October 26, 2011

STACY BROWN'S MESSAGE TO JACKSON FAMILY & MJ FANS

Following is an email I received today from Stacy. The opinions expressed in his email are solely those of Stacy Brown and most definitely do not reflect my personal views.



One of the things I admired about Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley as well as Elvis' "inner circle" and his fans was they did NOT try and change history. Change facts. They never denied Elvis' problems and what's ironic is that Elvis, to my memory, never spoke of any addiction to drugs. Michael Jackson HIMSELF admitted that he had a drug problem as early as 1985. He checked into rehab in 1993 and his brothers and sisters attempted interventions in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2008. Now, Jermaine Jackson and a lot of the grief-stricken fans want to change history and say Michael Jackson was not an addict.


It's really tragic because so much good they all can do by embracing the fact that he had
a problem and then using that to help get a powerful message out about drug addiction. They've used their dead brother for financial gain since his death, why not use him for good and to help millions of others who battle the disease of addiction every day? Supposedly, Michael Jackson was this great humanitarian so wouldn't he want to do that? And, this does not absolve Conrad Murray in any way. Evidence has proven beyond a reasonable heck beyond a shadow of a doubt that he's guilty as charged.

Also, Joseph, Jermaine, Latoya and others had been on television several times saying Michael's death was a conspiracy and that Murray was the "fall guy." Jermaine even said they erased tapes. In court, they showed surveillance of Michael returning home one last time and they said the tapes were indeed erased. Shouldn't the family and fans (unless they've changed their theory and now believe only Murray is involved - although the trial has revealed Katherine is suing AEG for wrongful death) be shouting more about that and not rejoicing over Murray's downfall. After all, word is that he will probably spend no more than a few weeks in a county lock up and then be put on house arrest for the remainder of his sentence. The conviction will end Murray's medical career and we all know that he's broke, so any civil judgement Joseph Jackson may win against Murray will be for naught.

The problem with the Jacksons and Michael's fans these days is that none want to hear reason. Too bad for them. What a shame.



Stacy Brown




Stacy, thank you for your email. First things first. You wrote “supposedly, Michael Jackson was this great humanitarian”. I hope that it is not really how you meant it but
it just came across wrong. I don’t think that even his adversaries second-guess Mr. Jackson’s contributions to the world culture and the people of the World, be it his artistic contributions, and be it his philanthropic contributions. Mr. Jackson always put his check book where his mouth is and generously helped others in need. Simply put, no one and nothing could take that away from Mr. Jackson; an attempt to do so would be foolish, malicious, unfair and futile. In 2000, Guinness World Records book crowned Mr. Jackson “King of Charity”. 

“Michael to have been one of the nicest, kindest human beings ever created. He had a mission to try and help the world. Even when he`s intoxicated, if he is, and slurring his words and it`s very sad to listen to, he still was talking about building a children`s hospital. That`s the Michael I knew -- caring, decent, honorable, and wanting to use his greatest talents to help the world.” ~TOM MESEREAU

I respectfully disagree with you on Michael’s alleged addiction. Michael went to doctors to seek cure for his insomnia. Have you ever had chronic insomnia for days or even months? I have and at the end of the day, I recall my day as if I am a spectator. It is really hard on mind and body. What exactly is Michael Jackson guilty of, wanting to sleep 8 hours a day? As people say, he was Michael Jackson; he could have acquired drugs without stating an ailment. This man went to doctors to cure his insomnia. His patient files reflect insomnia. He even tried, with Cherilyn Lee, holistic approach to cure his insomnia. His history of addiction doesn’t mean that he died as an addict. It was always easy to target Mr. Jackson with unsubstantiated allegations, more so now that he is dead and not here to speak for himself.

But let’s, for argument’s sake, assume that he was an addict. If Michael Jackson was
an addict, what does that make Conrad Murray? I often hear people talking about how Michael’s death shouldn’t be in vain and some good should come out of it. Likewise, I read in your email that the Family and the fans should embrace Mr. Jackson’s so-called addiction and put it to a good use. Michael Jackson’s death WAS in vain. I’m not trying to turn his tragic death into lemonade. Perhaps I am not altruistic or maybe it’s too soon for me but I get bothered when I hear people suggest that Michael’s death should serve to do good onto others. Throughout his life, Michael Jackson willingly used his global fame as
a force for humanitarian causes around the world. His death shouldn't be used for yet another cause. It is high time for the world to honor Michael Jackson as a human being. He did enough good to this world! Now it is the world’s turn to do good for Michael Jackson for once.

