.
Jackson never told Chase not to go upstairs, not to go in his bedroom or not to ask him about payment. Her first paycheque came in on time.
Chase was surprised by Paris Jackson’s statement in the video deposition, “She seems just lost, she seems to just be grieving, missing her father". Chase knew that Paris was very close with Grace when she was young. Paris has a feeling of abandonment, which is probably part of the reason she was angry with Grace. Chase said Grace was a very big support for her, very loving, had helped her with the children. Michael & Grace were just best friends, very, very deep relationship. Chase believed Grace was protective over Michael & the children, Chase confirmed Grace was let go. The children weren’t happy, they were upset. Chase didn’t know if Grace kept in contact with Jackson, she had heard Michael created a foundation for Grace to work. Chase also heard Grace was going to the UK to prepare things for Jackson and the children.
Chase agreed Paris had gone through a difficult period over the past 2 weeks. “She's turned to her grandmother, she's turned to Grace and she's turned to her biological mother Debbie Rowe." Asked if Paris wanted to leave her father on 25 Jun 2009, Chase said Paris was so emotional that day, there was a lot of screaming and crying. “We were literally pulling her down the stairs, they had her by her ankles, she was going upstairs calling daddy, daddy, daddy!!!” Chase didn’t want to leave but was told to leave.
Deborah Chang sat down and AEG’s attorney Jessica Stebbins Bina re-cross examined Chase.
Chase worked with Jackson for about 8 weeks , knew Grace Rwamba for about two weeks.
Chase agreed there was no reason to believe Paris wasn’t truthful when she was testifying about her conversation with her father. Having said family & friends help her financially Chase denied she had financial struggles. Chase said the children wanted her back, and guessed the reason it took 3 years to ask her back was because there were other employees.
Chase confirmed all employees were given the form to work in the UK, she did not know about Dr. Murray.
When I first began reading Kai Chase's evidence, it struck me what was wrong with the people connected to Michael Jackson, they interpret events and create facts from nothing.
Look what Kai manufacturers about Grace Rwamba having only known her for just two weeks. She tells the jury what a great person Grace is and she knows Paris was close to Grace when she was younger.
She knows all there is to know about Grace but signs a paper on the day Michael dies and doesn't know what the words were, but knows what it did not contain.
She sees things and has concerns, doesn't ask questions and doesn't know who to talk to.
Here's a video of the interview with Larry King, she says Jackson looked very well, a bit tired from rehearsals, 4 years later a different story. She never went up stairs it was part of the rules of the house...Murray called Prince because he was allowed upstairs.
Finally on Day 33 the Plantiffs played a video deposition by AEG’s retained addiction specialist Dr. Paul Henry Earley.
Dr. Earley was being paid $300 an hour for research and $500 an hour for deposition. He is an addiction specialist who cares for individuals with substance abuse and disorders. First training was in neurology, then psychotherapy. He has been working in this field for 28 years.
Dr. Earley treats patients with Propofol addiction and is qualified to treat patients with benzodiazepine addiction. Currently involved in long-term treatment of physicians with addiction problems.
Dr. Earley explained an ‘enabler’ is when someone is feeding the addiction of an addict. Addiction is a disease of secrecy, often enablers don’t see it. He thought Dr. Murray was trying to help Jackson sleep. It was medically wrong for Murray to give Propofol to Jackson at home. Propofol is not appropriate agent for sleep induction. Dr. Early doesn’t think under the circumstances he could have done a better job with Jackson in terms of recovery. In hospital if a patient goes into deep sleep there are machines to help the patient breath and control blood pressure.
Dr. Earley was adamant Jackson had an addiction to opioids class of drugs in 2009. There was not sufficient evidence from the record reading to ascertain he was addicted to Propofol or benzodiazepine. The primary drug Jackson was addicted to was Demerol, by far the most common opiod he took. Jackson’s death wasn’t caused directly by Demerol , there was a question if it created synergy with Propofol or benzodiazepine.
Today’s witness for the Jackson’s is their retained Sleeping Disorder Specialist Dr. Charles Czeisler, who will be questioned for the Jacksons by Michael Koskoff. After graduating from Harvard Dr. Czeisler went to Stanford Medical School. He became a professor at Harvard medical school, he began studying the internal clock in the brain that controls our sleep while an undergraduate.
Dr. Czeisler explained our internal clock regulates the time we are awake and asleep. The drive from the internal clock to stay awake becomes stronger & stronger after lunch time. Light is the most synchronizing sleep pattern, when it’s dark time to sleep. Night shift workers have difficulty going to sleep right away when they get home. Changes in regular sleep patterns sends confusing signals to the brain, which supresses the release of hormones.
Dr. Czeisler helped an NBA team travelling through time zones, since then he has worked with various American sports teams. Dr. Czeisler has also worked with musicians such as the Rolling Stones, he explained musicians have sleeping problems on tour travelling through time zones, have an altered schedule, they perform late.
For 25 years Dr. Czeisler worked with astronauts to help them adjust their sleep while in space, details of his other work and research relating to sleep was provided. He has testified as an expert witness in less than a dozen cases and is being paid $950 an hour.
Dr. Czeisler told the court sleep is controlled by the brain. He said there’s a lot going on in the brain while we sleep, explaining it was the time for repair and maintenance of brain cells. The average person sleeps 7-8 hours a night. The sleep cycle takes about 90 to 120 minutes, there is a progression between sleeping stages. The brain uses 20% of glucose a day. At night we purge things that are not important. We sleep to fulfil a series of biological needs.
The doctor said it was believed sleep was just necessary for the brain, but it was learned sleep is also necessary for the body. He said not getting enough sleep makes us hungrier, with only 4-5 hours sleep a night we use more energy . Being awake longer means we eat more and gain weight. “Even fat cells need sleep to metabolise properly.”
Dr. Czeisler said in tests rats deprived of all sleep died in 21 days, rats selectively deprived of sleep died in 37 days. The doctor gave details of the adverse impact of sleep deficiency, such as increased emotional volatility, “You may not be able to hold your emotions in check.”
