Doctors Bolster AEG's Claims Michael Jackson Was Responsible For His Medical Care
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A Las Vegas plastic surgeon on Wednesday bolstered claims by AEG that the firm is not responsible for Michael Jackson's death.
Dr. Stephen Gordon revealed details of a conversation he had with the singer that made him extremely uncomfortable in a video deposition played for jurors hearing testimony in the wrongful death suit filed by the late singer's mother, Katherine Jackson.
The physician said his first encounter with Michael Jackson was in 2002 when he administered collagen and Botox injections for the star.
"Did he specifically ask for the general anesthetic?" Gordon is asked.
"Yes," he replied.
Gordon testified Jackson was unusually familiar with the anesthetic propofol, which his office used for general anesthesia.
Jackson died in 2009 after receiving a fatal dose of the drug administered by Dr. Conray Murray, who is serving a four-year sentence in a L.A. County jail for involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death.
"He made the remark that it burned, and he actually referred to propfol as milk," Gordon said.
"He gave me the impression he was used to telling doctors what he wanted them to do."
The jury also saw a video deposition from Dr. David Adams, a Las Vegas anesthesiologist who said he provided propofol to Jackson on four occasions for legitimate medical reasons.
Adams said the singer and Conrad Murray asked him to join them for Jackson's ill-fated This Is It concert series in London without ever saying exactly what they wanted him to do.
"He asked me to go on tour with him," Adams said.
"I said, 'I don't sing, I really can't dance, so... to do what?' And he says, 'I would like... I would like for you to help me get my rest.'"
Adams said Jackson's offer never materialized and he was never told what they wanted him to do.
AEG Live is trying to convince the jury that Michael Jackson was calling the shots when it came to his medical care while preparing for his concert series, including when it involved the use of propofol, which Murray says the singer used as a sleep aid.
Katherine Jackson claims executives for the concert promoting giant were negligent in hiring and supervising Murray.
The trial continues.
