Today marks the first day of what is set to a very long and public jury trial that seeks to determine if AEG Live are liable for the wrongful death of Michael Jackson in 2009. Katharine Jackson is bringing the lawsuit against the promoters of the 'This Is It' series of concerts that Jackson was preparing for at the time of his death on behalf of the three Jackson children, claiming that AEG were negligent in the hiring of Dr. Conrad Murray who is currently in prison serving a four year sentence for involuntary manslaughter.
Opening statements for both sides of the dispute are expected to be heard today, before the real drama of witness calling begins and that list of witnesses is celeb heavy, so expect to hear not so pleasant news coming out of this for pretty much the entire summer. Live TV coverage has been barred from the courtroom but doesn't prevent reporting on the events and statements expected to be made by Jackson's oldest children Paris and Prince, Diana Ross and actual Prince, Jackson's ex-wives Debbie Rowe and Lisa-Marie Presley and many others.
The Jacksons are seeking $40 billion, yes, billion in damages for loss of income and other damages, and the judge on the trial has basically opened it up for anyone and anything that could be relevant to be brought to the trial meaning that Jackson's child abuse case from 2005 can be brought into discussion, as well as any other factors from his life and career that could have contributed to his prescription drug abuse which resulted in the fatal dose of Propofol in 2009. With both sides fighting to prove themselves, a lot of dirt is suspected to be churned up. Settle in, make some popcorn. This is going to be a long one.