The doctor said Insomnia is a complaint of difficulty of sleep in either falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up to too early. Video game playing affects sleep because of over activity in the brain. Insomnia could be secondary to medicine use or substance abuse. Dr. Czeisler said once you’re taking sleeping pills for a series of nights, now you can’t sleep without them, your sleep is actually worse.
Cognitive therapy is used to treat insomnia, where a psychologist identifies the problem. Dr. Czeisler said it is a multi-week therapy with personalized approach . It’s proven effective, even more than drugs. If it is secondary to anxiety, the doctor might consider giving some anxiolytics. In order to treat insomnia, the first step is to figure out what the disorder is, sleeping disorder is a treatable disease.
AEG lawyers objected to Dr. Czeisler testifying about Propofol, as his 78 page resumé had no reference to Propofol study, the judge ruled to allow the doctor’s opinion conditionally.
“Propofol is not a sleep medicine, it is an anesthetic.” Said Dr. Czeisler. He went on to say about the drug, although the brain is being anesthetised, the brain is not being monitored. The doctor testified Propofol dissipates the sleep drive without fulfilling the sleep need. Propofol generates a drug induced coma, doesn’t fulfil needs, profound unresponsiveness, no consciousness, cannot be awakened until gone , No Rapid eye movement sleep (REM), NREM sleep abnormal, Isoelectric EEG in deep, Insensitive to pain.
The doctor testified there is no FDA approved reversal to Propofol, you need to metabolise in order to wake up. "If you didn't get REM sleep yesterday, you'll have REM rebound tonight, you might fall directly into sleep." Ironically, Propofol anesthesia in sleep deprived animals, don't have rebound, it destroys the drive for sleep. "They wake up feelings refreshed, it has dissipated their sleep drive, but not their sleep need. They feel like they had a great night, but they haven't had any sleep at all."
Dr. Czeisler told the court, There is no intravenous medication approved to treat insomnia. Demerol is an opioid and it increases sleep propensity. It's not the same as an anesthetic. "The sleep that you are getting is generated by the brain, not by the drug, Demerol is a sedative, normally used in association with surgical procedure to address pain. Demerol dissipates some of your biological drive for sleep, if slept for hours during the day it will be more difficult to sleep at night. Withdrawal of Demerol is a secondary type of insomnia. It can increase insomnia."
Here's a summary from Associated Press of Day 35, in which a sleep expert gave evidence for the Jackson family and claimed.
Michael Jackson's inability to learn new dance moves and remember the lyrics to his songs were symptoms that the singer was totally sleep deprived by the time of his death, a sleep expert told a jury Friday.
The sleep deprivation was likely caused by Jackson's use of the anesthetic propofol, which Czeisler said would put the singer in a drug-induced coma and not meet his body's need for actual sleep.
The extreme nature of Jackson's sleep deprivation would have shortened the singer's life unless he received appropriate treatment, Czeisler said. With proper treatment, Jackson could have continued to tour and perform for many years, he testified.
Which raises the question why did Michael Jackson not seek the appropriate treatment.
Comments
He's been twittering like crazy, getting all excited. Is he credible who knows, but his claims about Micheal Jackson giving away hundreds of millions of dollars from his tours seem at odds with reality and evidence given in court.
I don't think MJ could tell reality from his own fiction. He promoted an image of how he wanted to be seen and probably took too many drugs to know what really was fiction in the end.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2342055/Michael-Jackson-court-battle-takes-bizarre-twist-judge-accepts-evidence-late-singers-GHOST.html
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/4969632/michael-jacksons-ghost-says-conrad-murray-is-innocent.html
That Keya Morgan guy has been championing Brenda Richie on tweeter.
ABC7 Court News queried this obtained this statement from AEG Live...
ABC7 Court News also obtained this statement from the Jackson's attorney Kevin Boyle....
Brian Panish for the family continued to re-examine Randy Phillips CEO of AEG Live.
Panish picked up where he left off the previous day, regarding Phillips meeting with Dr. Tohme at the Polo Lounge on May 4 this year. Phillips again denied using derogatory terms about Katherine Jackson.
Asked what Michael Jackson, Peter Lopez abd Frank Di Leo have in common Phillips replied, "They've all passed away".
Panish returned to the subject of the hiring of Dr. Murray and what may have been said in interviews by Phillips.
Phillips again said he was confused with Murray saying Jackson was fine compared to the emails from Ortega & Hougdahl.
Panish showed a picture of a thin Jackson at a costume fitting on the 19 Jun 2009. Phillips said his description of Jackson looking good was when he saw him rehearse on 23 Jun 2009.
Phillips was then questioned on the ethics of agreeing to pay Jackson's manager Dr. Tohme $100,000 a month. Phillips said there was talk of an 'ethical wall' between AEG Live and Jackson. Asked if there was a potential conflict of interest with AEG & Dr. Tohme, Phillips said Jackson directed AEG Live to do the agreement which he signed.
Phillips had previously said Jackson changed managers as many times as he changes socks. Panish asked Phillips how many times a day he changes his socks, he said 2-3 times depending if he's been excercising.
Panish then asked how many mangers Jackson had since 2007, Phillips told of Dr. Tohme iniating the deal, then there was Frank DiLeo, Arpac Hussain for a period of time and subject to dispute Leonard Rowe. Phillips also added Raymone Bains and Petter Lopez, the latter was said to have done a Pepsi deal as Jackson's manager.
Phillips described how he invented AEG Live based on a business plan he created.
Panish questioned why Phillips thought Dr. Murray was a good doctor when he asked for $5m.
John Branca was hired was hired by Jackson 18 Jun 2009, he asked in an email if Jackson's problem was related to substance abuse. Phillips said he didn't know one way or the other.
Panish concluded his questioning. Phillips joked, "Your honor, is this really over after this?" at which the courtroom laughed.
Marvin Putnam for AEG stepped to the plate, Phillips clarified he was unaware of any articles quoting him saying 'we hired him' (Dr. Murray).
