Michael Jackson’s death was a solo act composed by The King of Pop himself, far removed from his concert promoters, defense lawyers said Wednesday.
In closing arguments of a lawsuit pressed by Jackson’s family against entertainment giant AEG Live, defense lawyer Marvin Putnam told jurors that MJ was ultimately the most culpable party in The Gloved One’s shocking death.
“The plaintiffs want you to hold a concert promoter liable for Michael Jackson’s death of an overdose in his home at night behind locked doors,” Putnam said. “This was a choice Mr. Jackson made — not anyone else.”
Jackson, 50, died on June 25, 2009, in his rented LA mansion. He had been rehearsing for a string of 50 AEG-backed shows scheduled for London.
Dr. Conrad Murray gave Jackson lethal doses of an anesthetic he used as sleep medication.
Putnam argued that it was Jackson who demanded those drugs.
“He was a grown man. He was responsible for his own health. He was responsible for the choices he made,” Putnam said.
A key issue in the trial is determining who hired Murray, now locked behind bars for manslaughter.
A trail of emails and other communications linked AEG to Murray’s hire. But Putnam said Jackson was the one who demanded Murray be brought on board to be his tour doctor.
“They [AEG Live execs] tried to talk Mr. Jackson out of it,” Putnam said. “But Mr. Jackson was undeterred. It was his money, his doctor, and his choice.”
Putnam added: “Mr. Jackson would not take ‘no’ for an answer.”
Lawyers for Jackson’s family addressed jurors on Tuesday, and heaped blame on AEG.
Family lawyer Brian Panish asked jurors to give MJ’s mom Katherine Jackson and three kids should get $70 million apiece for AEG’s alleged negligence.
Both sides get their chance at rebuttal arguments on Thursday. Jurors could begin deliberations on Friday.