Longtime Jackson Employee: AEG Co-CEO Knew About Medications In 90s
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Michael Jackson's longtime hair and makeup artist testified Thursday that AEG's co-CEO was aware of the singer's mix of medications, which she said he began receiving nearly two decades before his death.
KNX 1070's Margaret Carrero reports that Karen Faye, who worked alongside Jackson for 27 years and considered him a brother, testified that the singer hated live performances because they were too hard on him.
Faye said AEG CEO Randy Phillips insisted that Jackson get on stage to rehearse for the "This Is It" Tour.
In emotional testimony Thursday, Faye told the court that Jackson, whom she recalled as a gentle genius with unparalleled stamina, began receiving a mix of medications for pain and stress in the early 90s.
Longtime Jackson Employee Testifies
The hair and makeup artist testified that AEG co-CEO Paul Gongaware, who managed the "Dangerous" Tour, had firsthand knowledge of Jackson's use of medications.
She also testified about emails she reportedly sent to Jackson's manager, Frank DiLeo, in which she said she feared the singer would die.
According to Faye, DiLeo never responded to the emails, which she testified were sent days before the singer's death.
AEG has denied its executives knew anything about the singer's drug use.
Faye is due back in court Friday.