It seems Jackson being able to do 360 degree spins was important, Phillips confirmed a video shown to the jury had been of a production rehearsal not a full dance rehearsal. Another video shown to the Jury on Thursday had been Jackson performing in the early 1980's. Phillips said Jackson did 360 degree spins aged 50.
Putnam sat down and Brian Panish returned...
Panish asked about the 360 degree spins, Phillips said he didn't recall Jackson doing multiple spins, he didn't know if the choreographer for them. He said he wasn't a choreographer, "I'm flat footed, there's a reason I'm in this side of the business." He said if he did a 360 spin he'd end up on the jury's lap.
And with that Randy Phillips was excused...........subject to recall.
Something I wondered, would Dr. Murray have needed a licence to act as a doctor in the UK.
And, would he have had to smuggle in any Propofol or other prescription drugs or would it have been legit for him to have them in the UK?
David Berman a former President of Capitol Records took the stand as an expert witness.
William Bloss has taken over the questioning for the Jacksons and Sabrina Stong crossed examined for AEG. No family members were in court.
David Berman has been hired at $500 an hour to act as an expert witness for the family, and has so far been paid $25,000 by the Jackson lawyers and $5,000 by AEG’s when he was deposed.
Berman had been in the music industry for 45 years, he represented artists, negotiated management agreements, worked with Beach Boys, Temptations, A&M records, 20th Century Fox, The Doors. At Warner Brothers he worked with Madonna, Fleetwood Mac , Prince. Left Capitol records in 1989 and returned to law firm for a year, then joined Geffen Recors as a senior executive in charge of business affairs. In 1998 he went to Walt Disney to be in charge of Buena Vista Music Group. He retired in 2001.
Since then he has acted 38 times as an expert witness 60% of the time for the plaintiffs.
Berman said he was contacted in December 2012 and met lawyers for the plantiffs and provided with ‘an enormous amount of written material’. He reviewed 26 depositions, declarations, extraordinary amount of emails, pleadings, etc.
Berman has never been a concert promoter & producer but said, “The customer for concert promoter is not the ticket buyer, it is the artist.” He was of the opinion it was entirely inappropriate and highly unusual for a tour producer to hire a physician for the artist. He said he’d never heard of it being done it was his understanding until this time AEG hadn’t done.
Berman was of the opinion Michael Jackson was not a party to the discussions relating to the agreement with Dr Murray. That Murray asking $5m was a red flag, even the $150k a month was an exorbitant amount, that it was than any individual in the tour was getting.
Berman said AEG was aware Dr. Finkelstein had been willing to take the position as Jackson’s doctor for $40k a month, he felt that information should have passed to Jackson. Berman understood Paul Gongaware was the person dealing with Dr Murray. The Jury was shown the email where Gongaware wrote, “Done at $150k a month, per MJ.” Berman explained, “It's indicative of fact that agreement had been reached on behalf of AEG Live…" but he didn’t think this email alone proves AEG hired Dr. Murray.
At this point Judge told the jury, “YOU will decide whether Dr. Murray was hired. All the testimony by hiring is made on assumption he was hired or not.
Berman’s opinion was that AEG inserted themselves themselves in the middle of the deal as an attempt to be in position to control Jackson’s doctor.
Asked if agreements can be oral in the music industry Berman said of course, it’s a common occurrence. He went on to say it is not unusual in the entertainment business to amend contracts without putting the changes in writing. Berman pointed out Jackson’s tour contract was for 31 shows, which was amended to 50 and the tour budget amended from $7.5m to $30m.
Berman said there was a conflict of interest for Murray, Jackson contract terminated then agreement terminated with Murray. Bermain said the chain of email ‘Trouble at the Front’ showed an attempt to exercise some control by AEG. He said it was the first time AEG reached out to various Jackson advisers telling them of the problem they see. AEG rejected the suggestion by John Branca of someone who might help and did not answer the question of substance abuse.
Berman was of the opinion AEG should not have entered into an agreement with a physician, he said they had no expertise or experience supervising a doctor. That it was unreasonable and inappropriate not to include one (Jackson) of the three partiesof the agreement in the discussions of the deal.
The family’s attorney sat down and Sabrina Strong for AEG cross examined Berman. Asked if he agreed Jackson chose Murray Berman said “That’s my understanding.” Berman disagreed that Jackson was the one paying Murray, he said the critical factor with Dr. Murray regarding conflict of interest is knowing in fact he was to be compensated by AEG not Jackson.
Berman said he was aware Murray performed services for Jackson and possibly his children but doesn’t know the extent of those services. He didn’t have any way of knowing what would happen with Dr. Murray if the show was cancelled. Berman confirmed with Strong that he knew AEG Live negotiated contract with make up artist Karen Faye. Strong asked if Faye could have caused skin damage on Jackson’s face. Apparently a juror looked at Strong very puzzled. Berman said anyone could have hurt Jackson.
Berman was of the opinion the producer should not be engaging the services of a doctor even if the doctor has been treating the artist and/or his children for a long time. Berman said, “Producer did request Dr. Murray to perform services.” Shawn Trell who was in court shook his head, indicating no.
Berman testified increasing shows from 31 to 50 was not in writing, neither was an increase in production cost to $30m. Berman said it was the contract does not limit spending to $7.5m.
Berman was asked if he is an expert in doctor’s salaries, to which he said he said he was not an expert but was aware another doctor was willing to be paid $40k a month. Strong asked Berman if he knew how much Kenny Ortega was going to make from the tour for him to say Dr. Murray was getting more money. Berman responded that the red flag was the $150k a month compared to a doctor asking $40k, "It was not a problem that the doctor was going to make more, it's an indicative something is out of whack."
Berman said as President of Capitol Records, he was involved in hiring heads of departments. It was put to Berman he never checked the financial background of executives he’d hired in the music industry. Berman said he personally never checked financial background of anyone, it would have been done at Human Resources level. Strong then played Berman’s deposition where he said he couldn’t recall any credit check being done.
