MJ wrongful death suit / kitkat gegen AEG

17. Mai 2013

Nachdem am Mittwoch keine Zeugenbefragungen stattfanden, riefen gestern die Jackson Anwälte ihre nächste Zeugin in den Zeugenstand: Julie Hollander, (Finanz-)Controller bei AEG Live. Sie bestätigte, dass AEG im Jahre 2009 ein Budget über USD 300’000 für zwei Monate (Mai und Juni) Pflege von Michael Jackson durch Dr. Conrad Murray vorsah. Das Budget wurde von Paul Gongaware, co-CEO von AEG Live, bewilligt. Julie Hollander war verantwortlich für die Rechnungsbücher und das allgemeine Konto für alle Transaktionen im Zusammenhang mit den “This Is It” Shows. Jedoch, so Hollander, war Timm Woolley, ein AEG Executive, für das Budget selbst und die Sicherstellung, dass die Leute bezahlt wurden, zuständig. Hollander sagte aus, dass Woolley sie informiert hatte, dass Conrad Murray “auf Wunsch des Künstlers angestellt” worden sei.
Den Vertrag zwischen Conrad Murray und AEG bezeichnete die Zeugin als Entwurf, da nur Conrad Murray ihn Zeitpunkt unterzeichnet hatte und weder Michael Jackson noch AEG den Vertrag gegengezeichnet hatten. “Wenn Michael Jackson nicht gestorben wäre und AEG unterzeichnet hätte, würde AEG [Murray] das Geld schulden, richtig”, fragte Brian Panish, der Jackson Anwalt, die Zeugin. Ja, so Hollander, wenn alle Vertragsparteien unterzeichnet hätten, wäre es ein rechtsgültiger Vertrag gewesen, der die Rechtsgrundlage für die Lohnzahlungen gewesen wäre. Als nächstes wurde sie zu einem Dokument befragt, das am 16. Mai 2009 erstellt worden war und das Dutzende von Änderungen in Bezug auf das “This Is It” Budget aufwies. Punkt Nr. 29 auf jener Liste war Conrad Murray. Kommentar zu diesem Punkt war: “MJ wünscht während der Zeit vor Tourbeginn einen permanenten Arzt zur Verfügung zu haben. Entsprechend wurden neu zwei Monate zu USD 150’000 budgetiert.”
Gestützt auf diese Änderung sprach Hollander mit Woolley und AEGs Unternehmsanwalt Shawn Trell betreffend die Bedingungen, unter denen der Arzt bezahlt werden sollte. Zwei Tage später, am 18. Mai 2009, schrieb Hollander eine E-Mail an verschiedene Direktoren von AEG, um Informationen zu erhalten, die Philip Anschutz, dem Eigentümer von AEG, dazu dienen sollten, sich ein Bild über die bevorstehenden Gewinne im Rahmen der “This Is It” Shows zu machen. In der E-Mail heisst es: “Wir sind dabei, rasch eine dringende aktualisierte Vorhersage für Herrn Anschutz zusammen zu stellen und benötigen dafür ‘the latest and greatest’ [das Neuste und Beste] von MJ. Ich mag mich erinnern, dass ihr an einem Update gearbeitet habt. Ist der schon parat? Ich brauche etwas spätestens bis morgen… Sobald ich die Zahlen habe, brauche ich eure Anweisung, wie diese zwischen England und USA aufgeteilt werden sollen.” Gestützt darauf fragte Brian Panish Hollander: “Niemand fragte nach, wie die Proben verliefen, richtig?” Nein, so Hollander. “Die wollten wissen, wieviel Geld sie für die USA und England verdienen würden, richtig?” Ja, antwortete Hollander.
Quellen: jackson.ch, latimes.com

Copyright © jackson.ch

The Jacksons vs. AEG Live – Was gab’s diese Woche sonst noch Interessantes?
18. Mai 2013

Am Donnerstag wurden nicht nur Zeugenbefragungen vorgenommen. Am Vormittag ging es unter anderem auch um die E-Mails von Michael Jacksons Manager Frank DiLeo. DiLeo war bekannterweise Michaels Manager in den 1980er Jahren bis ihn Michael 1989 entliess. Im Rahmen der “This Is It” Shows tauchte DiLeo wieder als Michaels Manager auf. Die Jackson Seite argumentiert, dass DiLeo nicht Michael sondern AEG gegenüber verantworlich war und dass die E-Mails von DiLeo wichtig seien, dies zu beweisen. Mit anderen Worten, die Jackson Seite geht davon aus, dass AEG Michael Jackson dazu gezwungen hatte, DiLeo als seinen Manager anzustellen (da diese nicht mit Leonard Rowe zusammen arbeiten wollten, den Michael Ende März 2009 angestellt hatte, um Tohme Tohme zu ersetzen).

Die ganze Angelegenheit um DiLeos E-Mails stellt sich beim näheren Hinschauen aber als noch weitaus brisanter und komplexer heraus. Nach Frank DiLeos Tod im August 2011 wurde dessen Witwe Linda von AEG Anwälten vertraten. Nachdem das Gericht in Ohio die Nachlassverwaltung von DiLeo beordert hatte, dessen Laptop und E-Mails an die Jackson Anwälte herauszugeben, sagten die AEG Anwälte in ihrer Funktion als Vertreter des DiLeo Nachlasses, dass sie weder den Computer noch die E-Mails finden könnten. Die Jackson Anwälte hatten jedoch erfahren, dass der Anwalt, der den Nachlass am Anfang, bevor die AEG Anwälte aufgetaucht waren, vertreten hatte, David Regoli, im Rahmen der Inventarisierung eine Kopie aller E-Mails von Franks Laptop gemacht hatte. Während der letzten paar Wochen hatten die AEG Anwälte argumentiert, dass David Regoli nicht berechtigt sei, diese E-Mails an die Jackson Anwälte herauszugeben, damit diese sie im Prozess gegen AEG verwenden könnten. Während eines Telefonats mit Richterin Palazuelos sagte Regoli, dass er DiLeos Witwe geraten habe, dass seiner Meinung nach ein Interessenskonflikt für die AEG Anwälte bestünde, Linda DiLeo in dieser Sache zu vertreten. “Sie sagte, sie habe nie etwas unterzeichnet, dass [die AEG Anwälte] bevollmächtigte, sie zu vertreten und dass diese Linda DiLeo von diesem Moment an nicht mehr repräsentieren”, so Regoli. Anschliessend stellte DiLeos Witwe Regoli wieder an, was ihn entsprechend dazu ermächtigen würde, die E-Mails den Jackson Anwälten zuzustellen. Regoni versicherte dem Gericht, dass er alle Dokumente durchsehen und selbstverständlich alle E-Mails, die für den Prozess relevant seien (dh. den gesamten E-Mailverkehr von Frank DiLeo mit AEG und sonstigen involvierten Parteien im Rahmen der “This Is It” Shows) aushändigen würde. Dies soll voraussichtlich in ca. einer Woche erledigt sein. Jacksons: 1, AEG: 0.

