Atlanta: Michael Jackson’s mother has sued the promoter of what were intended to be the late pop star’s comeback concerts for fraud and other claims related to the singer’s death.
The complaint, filed in California Superior Court in Los Angeles on Wednesday, accuses AEG Live of failing to honour its agreement to provide lifesaving medical equipment to Dr Conrad Murray, the doctor it hired to care for Jackson in the lead-up to his tour.
The suit says that as a result of not ensuring Murray was outfitted with the right medical supplies, AEG Live is liable for his actions on June 25, 2009. Jackson went into cardiac arrest that day and later died in hospital at the age of 50.
His death was ruled a homicide, with the coroner saying he died of a fatal combination of drugs, including the powerful anesthetic propofol. Prosecutors allege the propofol was given to Jackson by Murray to help him sleep hours before his death.
Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in connection with Jackson’s death. Katherine Jackson, who is the guardian of the singer's three children, filed the lawsuit also on their behalf.
AEG spokesman Michael Roth says the company has not seen the lawsuit and had no immediate comment. Katherine Jackson is seeking unspecified damages.