Bloss for the family did re-direct. Berman repeated that Jackson’s contract required any modification to be done in writing, but additional shows and budget increase was never written anywhere.
Berman believed the Frank DiLeo letter of May 2 2009 was an attempt to get a Jackson representative to retroactively approve the budget. (The letter signed by Jackson confirmed DiLeo as one of his new representatives & tour manager). Berman said it was inconsistent with DiLeo’s declaration that he was Jackson’s representative since March 2009.
On re-cross examination by Strong, attorney for AEG, Berman said he was not aware Jackson had directed Randy Phillips to deal with Frank DiLeo on his behalf. Berman also did not know when DiLeo was hired.
Panish wants to play the entire 'This Is It' movie, with explanation from when/where scenes was recorded.
Witness for today are expected to be Kai Chase, MJ's personal chef, and maybe Dr. Finkelstein via video deposition.
Possibly on Wednesday Tim Leiweke (AEG), probably via video deposition and there might be a medical expert on Thursday
Karen Faye may return on Friday.
Again, what does this have to do with the case (which is about whether AEG were culpable for the hiring of Dr Murray/contributing to the circumstances which led to MJ's death). What baring does MJ's homelife with his kids have on that?
Yesterday Kai Chase a chef who was present at the house when Michael Jackson died took the stand. She was questioned for the family by Deborah Chang , Chase began by giving her biography, trained at Cordon Bleu in Paris, owned a catering company before becoming a private chef. She now works for Katherine Jackson and her grandchildren.
Chase first met Jackson when she bumped into him taking water to guests in his parlor and they became close. Jackson was said to be a hands on dad, wanting to know the woman who was feeding his family.
Michael Jackson & Michael Amir Williams initially interviewed her, the second interview was with the children, by the end of the interview she had the job. She worked 7 days a week but was let go in May 2009 only to return in June 2009.
Chase observed a lot of interactions because the children were often in the den next to the kitchen. Jackson spent a lot of time with his children, music was always on sometimes it was Disney music, sometimes classical.
Dinners were a major meal, sometimes they’d pretend they were eating in other parts of the world. Chase was teaching Jackson’s children about food, she would write the menu on a blackboard. The children received tutoring at in such subjects as creative writing, science and maths. The children weren’t allowed to watch television and didn’t use computers.
The jury were told the house was full of pets, a chocolate Labrador called Kenya, a talking bird called Siberia plus two cats, Katie & Thiller. Prince had a pet rat. One night Chase & Paris were in the backyard of the mansion collecting snails for a science project. When they returned Michael was waiting, chase thought she was going to be fired. Instead Jackson helped make a comfy box for the snails, complete with moss, cocktail umbrellas.
Chase described the children’s grief at losing their father chase said, “Being daddy’s little girl, Paris is devastated.”
Chase was let go in May 2009 but returned in June 2009 by which time Chase said Jackson had changed. She described him as appearing very weak and looking much thinner, he looked under-nourished. Jackson told her she needed to take care of his health. She was concerned and thought it unusual that Conrad Murray was at the house daily, but didn’t voice her concerns.
Chase testified about a June meeting involving AEG executives Randy Phillips & Paul Gongaware plus Murray & Jackson. A vase was broken by someone, Jackson & Murray left the meeting. Phillips, Gongaware & Dileo remained at the house and were still there when she left for the day. After the meeting Chase said Jackson seemed to have the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Chase gave an emotional account of the impact on the children of Michael Jackson’s death, also the impact on Katherine Jackson.
Questioning was handed over to AEG Live attorney Jessica Stebbins Bina, who focused on the secrecy at the Jackson mansion. Asked what happened when she wasn’t paid Chase said Jackson’s assistant would reassure staff cheques were coming. There was an unspoken rule in the house that anyone who complained to Jackson about missed pay cheques would be fired.
Chase told the court her impression of Conrad Murray was that he seemed like a nice man and well put together. Chase never expected Jackson to die or that Murray was giving him anything improper, she had not heard of Propofol and felt his deterioration in June was from too much rehearsing.
The day ended there. Kai Chase will continue to be questioned the next day.
Kai Chase began working for Michael Jackson at the end of March 2009 but was laid off in May, returning in June 2009. Chase has been a personal chef for 17 years. Among her clients was said to be President Barack Obama, Bernie Mack, Steve Harvey, John Sally, Maxine Waters, worked with Wolfgang Puck, Pamela Anderson.
Chase is studied nutrition of foods but is not a trained nutritionist.
She got a call from a staffing company who asked her to send them her resumé for a client husband, wife & two children. Within an hour she got a call back and a meeting was set up at The Grove LA, where she was interviewed by Michael Amir. Chase had asked who the client was and Amir showed her Michael Jackson’s business card, "When he handed me the card, whoa!" She was excited.
The second meeting was at Carolwood with Jackson’s children, they were excited to Chase and wanted to make sure she knew how to cook healthy food. The children said they liked fruits, Blanket likes Mango and their father liked apricots. “It felt like we were developing an immediate bond, it was a beautiful beginning." Chase began working the next day initially for 7 days a week, which changed to 6 days with Sunday’s off.
She arrived at 8:00 to 8:30am, readied the children for school, cooked breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, clean up, kept pantry stocked and grocery shopped.
Chase told the jury the children were the love of Jackson’s life, the children meant everything to him. Chase said she did not eat the meals with MJ and kids because Michael liked the meal with his children to be private bonding time.
Describing how the children reacted when Jackson arrived home Chase said the children took off like lightening grabbed him by the ankle, the arms, “..it brings tears to my eyes, so much love there.” Jackson was disciplinary when needed, when they had school they had to be in bed by a certain time. The children respected and obeyed their father.
Asked if the children were allowed to eat sweets whenever they wanted, chase said, “No! it was a big no, no.” Sweets were only allowed when Jackson said so. Jackson allowed Chase to provide comfort food on Saturday’s.
Chase described seeing Paris go through her wardrobe getting clothes she no longer wanted to wear. Paris would sew the clothes into new pieces of clothing, box them and send them overseas.