Quellen: jackson.ch, cnn.com, latimes.com

Weiterlesen unter http://www.jackson.ch/the-jack…sonst-noch-interessantes/

The Jackson vs. AEG Live – Zeugen der Jacksons, 7. Teil
18. Mai 2013

Am Freitag wurde Marty Hom, ein Konzerttourdirektor und Tour Manager mit über 25-jähriger Berufserfahrung, befragt. Bevor ich näher auf Marty Homs Aussagen eingehe, sei erwähnt, dass es sich hierbei um einen ungewöhnlichen und raffinierten Zug der Jackson Anwälte handelte. Denn ursprünglich war Marty Hom als Experte von AEG einvernommen worden und seine eidesstattliche Aussage wurde (wie üblich) vor dem Prozess auf Video aufgenommen. AEG bezahlte Homs dafür USD 500 pro Stunde. Das Videomaterial wurde vor dem Prozess an die Gegenpartei ausgehändigt und nun hat Brian Parish, der Jackson Anwalt, gestern für die Geschworenen 45 Minuten dieses Videomaterials abgespielt und Marty Hom anschliessend im Zeugenstand befragt. Brian Parishs Begründung für dieses ungewöhnliche Vorgehen war, dass er sicherstellen wollte, dass die Geschworenen Homs Aussage vorgespielt bekamen, falls AEG sich am Ende dazu entschliessen würde, Hom nicht in den Zeugenstand zu rufen. Ein (wie sich herausstellte) recht kluger Präventivschlag, wenn man die nachstehenden Aussagen liest. Jacksons: 2, AEG: 0.

Marty Homs bestätigte, dass die ursprüngliche Lohnforderung von Conrad Murray über USD 5 Mio. ungeheuerlich war und ein Warnsignal dafür hätte sein müssen, dass etwas nicht stimmte. Homs sagte u.a. auch, dass bei den Konzerttourneen, für die er verantwortlich war, der Künstler nie einen Arzt mit sich gebracht hatte. Beim Grossteil seiner Aussage ging es um die Beziehung zwischen einem Tour Manager, Künstler und Arzt. Homs sagte aus, dass es nicht angebracht gewesen sei für einen Tour Manager oder Promoter, sich in die Beziehung zwischen dem Arzt und seinem Patienten einzumischen. Als Parish Homs fragte, ob es in Ordnung sei, dass jemand in Abwesenheit des Künstlers mit dessen Arzt spreche, antwortete Homs: “Ich dachte, es läge in der Verantwortung des Arztes, nein zu sagen.” Homs war kein anderes Beispiel bekannt, wo der Promoter oder Produzent ein privates Gespräch mit dem Arzt des Künstler geführt hätte. Wenn ein Performer krank wäre, wäre es Homs natürlicher Instinkt, dessen Arzt zu fragen, ob der Künstler in der Lage sei, in einer Woche aufzutreten. Ferner sagte Homs aus, dass ihm kein Fall bekannt sein, bei dem der Promoter oder Tour Manager das Gehalt des Managers des Künstlers bezahlt hätte. Ausserhalb des Gerichts sagte Brian Parish später, dass er zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt Beweise vorlegen werde, dass AEG Michaels Manager, Frank DiLeo, bezahlt hatte und dies einen Interessenskonflikt dargestellt hätte.

Quellen: jackson.ch, latimes.com

Weiterlesen unter http://www.jackson.ch/the-jack…ugen-der-jacksons-7-teil/
Copyright © jackson.ch

..dazu sag ich mal :nix...:tatort

http://www.aeglive.com/search/?term=BET+Experience

Jackson concert director worked without contract

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A corporate attorney for AEG Live LLC says Michael Jackson's doctor was not the only person working on the singer's ill-fated "This Is It" tour without a fully executed contract.
2:18 AM - 21 Mai 13

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 8h
Don't believe so. They split "This Is It" film (cont) RT @MUZIKfactoryTWO *Did MJ Estate actually pay $300K to AEG as Conrad Murray salary?*

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 8h
Reposting. AEG lawyer says "This Is It" tour director Kenny Ortega worked without formal contract: http://bit.ly/10ILREj

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 8h
Short update: AEG attorney says "This Is It" tour director Kenny Ortega worked without contract: http://bigstory.ap.org/article…-million-jackson-concerts …

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 8h
It looks like AEG General Counsel Shawn Trell will be on the stand all day tomorrow. Wednesday: Paul Gongaware.

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 8h
We're done for the day in Jackson vs AEG. I'll have an updated story out shortly.

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 9h
Trell said he also inquired about life insurance for Jackson. He said AEG had inquired about that for other artists, but didn't specify.

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 10h
The second examination would cover illness, but insurers wanted another med exam and to attend full dress rehearsal, Trell said.

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 10h
Trell said he never saw the results of the medical examination. In March, insurers wanted another exam of Jackson in London.

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 10h
Trell and the broker went back-and-forth a lot over in Jan. 2009 which doctor would do the exam. In the end, a NYC doc examined Jackson.

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 10h
One of the emails said Jackson was getting “mauled” by tabloid press over health concerns. Trell said concern was Jackson had skin cancer.

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 10h
Emails between Trell and the broker showed there were concerns by insurers in London about Jackson’s health.

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 10h
An insurance broker was pressing AEG for a medical examination of Jackson before agreeing to write the policy.

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 10h
Plaintiff’s attorney Brian Panish also questioned Trell extensively about concert cancellation insurance for Jackson.

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 10h
“If Michael Jackson didn’t authorize it, it wasn’t going to get paid,” Trell said regarding Tohme Tohme’s payments.

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 10h
Shawn Trell testified that he found out after the contract was signed that Jackson didn’t authorize Tohme’s payments.

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 10h
Jackson’s agreement with AEG Live called for Tohme to be called $100,000 a month, but Tohme was never paid.

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 10h
He was asked more questions about MJ’s contract with AEG Live. He was also asked about a letter he sent to Tohme Tohme, MJ’s onetime manager

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 10h
AEG general counsel Shawn Trell resumed testifying after the lunch break in the Jackson vs. AEG trial.

