Michael Jackson's struggle against drug addiction has been put on display during opening statements at his mother's wrongful death case against concert promoter AEG Live.
Competing portraits of Jackson emerged during the first hours of the trial, with Katherine Jackson's lawyer acknowledging the pop star's drug problems while also trying to show he was a caring son and father.
AEG's lawyer Marvin S Putnam said, however, that the singer's guarded private life meant the company was unaware that he was using the powerful anaesthetic propofol. "The truth is, Michael Jackson fooled everyone," Mr Putnam said. "He made sure that no one, nobody, knew his deepest darkest secrets."
A jury of six men and six women will determine whether AEG should pay Jackson's mother and three children after his 2009 death from an overdose of propofol. Millions and possibly billions of dollars in damages are at stake in the case that opened with private photos and video clips of Jackson dancing.
"This case is about personal choices," Mr Putnam said about Jackson's decision to be treated by physician Conrad Murray. "Also, it was about his personal responsibility. There's no question that Michael Jackson's death was a terrible tragedy.
"I believe the evidence will show it was not a tragedy of AEG Live's making," Mr Putnam said as he ended his opening statement. Testimony will begin on Tuesday.
Source:Press Association
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