Chase put Blanket’s drawings on the fridge, she said, “I made it into a home there, the love was already there.” Paris had written on the chalkboard, “I love daddy! Smile, it’s for free.”
A lot of juices were made for Jackson with beats, organic vegetable, lots of lean protein. Jackson ate chicken, fish & turkey, no pork or beef. He liked Mexican food, one of his favourites was vegan ground beef tacos.
In April 2009 Paris celebrated her 11th birthday, she chose to decorate the party everything Michael Jackson. They had cheese pizza, hot wings and banana split. Jackson then took the children outside where there was a Cirque du Soleil type of performance, which Michael & Paris sat and watched together. According to Chase, Paris has not had a birthday party since as she doesn’t want to celebrate it anymore.
Michael was very excited about was happening, excited his children would see him perform. Prince told Chase his daddy wanted her to go to London for the tour.
The children’s nanny Grace Rwamba was described as very warm and loving, Chase said, "This is the mother that they knew, had been with them since birth." Chase said Rwamba was let go.
Chase herself was let go at the beginning of May by Michael Amir, she said she was told there had been a change in management. Chase argued her rate was negotiable, "I was feeding Mr. Jackson and his children, my rate is negotiable, you have to let me go to London." (Sounds like she was negotiating her fee for London with Amir?). Chase was told in person, ‘let me see what I can do’, the next day she got a call saying she didn’t need to come in, she was fired.
She didn’t get to say goodbye to Jackson or the children, didn’t have any discussions with Jackson about salary or firing. Chase didn’t believe Jackson knew she was fired, she believes if Jackson had fired her it would not have happened that way.
Chase said at the beginning of June Michael Amir called her asking her to come back. She asked for half her salary upfront as she was afraid she wasn’t going to get paid. She wrote an email to make sure everyone was on the same page. She decided to return because she understood AEG Live would be covering her salary. When she went back in on 2 June 2009 Jackson and the children wanted her back, Jackson asked where had she gone and told her he needed her to keep him and his children healthy.
On her first day off Chase went to Disneyland where she bought Jackson & the children presents, Paris wrote a note to Chase thanking her for the gifts.
Chase said when she arrived at the house the pantry was bare, on one side there was Fiji water. The refrigerator was bare, there was Coca Cola, Red Bulls and Starbucks coffee. She went to a store to buy organic food for the house using a card for chefs who have personal clients, the card was refused so she had to use her own card for food to feed Jackson and his children. That was not the first time the card had been refused, sometimes she had to leave the groceries behind or pay for them herself.
Chase said Jackson looked different in June, she could see his rehearsals and schedule was taking its toll on him. She recalled seeing Prince once helping his father up the stairs, it saddened her to see a 12 year old trying to carry his father. Chase expressed her concerns to her parents but did not know who to talk to at the house.
Chase found it strange Dr. Murray never discussed with her Jackson’s eating habits., she asked Murray a couple of times but his answer was she could fix Michael anything. In June she could recall seeing Murray at the house in the mornings and assumed he had stayed overnight. She had no reason to go upstairs to the upper floor of the house. She saw Murray bring Oxygen tanks down from upstairs into the kitchen. Sometimes she saw oxygen tanks lined up in the security booth with a sign saying fill up every Friday. She was concerned but never asked what they had been used for.
Of a meeting around 2nd week in June with Jackson, Murray, Paul Gongaware, Randy Phillips and former manager Frank DiLeo, Chase said Jackson was wearing a surgical mask and several layers of clothing. She said Jackson looked scared and frightened.
Chase heard a loud crash, a large expensive vase had been broken, she and one of the housekeepers ran into the room to pick up the pieces. Chase said she was able to hear some of the conversation, “They were very firm with him. Everyone was talking over each other.” Michael left first, then Murray, who was upset saying to her, "I can't take this s**t," as he stormed out the house. She left about 6pm shortly after Dr. Murray.
On 24 June 2009 she prepared breakfast, Dr Murray was at the house and around 10 am came to the kitchen. in June Jackson rarely came down stairs Dr. Murray collect the food and take it to him. Jackson was contemplating going to Staples Corner or train at home with Travis Payne. Chase was told to leave two dinners in the fridge for Dr. Murray & Jackson. She worked till 6:30 -7pm.
On 25 June 2009 Chase arrived at her usual time and prepared breakfast. The children were playing in the den, Chase went grocery shopping, lunch was always served around 12:30pm. Saw Dr. Murray come down the stairs between 12:05 – 12:10, “He was frightened.” Chase testified. Murray screamed at her, "go get help, go get security, go get Prince." Chase went and got Prince and told him, "Hurry, Dr. Murray needs you, there may be something wrong with your father."
It's staggering how many people said they were close to Michael Jackson and how many people he told he depended on them making them feel they had a special relationship and had an understanding.
Jumping ahead slightly here's part of the video deposition Paris Jackson made for the trial, shows Kai Chase may have been misreading the situation,
Deborah Chang for the family was questioning Kai Chase, personal chef to Michael Jackson and currently employed by Katherine Jackson.
Prince went to Dr. Murray, Chase saw the housekeepers, Jimmy & Blanca crying saying there was something wrong with Michael Jackson. Chase heard Prince screaming daddy, daddy, daddy, Paris screamed DAD!. Chase cried a bit on the stand. She hugged the children and said, “Let’s pray.” There was chaos, people were crying, security was everywhere, paramedics going up the stairs. The children were devastated. Katherine Jackson wiped a her eyes as she sat in the courtroom. Chase heard on the radio that Michael Jackson had died, she thought they were lying she didn’t want to believe it.
Chase was paid for overseas interviews, which were mostly on food preparation. She got a phone call last year saying the children had been requesting her since their father’s death. Chase began working for Katherine in July 2012. Family was very important to Michael Jackson they talked about it 50% of the time, he loved his mother and children. Chase said she has lot in common with Katherine Jackson, including the love for Michael Jackson.