Shawn Terrell Testimony

Jackson Direct

Katherine Jackson's attorneys called Shawn Trell as next witness. Brian Panish doing questioning, Trell is an adverse witness. (ABC7)

Shawn Trell is the Senior Vice President and General Counsel for AEG Live for 10 years. He's been with the company for 13 years. (ABC7)

Trell said he met with defendants attorneys for a few hours Saturday and Sunday, reviewed documents to refresh his recollection. (ABC7)

I'm the client's representative in the court, Trell said. (ABC7)

Plaintiff’s attorney Brian Panish asked Trell about his relationship with AEG’s trial counsel, Marvin Putnam.Putnam and Trell went to law school together, but Trell said he’s only known Putnam for three or four years. (AP). Marvin Putnam and Trell went to Georgetown Law School together, but only realized they went to same school after trial started. (ABC7)

Attorney Shawn Trell was the one who drafted and edited Michael Jackson’s contract with AEG Live. (AP) Panish: Did you enter in a contract with Mr. Jackson for TII tour? Trell: Yes

Trell said he was involved in drafting the agreement, but in his deposition, he said he had drafted it himself. (ABC7)

Panish also asked Trell about his knowledge of Michael Jackson’s interest in producing movies with an AEG film group. Trell said he knew Jackson wanted to produce movies, but he wasn’t aware that MJ wanted to work specifically with AEG. (AP) Trell said he's aware MJ wanted to produce films and Anschutz has a film company. He wasn't aware that MJ and Anschutz met about TTI movie (ABC7) Trell said he never heard that Randy Phillips spoke with DreamWorks about producing a MJ movie. (ABC7)

Trell said he never discussed with Tim Leiweke, former AEG's CEO, about MJ. Leiweke is no longer with AEG, Trell said.(ABC7)

Trell was interviewed by LAPD. "I think they were interested in what we knew about Dr. Murray," she testified. (ABC7) Trell said he produced all the materials LAPD asked of him. Panish asked if he turned over only one email, and he said he didn't recall. (ABC7)

Trell said he's confident he turned over all the material requested of AEG Live. Outside the presence of the jury, Jessica Stebbins Bina said there are about 200,000 pages of documents. Panish said Trell has been designated in 24 categories as having knowledge and being the most qualified to speak on behalf of AEG. Panish said the witnesses he will spend most time on are Randy Phillips, Paul Gongaware and Shawn Trell. (ABC7)

Panish asked if AEG Live sent a letter to MJ's Estate after he died trying to recoup money. Trell said he didn't recall. Panish showed an AEG Live letter written to MJ's Estate with costs incurred for the tour. It was signed by AEG's CFO. "This report was sent to the Estate as an accounting and an effort to recoup the money based on the agreement," Trell said. The report indicated around $30 million had been spent on the production of the tour. The report included $300K to pay Dr. Murray. Panish noted that the report was sent to MJ's Estate to recoup money "spent." AEG never paid Dr. Murray. "To me, it was a mistake," Trell said about including payment to Dr. Murray. (ABC7) Plaintiff's attorney showed Trell a July 2009 letter to Jackson's estate aiming to recoup production expenses, including $300k for Murray. Trell said including Murray as a production cost in the budgets and letter to Jackson estate was a mistake. (AP)

Trell, testifying Monday in the Michael Jackson wrongful death trial, also said his company's chief financial officer made another major error by classifying Dr. Murray's fees as "production costs" and not "advances" in all of the budgets for Jackson's "This It It" tour. (CNN)

"Mistakenly, yes," Trell said.
Despite these "mistakes," Trell called the CFO "a very detailed-oriented guy." (CNN)

MJ was given $5 million in advance: $3 million was to pay settlement of a lawsuit, $100,000/month for Carolwood house lease. Trell said MJ was already in the house at Carolwood when they entered into the agreement. AEG was to assist MJ to get $15 million in credit line, or would advance the money, so MJ could buy a house in Las Vegas, Trell testified. (ABC7)

Trell said Tohme Tohme was acting as MJ's manager at the time and was to be paid no more than $100,000. Panish asked if AEG Live ever had a contract that included pay for artist's personal manager's salary: "I don't recall one." "This was the only time we paid a personal manager," Trell testified. AEG Live's producer's fee: 5 percent of net tour income. (ABC7)

Panish asked if Dr. Murray was listed in every budget after May 8, 09: "He was listed incorrectly as production cost," Trell said. (ABC7)

After lunch break, Panish asked Trell is AEG was getting 5% as producer and 10% as promoter of the show, and he said yes. Panish shows a document with AEG Mission Statement. One of bullet points is "to create land maximize revenue streams." (ABC7)

As of June 2009, Trell said AEG was not sure the extent of Jackson's assets to secure the interests of the company. "There's an inherent risk in any commercial undertaking," Trell said. It wasn't a sure thing that AEG would get back the $35 million spent. By the time they spent $35 million, tickets were already been sold, Trell said and they knew tour was sold out. The development of a tour is a fluid thing, there were conversations between our side and MJ's side all the time, Trell said. "I don't know when I became aware the production cost exceeded $7.5 million," Trell testified. As to non-appearance insurance, Trell said he got insurance for $17.5 million. (ABC7)

Panish: After MJ died, you drafted an agreement to approve productions costs?
Trell: Yes (ABC7)

The letter was drafted on June 28, 2009, 3 days of MJ's death. "I wouldn't characterize it as trying to get the monies back," Trell said. Panish explained the letter was to get confirmation of all the money spent so AEG could recoup the money spent. (ABC7)
Trell said there was nothing in writing saying Mr. Tohme was an officer of MJ's company. He said Mr. Tohme verbalized it to him, though. "I had nothing in writing," Trell said about Tohme representing MJ. "Presumably they could've objected if they felt it wasn't true." Trell said Mr. Tohme represented to him he was representing MJ. "I had no reason not to believe him," Trell said. (ABC7)
He was also asked about a letter he sent to Tohme Tohme, MJ’s onetime manager. Jackson’s agreement with AEG Live called for Tohme to be called $100,000 a month, but Tohme was never paid. (AP) Trell said he drafted the agreement that Mr. Tohme was going to be paid by AEG as part of production cost. "We were making that payment." Trell said he didn't know who came up with the $100K figure to pay Mr. Tohme. "AEG was facilitating an agreement between MJ and Dr. Tohme." Tohme was not paid. "That was because there were some conditions in the agreement not met." (ABC7) Shawn Trell testified that he found out after the contract was signed that Jackson didn’t authorize Tohme’s payments.(AP) "Subsequently, I learned Mr. Jackson had not approved the payment," Trell testified. "MJ didn't authorize, so it wasn't going to get paid," Trell said, explaining he learned it either from Randy Phillips or Frank DiLeo. (AB7) “If Michael Jackson didn’t authorize it, it wasn’t going to get paid,” Trell said regarding Tohme Tohme’s payments. (AP) On 5/5/09, MJ wrote: "At my direction and effective immediately, Dr. Tohme Tohme is no longer authorized to represent me in any capacity" (ABC7)

Panish: are you license to practicing law in CA?
Trell: no, not in all aspects (ABC7)

Trell is registered as in-house counsel for AEG. He's never taken the CA bar test.(ABC7)

