Summary
Highlights
On March 5th, 2009, Michael was late and appeared unwell for the tour announcement. Despite Randy Phillips, AEG Live CEO, emailing that Michael was 'drunk and despondent,' he publicly claimed Michael was 'as healthy as he can be.' Behind the scenes, concerns about Michael's health grew, but AEG pushed forward.
Dr. Conrad Murray, deeply in debt, was hired by AEG Live for $150,000 a month to be Michael's personal physician. This financial arrangement created a clear conflict of interest, as Murray's income depended directly on Michael performing. AEG executives used Murray's leverage whenever health concerns arose.
Michael Jackson's relentless drive for perfection, a 'never-ending curse,' constantly pushed him to outdo himself. By 2008, at 50, with his image in ruins and over $400 million in debt, he desperately needed a comeback. This desperation made him a target for those who saw an opportunity in his vulnerability.
AEG Live proposed a massive deal for 50 shows at London's O2 Arena, 'This Is It,' with potential earnings exceeding a billion dollars. AEG advanced Michael tens of millions, making it impossible for him to back out, despite his deteriorating health. Both Michael and AEG were deeply financially vested in the tour's success.
Despite the impressive 'This Is It' documentary footage, Michael was losing weight and missing rehearsals. His hair and makeup artist, Karen Fay, grew terrified, noting his physical deterioration and concerns from fans who described him as a 'skeleton.' She warned that he was at risk of collapsing.
The production manager, John Hudal, and show director, Kenny Ortega, expressed urgent concerns about Michael's health and psychological state to Randy Phillips. Ortega even recommended a psychological exam. Phillips dismissed these warnings, prioritizing the show and praising Murray's 'unbiased' opinion, while privately expressing concern about Ortega's warnings.
A meeting was held with AEG officials, Michael, Kenny Ortega, and Dr. Murray. Ortega's concerns were silenced by Murray, who asserted his medical authority. Unbeknownst to many, Murray was giving Michael propofol for sleep. On June 25th, 2009, Michael died after Murray administered a fatal dose of propofol.
Conrad Murray was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Michael's mother filed a $1.5 billion wrongful death lawsuit against AEG Live, accusing them of prioritizing profit over Michael's health. The jury, however, ruled that AEG was not culpable, arguing Michael was responsible for his own health.
Randy Phillips' email revealing AEG's financial gain from Michael's death (merch, tickets, film, DVD) underscored the corporation's profit motive. Despite the tragic events and legal outcomes, the video concludes by emphasizing that AEG cannot own Michael's legacy, which continues to inspire fans and artists worldwide.