Katherine loves music, art and beautiful flowers and speaks with the children every day. Mrs. Jackson misses her son very much, “This was her child, her son! It saddens her .” Chase comforts Katherine when she cries. Katherine misses her son’s spirit, the love he gave her, the conversations, the jokes they shared.
Prince & Paris go to private school, Blanket is home schooled. They were huge and becoming teenagers when she came back last year. Before they were in a protective type of special life, they are thrust into the world now, which is all new to them. The love and the home is the same and it’s apparent they miss their father. The children talk about their father’s music and what he would do in certain situations. Prince now 16, was daddy’s little man, but now feels the weight of thye world on his shoulder. Being daddy’s little girl Paris is devastated and lost. Paris is trying to find herself, trying to find who she is and it’s taking a lot of love and understanding to keep her together. She is having a difficult time coping with the death of her father, she breaks down, talks about him, she doesn’t want to have another birthday again. The entire household has been worried about Paris.
Chase said Blanket had just graduated from grade school, this is all new to him. As the littlest he has older siblings to protect him. Chase still thinks the youngest child will be the most affected. He is hurt too and feeling a little lost too, he never had a growing up moment when was father-son only. He remembers his father.
Deborah Chang for the family ended her questioning, Kai Chase hugged Katherine Jackson and they both cried.
Jessica Stebbins Bina for AEG cross examined Kai Chase. Chase did not know if Michael Amir did a background check on her. She did not sign anything to have a credit check on her.
By mid April Chase was working 6 days a week, and saw Jackson a lot in that month. Jackson came home for lunch and would stay for dinner. She spent most of her time in the kitchen, the rest of the time she spent playing with the children. Jackson hung out with the children about 3-4 times a week for about 25% of the time. He wasn’t there as much in June.
Told by Michael Amir that client (Jackson) requested quarters upstairs to be private, she did not know if it was an unspoken rule. Either the children or Dr. Murray would take the food upstairs. LAPD detective Orlando Martinez said Chase took a tray of food for Jackson upstairs, she told the court that never happened. The court was shown a paparazzo picture of the children in 2008. At the corner there’s a man in a wheelchair wearing surgical mask. Chase could not say whether the person was Jackson.
Bina played Paris Jackson’s video deposition, Paris said her dad didn’t like Grace Rwamba, he said she was sneaky, wasn’t a honest person and lied a lot. Paris contradicted what Chase testified, Paris told of Rwamba pretending to be Jackson’s wife in an attempt to gain entry to Michael’s hotel rooms.
Chase did how the private circus at Paris’s birthday party in 2009 was paid for. Michael Amir had told her she would be fired if she asked Jackson or the children about not being paid.
Neither Michael Jackson or the children called Chase after she was fired in May 2009 to find out why she wasn’t at the house. She did not know the reason why Jackson could not buy food in May 2009. Chase had no idea what Jackson & the children were eating in May. Jackson looked ‘great’ in April, he didn’t look good in June.
Chase was asked why she never mentioned the stair incident where Prince assisted his father upstairs to the media, she said she wanted to be very general when talking with the media in respect of his privacy. Prince’s video deposition was played where Prince said he would not be able to help his dad upstairs. Chase said Jackson was rehearsing a lot, tired, that’s what I saw.
Murray was asked by Chase about Jackson eating, he said Jackson didn’t each much. She never saw Jackson drink alcohol or under the influence of drugs. In April 2009 she saw Dr. Murray 2-3 times a week. The times she saw Dr. Murray with Jackson they had a friendly relationship and the children seemed to like Dr. Murray as well.
The oxygen tanks were bigger in June than in April, Chase said she saw Murray come down with a tank in each hand in the morning. Chase did not inquire about the oxygen tanks because it was none of her business.
Chase testified that in April 2009 that Jackson ate his breakfast with his kids every morning, but in her deposition she said Dr. Murray would collect Jackson’s breakfast. Chase said Jackson had breakfast with his children when he wasn’t having food upstairs.
Jessica Stebbins Bina for AEG continued her cross examination of Kai Chase, personal chef to Michael Jackson.
When asked why Chase had not told police or testified at Murray’s trial about the meeting at Jacksons house she said she wasn’t asked. The first time she had mentioned the meeting was in her deposition in October 2012, Bina pointed out at that point Chase was working for Mrs. Jackson. Chase confirmed she had testified at the meeting Jackson was wearing the surgical mask and layers of clothing, Bina said she had not mentioned it before. Chase explained she described his emotions, she could see fear in his eyes.
Asked if she thought it was important to mention Jackson wearing a surgical mask during her deposition, Chase responded, “I said what I said.” She said “They didn’t ask for that and I didn’t say it.” Chase didn’t why he wore the mask, it was pretty strange, he had not worn it in the house before. Chase agreed it wasn’t important enough to tell anybody before testifying the day before.
Chase said she had mentioned before testifying Jackson was cold at the meeting.
Chase repeated Jackson was scared at the meeting , but Jackson didn’t tell her he was fearful, he never spoke to her about it. Chase said she overheard bits & pieces at the meeting going in & out with beverages. She was not allowed to say what she heard Frank DiLeo said as it was hearsay. Chase said there was voices being raised at the meeting. She doesn’t know who broke the vase. After Murray stormed out of the meeting Chase never asked him what happened to make him so upset. Chase didn’t know the reason Murray was upset was because of the meeting, she assumed it was because he came out of it and left.
Asked if Jackson saying, “They are killing me, I’m working to hard.” was a figure of speech Chase said she took it for what Jackson said, it was an indication he was tired according to Chase, “He was tired, he needed a rest, a break.” Chase’s deposition was played in which said Jackson gave no indication he was trying to avoid the concert. Chase said Jackson and everyone was excited about the tour.
Chase understood she was hired by Jackson but was going to be paid by AEG Live, she knew nothing about Jackson paying back AEG for her salary. Chase understood she was let go in April for financial reasons. She had to file a claim against Jackson’s estate to be paid for the month of June. She has been paid in full. The credit card that was declined belonged to Michael Amir Williams. Chase assumed during May 2009 the Jacksons had food brought in.