Bob Taylor is an insurance broker, Trell said, and Lloyds of London is one of the underwriters of the type of insurance they were seeking. Panish shows a document where MJ was required to have a physical exam so broker could take the results to the insurance companies. Trell said he asked the question why insurance broker had chosen Dr. Slavit in NY and not a doctor in LA. The payment of the doctor was going to be 50/50 between the insurance broker and AEG, Trell said. Trell testified that it was the broker's belief that without physical exam there would be no way to get insurance. An email shows Trell inquired if it was really necessary to incur $10K in expense to get the medical exam completed. Trell said he never saw Dr. Slavit's report, or any other report, regarding MJ's physical exam; didn't know what kind of doctor he was. Trell said he learned through Taylor they wanted to get a number of years about MJ medical history. "They were concerned he had skin cancer" "The policy was otherwise issued, but this was to add illness," Trell said. They required 2nd examination in London; wanted to see rehearsal. Trell said he never saw a request for a second medical exam in any tour. (ABC7) Plaintiff’s attorney Brian Panish also questioned Trell extensively about concert cancellation insurance for Jackson. An insurance broker was pressing AEG for a medical examination of Jackson before agreeing to write the policy. Emails between Trell and the broker showed there were concerns by insurers in London about Jackson’s health. One of the emails said Jackson was getting “mauled” by tabloid press over health concerns. Trell said concern was Jackson had skin cancer. Trell and the broker went back-and-forth a lot over in Jan. 2009 which doctor would do the exam. In the end, a NYC doc examined Jackson. Trell said he never saw the results of the medical examination. In March, insurers wanted another exam of Jackson in London. The second examination would cover illness, but insurers wanted another med exam and to attend full dress rehearsal, Trell said. Trell said he also inquired about life insurance for Jackson. He said AEG had inquired about that for other artists, but didn't specify. (AP)

Panish: the insurance wanted additional medical exams because they were concerned, weren't they?
Trell: I have no idea (ABC7)

Panish showed email from the insurance broker to AEG execs with several question: details of coverage required, if artist had doctor on tour. Trell said he doesn't know whether this email with the requests was ever sent to MJ's people. Trell said Dr. Murray was asked later to help with these answers. "It was thought that he might be of some help." Panish asked if Trell sought life insurance on MJ where they would be the beneficiaries. "An inquire of that was made to Mr. Taylor." "We have no coverage against MJ sickness unless and until MJ submits to another medical in London." "It was important to get that medical done," Trell testified. He said policy would kick in on death, but not illness. (ABC7)

Panish: You were working on getting insurance on the day MJ died, weren't you sir?
Trell: I don't recall (ABC7)

Given the hour MJ died, Trell said he thinks he was not on the phone with Bob Taylor negotiating more insurance for MJ. (ABC7)
Panish showed email from Gongaware to the insurance broker on June 24, 2009:
"Dr. Murray can comment on the availability of the records." (ABC7)

Panish said the amount of coverage was the maximum the underwriters were willing to cover, Trell agreed; it was effective April/early May. Two days before MJ died, Trell asked broker for longer insurance coverage: "Term insurance is a reference to a form of life insurance" Trell said he was looking for other options to cover the gap for what had already been spent. (ABC7)

AEG made a claim on the insurance, Trell said.
Panish: You made the claim the night MJ died, didn't you?
Trell: I don't recall the date; it wasn't Jun 25th when I sent letter to Taylor
Panish: Were you speaking with Taylor about MJ being sick on the day he died?
Trell: I don't recall speaking with Mr. Taylor on the 25th (ABC7)

Panish asked if Trell discussed w/ Taylor about recouping Dr. Murray's production cost. He said they'd typically pass along the costs. (ABC7)

Trell said he spoke with Randy Phillips about MJ's health and physical condition, as well as Phillips' interaction with Dr. Murray.

Panish: Did Mr. Phillips tell you MJ was in bad shape prior to June 25?
Trell: Yes, on June 19 (ABC7)

Trell said there were no AEG employees at rehearsal on June 19. He learned about MJ's feeling ill during the executive management meeting. Trell said he never spoke with Dr. Murray about MJ's condition. Randy Phillips learned about MJ's physical condition through Kenny Ortega, the tour director for TII, Trell said. (ABC7)

Panish: Within one week of MJ's death, the executive management was told about MJ poor physical condition?
Trell: The events on June 19, yes (ABC7)

The tour's director Kenny Ortega was being paid based on an agreement laid out solely in emails, AEG General Counsel Shawn Trell told jurors. (AP) "Ortega's contract was a series of emails between us" Trell said. "He didn't have agreement of the nature as other people had on the tour". Trell: I don't recall, but I know initially it was more informal agreement. He (Ortega) was being paid based on the email agreement. (ABC7)

Dr. Murray was an independent contract, Trell said. An agreement is a term of conditions, not only agreement on compensation. "He was rendering services to Mr. Jackson; he had not been engaged for TII tour," Trell testified. (ABC7)

Panish: And Dr. Murray had an agreement with AEG based on the emails?
Trell: No, Dr. Murray didn't have an agreement with AEG (ABC7)

In court, attorneys for Katherine Jackson displayed emails sent to Murray a month before the death of MJ in which Murray's contract terms were laid out. Trell said those emails did not demonstrate an employment relationship.Trell acknowledged, however, that Ortega was paid for his work on the shows despite working under terms laid out only in a series of emails."Kenny Ortega is different from Conrad Murray," Trell testified. (AP) Panish said Ortega didn't have a memorialized agreement. "Kenny Ortega is different from Conrad Murray," Trell said. (ABC7)

Email from Dr. Murray to Wooley on May 29, 2009:"I have performed and continue to fulfill my services to the client in good faith. Therefore, I am asking you to deposit my fee for May in reciprocity of good faith on your part as per our agreement the usual and customary date for deposit is around 15th of each month, by today's date we're 13 days beyond my monthly fee.”
Trell said they had agreed on the compensation for Dr. Murray, but needed to memorialize the deal in an agreement. (ABC7) Email from Wooley to Murray on May 8, 09 details terms of the contract: contracting company, mode of travel, living arrangements in London. Another email shows Wooley asking Dr. Murray for a cancelled check for direct deposit of his monthly compensation. (ABC7)

Email from Gongaware to Brother Michael on 5/6/09 regarding Dr. Murray:
"Done at $150K per month, per MJ."