As far as bringing other culpable parties to justice, what have YOU done in this regard?
The loyal fans dedicated over 2 years of their lives screaming the truth but when his own Family and friends’ sell their loyalty for money, there is not much that the fans can do.
I whole-heartedly agree with your comments about the Jacksons, particularly the people you named, who turned exploiting Michael Jackson, dead or alive, into an art form.

Mr. Jackson was subjected to so much prejudice, malice and hatred. It would have been so easy for us, if we were in his shoes, to lose faith in humanity. Mr. Jackson endured the absolute worst from mankind yet he came out the other side like a champion.  Still unjaded, Mr. Jackson continued to show love and be love until the very end of his life. Even after his death, if we are bunch of ingrates refusing to give him his dues and continue to persecute a dead man, it is a reflection of our character…or lack thereof.

~Yazmeen

October 20, 2011

CONRAD MURRAY MURDER WEAPON

Denying any Propofol use to medical personnel and investigators indicates that Murray knew, with malice aforethought, that Propofol use was dangerous, inappropriate and unprecedented for treating insomnia.  A killing caused by dangerous conduct and offender’s obvious lack of concern for human life’ defines second-degree murder. 

When Murray decided to invent a dangerous insomnia machine, setting up an anesthesia operatory in Jackson’s bedroom without proper training, experience or certification, he committed second-degree murder. 

Whether Murray intended to kill Jackson or not, has nothing to do with second-degree murder.  His reckless medical practices caused Jackson’s death” ~DR JOHN CURTIS


Crime Scene



Broken needle

Following is pretrial testimony by LA Coroner Investigator, Elissa Fleak who collected medical evidence from the crime scene

Q. Investigator Fleak, you see two separate tables next to the bed? 

Elissa Fleak: Yes

Q. You have one directly adjacent to the bed [nightstand] then there is a second table
      just to the side of that [brass trolley] Is that right?

Elissa Fleak: Yes

Q. Looking at People’s 30, which would be the table adjacent to the nightstand 
     [brass trolley], did you recover a syringe?

Elissa Fleak: A syringe on the table and a needle on the ground to the left of the bed



Q. When you say syringe, what are you referring to?

Elissa Fleak: The plunger and the top part of the syringe, the plastic

Q. To which you would attach a needle?

Elissa Fleak: Correct. I did describe it as a broken syringe because the two pieces were separated. The needle was separate from the plunger. It is NOT broken. I should have described them as not connected















Conrad Murray hiding incriminating evidence

While Michael Jackson wrestled death, instead of calling 911 or trying to save his patient, his high priced doctor, Conrad Murray opted to clean up crime scene. 

Alberto Alvarez: He instructed me to remove the IV bag from the IV stand

Q. To be clear, 911 had not been called yet?

Alberto Alvarez: That’s true, sir

Q.  In regard to the IV bag removal, describe what Dr. Murray said

Alberto Alvarez: He pointed to the IV stand and he said
                             “remove that bag and put it in the blue bag”

Q. Did you notice anything about the IV bag that caught your attention?

Alberto Alvarez: I noticed there was a bottle inside the bag and then I noticed that
at the bottom of the bag, there was milk-like substance

Q. Separate from the bottle, you are talking about a liquid?

Alberto Alvarez: Yes it was at the bottom of the bag, sir

Q. You  saw a bottle literally inside of the bag?

Alberto Alvarez: Yes, it was inside of the bag

Q. Where was that bottle? Was it at the bottom of the bag? Was it sitting in the middle
of the bag? Was it floating in liquid?

Alberto Alvarez: It was towards the bottom of the bag



On June 29, 2009, Elissa Fleak returned to the crime scene to recover more evidence hidden in a closet, including a slit saline bag which held a 100ml Propofol bottle.