On the day Jackson died Chase got Prince because it was such a serious matter, and returned to work she didn’t think it made sense to stop what she was doing and look for security. At some point she and the housekeepers were told to leave the house, the paramedics were still there.
Chase asked Alberto Alvarez, Jackson’s security guard if Michael was OK, he told her he would be fine. Alvarez asked her if she ever signed a confidentiality agreement, she said she had not. Alvarez asked her to sign something on the spot, “He asked me to sign some sort of a paragraph not on a letterhead.” Asked if it required her to keep things confidential, chase said it never said that. Chase signed but could not remember what it said. She then left the house. That was the last time she was at Carolwood House.
Chase said she served smaller portions of food to Jackson. When shown an blog with an interview Chase gave to Larry King Live Chase said, “I did not write this blog for Larry King.” Chase apparently became a little irritated with the question saying she had a blog about food, “And I’m telling you this, in a nice way.” Chase was asked if she told King during the time she fed Jackson she fed him well and he ate well, Chase said, “Yes, when I was feeding him, yes.”
According to Chase Jackson was a strict father, the children had to go to bed at a certain time. She didn’t go upstairs so didn’t see Jackson tuck the children in bed. Jackson would do school nights, weekends, sometimes he came home late would let the kids stay up .
Chase visited the children at the Hayvenhurst house a few times between 2009 and 2012. Chase was not present when Paris Jackson had her birthday. Chase testified Paris told her she does not like to celebrate birthdays after her dad died. Chase does not know if Paris celebrated her birthday in 2010, 2011 or 2012.
Of the paid interviews Chase did after Jackson’s death she said they were about the food and love he had for his children.
Chase never saw Katherine Jackson at Michael’s house, they never spoke to each other before Michael died. She was re-hired by Katherine Jackson and they speak daily. Asked if Katherine gave Chase a birthday present this year, Chase said no, since she doesn’t celebrate dates being a Jehovah’s Witness. The jury was shown a tweet posted by Chase, “Going to see the MJ Immortal Cirque Du Soleil show tonight. What a wonderful pre-birthday gift. Thank you Katherine Jackson.’
Chase said Katherine does not celebrate dates, but the chef considered it a pre-birthday gift for herself.
After Jackson died she worked sporadically as a chef for Mary J. Bilge, she did not have a steady job, her family and friends helped her financially. In April 2012 Chase received a subpoena from AEG Live, in July 2012 chase was contacted to work for Katherine Jackson. Sandra Ribera, Katherine’s lawyer asked Chase if she wanted to go back to work for her. Ribera also acted as Chase’s attorney at her deposition in October 2012, Chase does not know who paid Ribera to be there.
Chase met Deborah Chang attorney for the Jacksons for about an hour a month ago, another hour a week ago and again on Tuesday. Asked if she was afraid Katherine might fire her if she didn’t testify in the right way, Chase answered, ‘no’. Asked if it ever crossed her mind, Chase again said no and said that it was absurd.
AEG’s attorney had no further questions.
Deborah Chang for the family began the re-direct. Chase confirmed Sandra Ribera hires all staff for Katherine Jackson. Chase also confirmed Ribera handles the payroll for Katherine Jackson. Chase and Katherine had not discussed the lawsuit. Chase had never seen Katherine threaten to fire anyone who didn’t testify in the right way in the trial.
In 2009 thinking Michael Amir was the client she asked him his age, he told her he was 23. She is 45. Michael Admir was the librarian at Neverland and used to sort DVDs with his father. Chase said the agency she worked with does a lot of background on people before setting up meetings with a client. Her resumé was 4 pages long, including her experience, schooling and references. Chase had filled out AEG paperwork for a working permit in the UK. The form asked about criminal background, citations, financial information, Chase completed it and gave it to Michael Amir.
Jackson never told Chase not to go upstairs, not to go in his bedroom or not to ask him about payment. Her first paycheque came in on time.
Chase was surprised by Paris Jackson’s statement in the video deposition, “She seems just lost, she seems to just be grieving, missing her father". Chase knew that Paris was very close with Grace when she was young. Paris has a feeling of abandonment, which is probably part of the reason she was angry with Grace. Chase said Grace was a very big support for her, very loving, had helped her with the children. Michael & Grace were just best friends, very, very deep relationship. Chase believed Grace was protective over Michael & the children, Chase confirmed Grace was let go. The children weren’t happy, they were upset. Chase didn’t know if Grace kept in contact with Jackson, she had heard Michael created a foundation for Grace to work. Chase also heard Grace was going to the UK to prepare things for Jackson and the children.
Chase agreed Paris had gone through a difficult period over the past 2 weeks. “She's turned to her grandmother, she's turned to Grace and she's turned to her biological mother Debbie Rowe." Asked if Paris wanted to leave her father on 25 Jun 2009, Chase said Paris was so emotional that day, there was a lot of screaming and crying. “We were literally pulling her down the stairs, they had her by her ankles, she was going upstairs calling daddy, daddy, daddy!!!” Chase didn’t want to leave but was told to leave.
Deborah Chang sat down and AEG’s attorney Jessica Stebbins Bina re-cross examined Chase.
Chase worked with Jackson for about 8 weeks , knew Grace Rwamba for about two weeks.
Chase agreed there was no reason to believe Paris wasn’t truthful when she was testifying about her conversation with her father. Having said family & friends help her financially Chase denied she had financial struggles. Chase said the children wanted her back, and guessed the reason it took 3 years to ask her back was because there were other employees.
Chase confirmed all employees were given the form to work in the UK, she did not know about Dr. Murray.
Kai Chase was excused.
Look what Kai manufacturers about Grace Rwamba having only known her for just two weeks. She tells the jury what a great person Grace is and she knows Paris was close to Grace when she was younger.
She knows all there is to know about Grace but signs a paper on the day Michael dies and doesn't know what the words were, but knows what it did not contain.
She sees things and has concerns, doesn't ask questions and doesn't know who to talk to.
Is this the CNN blog referred to in the trial?