Trell said Gongaware was authorized to negotiate with Dr. Murray, but he was still subject to an AEG contract.(ABC7) Another email said executive Paul Gongaware informed others that Murray would be "full time" on the tour by mid-May.(AP)

Panish asked if before a contract is written, the "meeting of the minds" is necessary. Trell agreed. (ABC7)

Panish: And Dr. Murray was working for AEG Live in May of 2009
Trell: No, I would totally disagree with that statement (ABC7)

Plaintiff's attorney Brian Panish asked Trell to agree with a statement that Murray was working for AEG. "I would totally disagree with that statement," Trell said, noting that Ortega and Murray were considered independent contractors. (AP)

Trell testified that five days before Jackson's death, top AEG executives were informed the singer was in poor health. By that point, Ortega had sent executives an email titled "Trouble at the front" detailing Jackson's problems.(AP)

Email from Ortega to Phillips on 6/20/09
Trouble at the Front
"I honestly don't think he's ready for this based in his continued physical weakening and deepening emotional state. It is reminiscent if what Karen, Bush, Travis and I remembered just before he fainted causing the HBO Concerts to be canceled. There are strong signs of paranoia, anxiety and obsessive-like behavior. I think the very best thing we can do is get a top Psychiatrist in to evaluate him ASAP. It’s like there are two people there. One (deep inside) trying to hold on to what he was and still can be and not wanting us to quit him, the other in his weakened and troubled state … I honestly felt if I had encouraged or allowed him on stage last night he could have hurt himself. I believe we need professional guidance in this matter." (ABC7 & LA Times)

Phillips turned down the request for a psychiatrist. In emails previously published by The Times, Phillips wrote, "It is critical that neither you, me or anyone around this show become amateur psychiatrists or physicians." (Latimes). Trell said Phillips did not contact a psychiatrist, doctor or any other medical provider, but they had a meeting that same day. "I think someone took it seriously," Trell said. He was not present at the meeting, but it was with Dr. Murray. (ABC7) Trell said the company’s response was to hold a meeting that day with Jackson and his doctor, Conrad Murray. “…so I think they took it seriously,” he said. (LAtimes)

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Shawn Trell will continue to testify and is expected to last all day on the witness stand. Paul Gongaware is next witness. He'll be at the courthouse first thing on Wednesday, assuming they finish with Trell by then. (ABC7)

Anthony McCartney ‏@mccartneyAP 12h
AEG Live spent $24 million on Michael Jackson's "This Is It" shows: http://yhoo.it/10JoqPi (Story link.)

http://news.yahoo.com/witness-…n-concerts-183857940.html

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An accounting executive for AEG Live LLC testified on Monday that the company spent $24 million producing Michael Jackson's ill-fated "This Is It" concerts.
9:03 PM - 20 Mai 13 ·

Witness: AEG spent $24 million on Jackson concerts
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY | Associated Press – 12 hrs ago

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An accounting executive for AEG Live LLC testified on Monday that the company spent $24 million producing Michael Jackson's ill-fated "This Is It" concerts.

The tally involved expenses compiled through October 2009, roughly three months after the singer's death, said Julie Hollander, a vice president and controller of event operations for AEG Live.
Hollander testified during the trial of a lawsuit filed by Jackson's mother against AEG claiming the company was negligent in hiring the doctor later convicted in the death of the pop star.

Budget documents shown in court indicated the company made no payments to the doctor, Conrad Murray.

AEG budgeted $150,000 a month for Murray's treatment of Jackson, but the singer died of an anesthetic overdose before he signed Murray's agreement.

Hollander said Murray's contract was the only one she had ever seen in which an artist had to approve a contract for services on a tour. She believed Jackson's signature was required because of the personal nature of the doctor's services.

In total, Murray was projected to receive $1.5 million in payments over the first few months of the "This Is It" tour, which was slated for 50 shows at London's 02 Arena.

Attorneys for Jackson's mother are trying to prove that AEG hired Murray and missed numerous red flags about the pop singer's health before his death.

AEG denies it hired Murray and says it bears no liability for Jackson's death.

Hollander also testified that Jackson was responsible for 95 percent of production expenses if his comeback shows were canceled. Budget documents indicated the production was more than $2 million over budget.

Hollander was the first AEG executive to testify in the lawsuit. The company's general counsel Shawn Trell began testifying on Monday.

Plaintiff's attorney Brian Panish questioned Trell about a July letter sent to Jackson's estate asking for more than $30 million in reimbursement, including $300,000 for Murray's services.

Trell said it was a mistake to include Murray's payments as production costs.

Die LA Times berichtet, im Januar und im März habe die Jackson-Familie AEG angeboten, einen Vergleich auszuhandeln. Anwalt Kevin Boyle sagt, AEGs Versicherung hätte dann gezahlt, so dass AEG selbst keinen Pfennig hätte zahlen müssen. AEG-Anwalt Putnam sagte, sie machen keine außergerichtlichen Vergleiche in Angelegenheiten, die ohne Basis seien, was hier ihrer Meinung nach der Fall sei.

...soviel zum Thema, "der Familie geht es ja nur um Gerechtigkeit und Klärung der Hintergründe"...

Michael Jackson's family offered to settle lawsuit, lawyer says
May 21, 2013, 12:30 p.m.

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

Kevin Boyle, an attorney for Jackson’s mother and three children, said the family made the offers in January and March.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.latimes.com/local/l…-20130521,0,6307620.story

Lawyer: No background check done on Jackson doctor
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY | Associated Press – 5 hrs ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://news.yahoo.com/lawyer-n…son-doctor-192339561.html

21. Mai 2013

Gestern hat Brian Panish, Anwalt für die Jacksons, Shawn Trell, den Leiter der Rechtsabteilung von AEG Live, befragt.
Man durfte gespannt sein, wenn zwei Juristen aufeinander treffen und der Zeuge ja eigentlich für die Gegenseite tätig ist.
Fest stand bereits zuvor, dass der Vertrag zwischen Conrad Murray und AEG bzw. Michael Jackson nur von Murray, am Tag vor Michael Jacksons Tod, unterzeichnet worden war. Entsprechend argumentiert ja AEG schon von Anfang an, dass der Vertrag nicht rechtsgültig sei und sie nicht für die Anstellung von Murray zur Verantwortung gezogen werden können.
Wie sich nun aufgrund diverser E-Mails, die Panish dem Zeugen vorlegte, herausstellte, hatte Kenny Ortega auch keinen Vertrag mit AEG. Panish fragte Trell entsprechend, ob AEG Kenny Ortega basierend auf diese E-Mails bezahlt hätte. Ja, so Trell, in Kennys Fall war das so. “Und Dr. Murray hatte mit AEG eine Vereinbarung gestützt auf eine Anzahl von E-Mails?” so Panish an Trell. “Nein, das glaube ich nicht,” antwortete Trell.
Auf die Frage, wieso Kenny Ortega denn keinen Vertrag brauchte, antwortete Trell, dass Ortegas Fall anders läge. Brian Panish zeigte dann den Geschworenen eine Anzahl von E-Mails zwischen Conrad Murray und diversen AEG Direktoren. Darunter war eine E-Mail vom 8. Mail 2009, in der Paul Gongaware, der co-CEO von AEG Live, damit einverstanden war, Murray USD 150’000 pro Monat zu bezahlen.
In einer zweiten E-Mail befasste sich Tim Woolley, der für diesen Fall zuständige Buchhalter von AEG Live, mit den Anstellungsbedingungen von Conrad Murray, einschliesslich einer Bestimmung, dass Murray nicht im gecharterten Flugzeug von Michael Jackson mitfliegen, er aber erste Klasse fliegen würde.
In einer weiteren E-Mail, datiert vom 22. Mail 2009, schrieb Conrad Murray an Tim Woolley, dass er einen ungültigen Cheque an ihn faxen würde, damit sie ihm das Geld direkt auf sein Konto überweisen können. Als Brian Panish gestützt auf all diese E-Mails darauf bestand, dass Conrad Murray im Mai 2009 für AEG gearbeitet hatte, antwortete Trell erstaunlicherweise (oder auch nicht erstaunlicherweise, wenn man sieht, was AEG bis jetzt schon alles für Fauxpas geleistet hat): “Nein. Mit dieser Aussage bin ich überhaupt nicht einverstanden.”
Okay… Noch besser (oder peinlicher, je nachdem, von welcher Seite man es betrachtet) wurde es dann, als Panish Trell einen Bericht zeigte, den AEG nach dem Tod von Michael Jackson dessen Nachlassverwaltung geschickt hatte und in dem sie verlangt hatten, dass ihnen USD 300’000, die AEG an Conrad Murray ausbezahlt hätten, zurückerstatten sollten. Man erinnere sich, dass frühere Zeugenaussagen bereits aufgezeigt hatten, dass Murray von AEG nie bezahlt worden war. “Meines Erachtens handelt es sich hierbei um einen Fehler”, so Trell schlicht.
Brian Panish zeigte den Geschworenen auch eine E-Mail von Kenny Ortega an Randy Phillips, CEO von AEG Live, in der ersterer nur wenige Tage vor Michael Jacksons Tod geschrieben hatte, dass es bei Michael starke Anzeichen für Paranoia, Angst sowie zwanghaftem Verhalten gebe. “Ich glaube, es wäre am besten, wenn wir einen top Psychiater holen, der ihn so schnell wie möglich beurteilen kann. Ich glaube fest, dass wenn ich ihn dazu ermutigt oder es ihm erlaubt hätte, letzte Nacht auf die Bühne zu kommen, er sich hätte verletzen können. Ich glaube, wir brauchen in dieser Sache professionelle Hilfe”, so Ortega in seiner E-Mail. Trell sagte, dass AEG mit Michael und Conrad Murray noch am selben Tag ein Treffen gehabt hätten. “Ich denke also, sie haben das ernst genommen”, so Trell. An jenem Meeting soll Michael Jackson gesagt haben, er werde sich bessern und Murray soll damit einverstanden gewesen ein, dabei zu helfen. Und was meinte AEGs Anwalt Marvin Putnam dazu? “Michael und der Arzt betonten, dass er OK sei. Sie hatten es unter Kontrolle”.
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Quellen: jackson.ch, latimes.com

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

Katherine, Rebbie and Trent Jackson are in court

Shawn Trell Testimony

AEG Cross

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The insurers have specifically requested information on the following:

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

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

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

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

Press reports that the artist was hospitalized in 2005.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jackson redirect

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

......................

Michael Jackson called 'the freak' in email from top AEG lawyer
By Jeff Gottlieb and Corina Knoll

May 23, 2013, 6:59 a.m.
An email shown to the jury in the Michael Jackson wrongful-death lawsuit revealed the top attorney for AEG called the pop star "the freak" before he signed multimillion-dollar contracts for his London concerts.

The email was shown to the jury during the third day of testimony by Shawn Trell, general counsel and senior vice president for Anschutz Entertainment Group.

Jackson attorney Brian Panish asked Trell about his visit to the singer's house to sign the contracts. "It was exciting to meet Michael Jackson," he said.

Panish built toward a climax, asking Trell if it were company policy to speak in derogatory terms about an artist it was about to sign to a huge deal.

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

Panish asked Trell, "Did Mr. Fikre say to you that Michael Jackson was a freak?" a reference to Ted Fikre, chief legal and development officer and a member of the board of parent company AEG, before slowly unraveling the emails.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Murray is in jail after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

Earlier in the day, Trell testified that he had been told that Jackson passed a medical exam for an insurance policy "with flying colors" a few months before his death. A second insurance exam had been scheduled for July 6, 2009 -- about two weeks after Jackson died.

The exams were necessary so AEG could buy cancellation insurance for Jackson's "This Is It" concerts.

Cancellation insurance, Trell said, is a typical way to recoup advances made to an artist when an event falls through. According to its contract with Jackson, AEG had advanced the singer close to $30 million.

Insurance carriers, however, were "skittish" due to tabloid reports about Jackson's health, Trell said. Stebbins Bina said their concerns did not include drugs, painkillers, alcohol or sleep disorders.

In addition to the tour contract, Trell said Jackson and AEG had an agreement that proposed developing as many as three films together, one of which was related to his "Thriller" video.

When nothing was developed by the agreement's June 1, 2009, deadline, AEG sent a proposed amendment to extend that date to Jackson's representatives, Trell said.

"I think the interest was still there on Mr. Jackson's side, and I know we were interested in helping him realize what he wanted to accomplish," Trell said.

http://www.latimes.com/local/l…-20130523,0,3492909.story

Wichser.

Tweets von Frank DiLeos Nichte.

- Es sei schon komisch, dass die Jacksons sagen, AEG habe Michael gezwungen, ihren Onkel einzustellen, das sei eine Lüge.
- Sie sei im Haus ihres Onkels gewesen, als Joe und Katherine anriefen und ihn anbettelten, zurückzukommen und Michaels Manager zu sein.
- Wenn man Frank nicht kenne, solle man keinen Sch*** reden, er sei ein großartiger Mensch und ein großartiger Freund von Michael gewesen.
- Jemand fragt sie, was sie von Franks Kommentar halte, den Karen Faye vor Gericht zitierte. Anna antwortet, das sei offensichtlich aus dem Zusammenhang gerissen worden, denn niemand habe sich mehr um MJ gesorgt als ihr Onkel.
- Sie LIEBE Michael und werde es immer tun, er sei ein Teil ihrer Familie gewesen.

Anna Marie Drago ‏@annamariex0 21 Mai
Funny how the Jackson's are saying that AEG forced Michael Jackson to hire my uncle, Frank Dileo, which is a lie!!

Anna Marie Drago ‏@annamariex0 21 Mai
I was at my uncles house when joe AND Katherine called my uncle begging him to come back and manage Michael!!

Anna Marie Drago ‏@annamariex0 21 Mai
Also if you don't know my Uncle DON'T talk shit! He was a great person and a great friend to Michael Jackson!!! I'm So sick of this shit!

Nicole MJ ‏@GlowsInMyHeart 21 Mai
@annamariex0 What did you think of your uncle suggesting to get MJ "a bucket of chicken"as a response to people's worries that MJ was dying?

Anna Marie Drago ‏@annamariex0 21 Mai
@GlowsInMyHeart obviously that was taken out of context. No one was more concerned about mj than my uncle

Anna Marie Drago ‏@annamariex0 22 Mai
@damary200 @Mellie4Justice actually I LOVE MJ! I always have and I always will he was a part of our family

mail on 6/19/09 from John Hougdahl to Randy Phillips:
My laymen's degree tells me he needs a shrink to get him mentally
prepared to get on stage and then a trained to get him in physical shape... (Kobe's should be available) I have watched him deteriorated in front of my eyes over the last 8 weeks. He was able to do multiple 360 spins back in April. He'd fall on his ass if he tried it now."
John Houghdahl was the stage manager of "This is it" tour.