Here's a video of the interview with Larry King, she says Jackson looked very well, a bit tired from rehearsals, 4 years later a different story. She never went up stairs it was part of the rules of the house...Murray called Prince because he was allowed upstairs.
Dr. Earley was being paid $300 an hour for research and $500 an hour for deposition. He is an addiction specialist who cares for individuals with substance abuse and disorders. First training was in neurology, then psychotherapy. He has been working in this field for 28 years.
Dr. Earley treats patients with Propofol addiction and is qualified to treat patients with benzodiazepine addiction. Currently involved in long-term treatment of physicians with addiction problems.
Dr. Earley explained an ‘enabler’ is when someone is feeding the addiction of an addict. Addiction is a disease of secrecy, often enablers don’t see it. He thought Dr. Murray was trying to help Jackson sleep. It was medically wrong for Murray to give Propofol to Jackson at home. Propofol is not appropriate agent for sleep induction. Dr. Early doesn’t think under the circumstances he could have done a better job with Jackson in terms of recovery. In hospital if a patient goes into deep sleep there are machines to help the patient breath and control blood pressure.
Dr. Earley was adamant Jackson had an addiction to opioids class of drugs in 2009. There was not sufficient evidence from the record reading to ascertain he was addicted to Propofol or benzodiazepine. The primary drug Jackson was addicted to was Demerol, by far the most common opiod he took. Jackson’s death wasn’t caused directly by Demerol , there was a question if it created synergy with Propofol or benzodiazepine.
Katherine Jackson was in court.
Today’s witness for the Jackson’s is their retained Sleeping Disorder Specialist Dr. Charles Czeisler, who will be questioned for the Jacksons by Michael Koskoff. After graduating from Harvard Dr. Czeisler went to Stanford Medical School. He became a professor at Harvard medical school, he began studying the internal clock in the brain that controls our sleep while an undergraduate.
Dr. Czeisler explained our internal clock regulates the time we are awake and asleep. The drive from the internal clock to stay awake becomes stronger & stronger after lunch time. Light is the most synchronizing sleep pattern, when it’s dark time to sleep. Night shift workers have difficulty going to sleep right away when they get home. Changes in regular sleep patterns sends confusing signals to the brain, which supresses the release of hormones.
Dr. Czeisler helped an NBA team travelling through time zones, since then he has worked with various American sports teams. Dr. Czeisler has also worked with musicians such as the Rolling Stones, he explained musicians have sleeping problems on tour travelling through time zones, have an altered schedule, they perform late.
For 25 years Dr. Czeisler worked with astronauts to help them adjust their sleep while in space, details of his other work and research relating to sleep was provided. He has testified as an expert witness in less than a dozen cases and is being paid $950 an hour.
Dr. Czeisler told the court sleep is controlled by the brain. He said there’s a lot going on in the brain while we sleep, explaining it was the time for repair and maintenance of brain cells. The average person sleeps 7-8 hours a night. The sleep cycle takes about 90 to 120 minutes, there is a progression between sleeping stages. The brain uses 20% of glucose a day. At night we purge things that are not important. We sleep to fulfil a series of biological needs.
The doctor said it was believed sleep was just necessary for the brain, but it was learned sleep is also necessary for the body. He said not getting enough sleep makes us hungrier, with only 4-5 hours sleep a night we use more energy . Being awake longer means we eat more and gain weight. “Even fat cells need sleep to metabolise properly.”
Dr. Czeisler said in tests rats deprived of all sleep died in 21 days, rats selectively deprived of sleep died in 37 days. The doctor gave details of the adverse impact of sleep deficiency, such as increased emotional volatility, “You may not be able to hold your emotions in check.”
The doctor said Insomnia is a complaint of difficulty of sleep in either falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up to too early. Video game playing affects sleep because of over activity in the brain. Insomnia could be secondary to medicine use or substance abuse. Dr. Czeisler said once you’re taking sleeping pills for a series of nights, now you can’t sleep without them, your sleep is actually worse.
Cognitive therapy is used to treat insomnia, where a psychologist identifies the problem. Dr. Czeisler said it is a multi-week therapy with personalized approach . It’s proven effective, even more than drugs. If it is secondary to anxiety, the doctor might consider giving some anxiolytics. In order to treat insomnia, the first step is to figure out what the disorder is, sleeping disorder is a treatable disease.
AEG lawyers objected to Dr. Czeisler testifying about Propofol, as his 78 page resumé had no reference to Propofol study, the judge ruled to allow the doctor’s opinion conditionally.
“Propofol is not a sleep medicine, it is an anesthetic.” Said Dr. Czeisler. He went on to say about the drug, although the brain is being anesthetised, the brain is not being monitored. The doctor testified Propofol dissipates the sleep drive without fulfilling the sleep need. Propofol generates a drug induced coma, doesn’t fulfil needs, profound unresponsiveness, no consciousness, cannot be awakened until gone , No Rapid eye movement sleep (REM), NREM sleep abnormal, Isoelectric EEG in deep, Insensitive to pain.
The doctor testified there is no FDA approved reversal to Propofol, you need to metabolise in order to wake up. "If you didn't get REM sleep yesterday, you'll have REM rebound tonight, you might fall directly into sleep." Ironically, Propofol anesthesia in sleep deprived animals, don't have rebound, it destroys the drive for sleep. "They wake up feelings refreshed, it has dissipated their sleep drive, but not their sleep need. They feel like they had a great night, but they haven't had any sleep at all."
Dr. Czeisler told the court, There is no intravenous medication approved to treat insomnia. Demerol is an opioid and it increases sleep propensity. It's not the same as an anesthetic. "The sleep that you are getting is generated by the brain, not by the drug, Demerol is a sedative, normally used in association with surgical procedure to address pain. Demerol dissipates some of your biological drive for sleep, if slept for hours during the day it will be more difficult to sleep at night. Withdrawal of Demerol is a secondary type of insomnia. It can increase insomnia."
That was it for Day 34.
Which raises the question why did Michael Jackson not seek the appropriate treatment.