Mail vom 19.6.09 von John Houghdahl an Randy Phillips:
„Mein „Laien-Diplom“ sagt mir, dass er einen Seelenklempner braucht, um ihn mental für die Bühne vorzubereiten und dann einen Trainer um ihn körperlich in Form zu bringen... Ich habe gesehen, wie er sich vor meinen Augen über 8 Wochen verschlechterte. Er konnte im April viele 360° Drehungen machen. Würde er es jetzt versuchen, würde er auf seinen Hintern fallen.“

Houghdahl war der Stagemanager von TII

:depri::.WAS is da bloß geschehn???..wie sehr muss sich Michael unter Druck gesetzt gefühlt haben...mir fällt dazu nur die Eierlegende Wollmilchsau ein...so scheint es..wurde Michael betrachtet...EGAL von welcher Seite aus...und das schon lange Zeit seines Lebens..
..ich bin grad sehr zornig und sehr sehr traurig

24. Mai 2013
Die Befragung von Shawn Trell, dem Leiter der Rechtsabteilung von AEG Live, ging diese Woche weiter.

Für den ersten Tag siehe > 21. Mai.

Trell hatte am ersten Tag keineswegs einen soliden Eindruck hinterlassen unter der Befragung von Jackson Anwalt Brian Panish. Auch die folgenden zwei Tage liessen AEG alles andere als gut aussehen.
Zum einen wurde aufgezeigt, dass Thome Thome, Michael Jacksons Manager vor Frank DiLeo, mit einem Salär von USD 100’000 pro Monat auf der Gehaltsliste von AEG stand. Dies sei gemäss Trell das einzige Mal gewesen, dass AEG solch eine Vereinbarung hatte, was nicht erstaunt, da Gehaltszahlungen des Konzertveranstalters an den Manager des Künstlers einen potentiellen Interessenskonflikt darstellen, da der Manager die Interessen des Künstlers zu vertreten hat.

Es wurde ebenfalls aufgezeigt, dass AEG Live USD 30 Mio. von der Nachlassverwaltung von Michael Jackson verlangt hatte für einen Vorschuss, den sie Michael Jackson gegenüber gestützt auf den Vertrag zwischen Michael und AEG Live geleistet hatten. Um die Kosten für einen solchen Vorschuss wieder reinzuholen, sei es üblich, dass eine Versicherungspolice auf den Künstler ausgestellt würde, für den Fall dass die Konzerte ausfallen würden. Bedingung für den Abschluss einer solchen Police war ein Gesundheitscheck des Künstlers, den Michael, so wurde dies Trell ausgerichtet, einige Monate vor seinem Tod mit Bravour bestanden haben soll. Ein zweiter Gesundheitscheck war für den 6. Juli 2009 vorgesehen.
(Betr. AEG Lives Verzicht gegenüber Lloyds siehe unsere Meldung vom 10.9.2012.)
Zudem sagte Trell aus, dass AEG keinen Background Check von Conrad Murray gemacht hatte. Als Panish Trell fragte, ob irgendwer bei AEG jemals Dr. Murray interviewt hatte, verneinte Trell dies. Daraufhin zeigte Panish Trell eine E-Mail von Randy Phillips, CEO von AEG Live, an Kenny Ortega, datiert vom 20. Juni 2009 als Antwort auf Kenny E-Mail, dass er darauf bestehe, umgehend einen Psychiater beizuziehen (siehe > 21.5., letzter Abschnitt).
Die Antwort von Randy Phillips an Kenny Ortega lautete: “Ich hatte ein langes Gespräch mit Dr. Murray, für den ich je länger je mehr einen enormen Respekt gewinne. Er sagte, Michael ist nicht nur körperlich in der Lage zu performen, aber dass wenn man ihn davon abbringen wollte, dies seine Verschlechterung nur noch beschleunigen würde… "Dieser Arzt ist sehr erfolgreich (wir überprüfen jeden) und braucht diesen Job nicht; er ist also vollkommen unparteisch und verhält sich dem Berufsethos entsprechend”.
Als Panish Trell dann nochmals fragte, dass diese Murray nie überprüft hatten, bestätigte Trell, dass dies korrekt sei. Und was sei dann mit der Aussage von Randy Phillips? Diese sei falsch, so Trell, und er wisse auch nicht, woher Randy Phillips Verständnis und Eindrücke stammten.
Als nächstes ging es um den Vertrag zwischen Conrad Murray und AEG Live. Mittels E-Mail vom 23. Juni 2009 hatte AEG Anwältin Kathy Jordie die Endfassung des Vertrags zur Unterzeichnung an Murray geschickt. Trell bezeugte, dass Michael Jackson keine Kopie davon geschickt worden war. Trell sagte ferner aus, dass vor der Unterzeichnung des Vertrags zwischen AEG und Michael Jackson letzterer ein Tourangebot von AEGs Hauptkonkurrent, Live Nation, in Betracht gezogen hatte.
Im Eröffnungsplädoyer vor über drei Wochen hatte Panish AEG als eine Bande rücksichtsloser Geschäftsleute dargestellt, die nur damit beschäftigt seien, zu Live Nation, dem weltweit grössten Konzertveranstalter, aufzuschliessen. Damals sagte Panish: “Sie machen, was immer sie müssen, um die Nummer eins in diesem harten Geschäft zu werden” — auch wenn es auf Kosten der Gesundheit ihres 50-jährigen Stars ginge.
Aber als ob AEG so nicht schon einen weiterhin schlechten Eindruck vor Gericht vermittelte, so kam es in den letzten 15 Minuten des letzten Befragungstag von Shaw Trell noch deftiger. Angefangen hatte es mit Panishs scheinbar unschuldigen Frage, dass Trell ihm von seinem Besuch in Michael Jacksons Haus zwecks Unterzeichnung des Vertrags Anfang 2009 berichten solle.
“Es war aufregend, Michael Jackson zu treffen”, so Trell. Panish fragte Trell dann, ob es üblich war für AEG, in herabwürdigender Weise über einen Künstler zu sprechen, mit dem sie gleich einen riesigen Deal unterzeichnen würden. “Ich war nicht unbedingt mit einigen von Michael Jacksons Entscheidungen, die er in seinem Leben getroffen hat, einverstanden, aber ich hatte natürlich einen enormen Respekt für ihn als Entertainer,” so Trell. Panish fragte Trell dann: “Sagte Mr. Fikre [Chief Legal and Development Officer und Verwaltungsratsmitglied von AEG Lives Muttergesellschaft] zu ihnen, dass Michael Jackson ein Freak sei?” Die E-Mail Kette, auf die sich Panish bezog, begann am 28. Januar 2009, als Paul Gongaware Randy Phillips fragte, “MJ still on today?” Ja, antwortete Phillips, um 17 Uhr bei Michael Jackson zu Hause. “Du und Shawn [Trell] sollten dabei sein.” Trell leitete die E-Mail anschliessend an Fikre weiter, der zwei Minuten später antwortete: “Heisst das, du wirst den Freak treffen??” Trells Antwort an Fikre lautete: “Scheinbar. Ich weiss nicht, was ich davon halten soll. Sicherlich interessant, aber irgendwie gruselig [Original: creepy].” Daraufhin wies Panish den Zeugen zurecht: “Hat ihnen ihre Mutter nie beigebracht, dass wenn man nichts Gutes über einen Menschen sagen kann, man lieber nichts sagen soll?”
Quellen: jackson.ch, latimes.com

Copyright © jackson.ch

25. Mai 2013

Brian Panish, Anwalt der Jacksons, rief Shaw Trell, den Leiter der Rechtsabteilung von AEG Live, am Donnerstag nochmals in den Zeugenstand. Seine ersten drei Tage im Zeugenstand waren alles andere als glorreich für AEG Live. Auch am vierten Tag legte Brian Panish dem Zeugen und den Geschworenen wieder einige E-Mails vor. John Houghdahl, der Production Manager für “This Is It” schrieb Randy Phillips, CEO von AEG Live, sechs Tage vor Michaels Tod, dass er bemerkt habe, wie Michael Jackson in den vergangenen acht Wochen körperlich und mental schlechter geworden war und der Performer einen Fitnesstrainer sowie einen Psychiater benötige, um ihn mental vorzubereiten.
“Im April konnte er mehrfache 360 Grad Spins machen”, so Houghdahl in der E-Mail. “Wenn er dies jetzt versuchen würde, würde er auf seinem Hintern landen.” Weniger als eine Woche später schickte Ortega eine E-Mail an Phillips, in der er schrieb, dass Michael Anzeigen von Paranoia, Angst sowie zwanghaftem Verhalten zeige und er darum vorschlage, dass umgehend ein Psychiater miteinbezogen werden soll. “Es ist, also ob zwei Leute da drin sind”, so Ortega in seiner E-Mail. “Einer (tief drin) der versucht an dem festzuhalten, was er war und immer noch sein kann und der nicht will, dass wir ihn aufgeben, der andere ist in diesem geschwächten und aufgewühlten Zustand”.
Panish bezog sich auch nochmals auf die E-Mail vom 14. Juni 2009, in der AEGs Paul Gongaware an Kenny Ortega schrieb, dass sie auf ein Meeting mit Conrad Murray bestehen, “um ihn daran zu erinnern, dass AEG und nicht Michael Jackson sein Gehalt bezahlen. Wir wollen, dass er versteht, was wir von ihm erwarten”.
Dies lässt AEG insofern schlecht aussehen, als deren Position in diesem Prozess ist, dass Conrad Murray von Michael Jackson angestellt wurde und sie somit nicht zur Verantwortung gezogen werden können. Trell sagte am Donnerstag zudem aus, dass die Verhandlungen betreffend Murrays Vertrag zwischen dem Arzt und AEG stattgefunden hatten und weder Michael Jackson noch seine Vertreter die jeweiligen Vertragsentwürfe gesehen hatten. Als Brian Panish Trell sagte: “Sie hätten ja sagen können, ‘Mr. Jackson, wir sind der Meinung, dass die Anstellung eines Arztes etwas Persönliches ist und sie sollten ihren eigenen Arzt mit ihrem eigenen Geld anstellen’”. Ja, das hätten sie sagen können, so Trell. Ob die Firma etwas davon abgehalten hatte, Michael zu sagen, dass er den Deal mit Murray verhandeln solle und ihm dann einen entsprechenden Vorschuss zu geben wie für die Produktionskosten oder die Miete von Michaels Unterkunft, so Panish. Nein, nichts, so Trell. Als Panish Trell dann fragte, ob er glaube, dass der Gedanke, USD 150’000 pro Monat verlieren zu können, jemandem Druck aufsetzen könnte, antwortete Trell lediglich: “Dazu kann ich nichts sagen”.
Und was hatte AEGs Anwalt Marvin Putnam zu den vergangenen vier Tagen zu sagen? “Wenn Du keinen Fall hast, dann zieh eine Show ab,” denn seiner Meinung haben die Beweise der Jackson Seite nichts mit dem Fall zu tun, sondern dienten nur dem Zweck, die Geschworenen aufzupeitschen. Na ja, wenn Sie davon überzeugt sind, Mr. Putnam. Bitte schön. Mein bisheriger Eindruck sieht da etwas anders aus.
Quellen: jackson.ch, latimes.com

Copyright © jackson.ch

26. Mai 2013

Wie sich diese Woche herausgestellt hat, hat die Jackson Familie im Januar und März diesen Jahres AEG Live angeboten, sich vor Prozessbeginn zu vergleichen. Kevin Boyle, Anwalt der Jacksons, gab keine näheren Details bekannt, sagte jedoch, dass AEGs Versicherung gezahlt hätte, “was bedeutet, sie hätten sich vergleichen können, ohne dass [AEG] auch nur einen Rappen aus der eigenen Kasse hätte bezahlen müssen”.
Boyle sagte, AEG selbst habe nie einen Vergleich angeboten und sie hätten sich auch nie bei der Familie entschuldigt. Die Antwort von Marvin Putnam, Anwalt für AEG, daraufhin war: “Wir vergleichen keine Ansprüche, die vollkommen unbegründet sind. In diesem Fall sind wir der Meinung, dass dies zutrifft.”
Ich bin ehrlich gesagt recht überrascht über diese News. Bis anhin war ich der Meinung, AEGs Strategie sei, die Jacksons zu einem Vergleich zu bringen bzw. alles dafür zu tun, damit es am Ende nicht an den Geschworenen liegt, ein Urteil zu fällen. Denn meines Erachtens werden die Geschworenen grundsätzlich schon mal auf Seiten der drei Kinder sein, die ihren allein erziehenden Vater frühzeitig verloren haben. Hinzu kommt, dass wenn man den ersten Monat im Prozess anschaut, AEG alles andere als einen guten Eindruck macht. Ich weiss nicht, ob AEG naiv, arrogant oder einfach nur dumm ist — oder eine Kombination davon — bzw. was sie noch in petto haben, um die momentane Beweislast zu ihren Ungunsten auszugleichen. Und wie sauber und sachlich diese Argumentationen dann sein werden, bleibt ebenfalls abzuwarten. Aber bleiben wir gespannt, was die nächsten Wochen noch alles ergeben werden. Experten gehen davon aus, dass der Prozess bis zu drei Monate dauern könnte. Das heisst, einen Drittel haben wir hinter uns und zwei Drittel liegen noch vor uns.
Quellen: jackson.ch, latimes.com

Copyright © jackson.ch