Q. Did you find a saline bag that had been apparently cut open?

Elissa Fleak: Yes

Q. Did you find anything in that saline bag?

Elissa Fleak: Yes, there was a bottle of 100ML vial of Propofol in the cut-open IV bag

Q. If I zoom in on the picture, does this depict the cut within that saline bag going from top to bottom if the IV bag had been hanging on an IV stand?

Michael Flanagan: Objection

Court: Sustained

Q. I ask you to describe this area that I’m pointing

Elissa Fleak: There is a slit in the bag

Q. That is the Propofol bottle contained within the IV bag?

Elissa Fleak: It was inside the bag, yes



Second IV Bag

Q. Was there still ANOTHER IV bag hanging from the IV stand?

Alberto Alvarez: Yes

Q. Did Doctor Murray instruct you to remove that bag?

Alberto Alvarez: No

The second IV bag was filled 1/2 to 1/3 with normal saline fluid. Long tubing and the
IV bag did NOT have any drugs in them. There was syringe stuck and depressed at the Y connector. The syringe tested positive for Lidocaine, Propofol and Flumanezil. Short tubing also tested positive for Lidocaine, Propofol, and Flumanezil.

Long tubing = tube from saline bag to Y conenctor
Short connector = tube from Y connector to IV catheter hooked to patient



Why 2 IV set?

Murray told the police that for 6 weeks, he injected Michael with Propofol bolus to put him to “sleep” then followed up with Propofol IV infusion to keep Michael “asleep”

“On the early morning of 6/25/2009 at approximately 1:00 hours the decedent placed a call to Conrad Murray and complained of being dehydrated and and not being able to sleep" ~The Autopsy Report, Page 2

Detective Orlando Martinez:  Dr. Murray indicated that he arrived around 1:00AM

Q. What happened at that point, according to Dr. Murray?

Orlando Martinez: Dr Murray said Mr Jackson came upstairs, they had a brief conversation, then Mr Jackson showered and changed

Q. What happened next?

Orlando Martinez: Dr Murray rubbed Mr Jackson’s feet and rubbed some skin lotion
                                                                   on Mr Jackson’s back

Q. Did he indicate that was for dermatological condition?

Orlando Martinez: Yes

Q. Following that, according to Dr. Murray, did he begin using an IV?

Orlando Martinez: Yes

Q.  For what purpose, according to Dr. Murray?

Orlando Martinez: Dr Murray said he put an IV for hydration
Conrad Murray also told paramedic Richard Senneff and UCLA ER Doctor Richelle Cooper that he was treating Michael Jackson for dehydration that night.

Orlando Martinez: Dr. Murray gave Mr. Jackson 2mg Lorazepam diluted with saline

Orlando Martinez: Dr Murray introduced 2mg Midazolam via the same method

Conrad Murray needed a system where he can dehydrate Michael (with saline), inject drugs boluses (via Y connector) and provide a continuous Propofol IV infusion (by spiking a Propofol vial to the IV system). This cannot be done by using only one IV set.
It requires the use of TWO IV bags, piggy-backed.

Piggyback





An IV piggyback is a way to administer medication
through a previously inserted intravenous line

If a patient is receiving continous IV fluid (saline for dehydration) and in addition, he must receive a second kind of intermittent infusion (Propofol) then we will need 2 sets of IVs and we will need them connected.

This system enables Conrad Murray to hydrate, inject drug boluses and provide continous Propofol infusion



Review of Conrad Murray orders from Applied Pharmacy of Las Vegas reveals that Conrad Murray is being less than truthful about how much Propofol he was administering to Mr. Jackson every night. He was most definitely administering MORE that 50mg per night that he alleges. This amount is LESS than the standard induction dosage and would NOT have put Mr. Jackson to “sleep” especially if he built a tolerance to Propofol as the defense team claims. The induction dosage (enough to anesthetize someone) is 2.5mg/kg. Michael Jackson was 62 kg so the induction dosage from him would be at least 155mg

Review of the sizes of the Propofol vials and number of saline bags Conrad Murray ordered suggest (1) from the onset, Conrad Murray planned on using the Propofol contraption that we will cover in awhile. He ordered 100ml vials for continuous drip and smaller 20ml vials for bolus injections (2) He did NOT order the saline bags for the sole purpose of hydrating Michael Jackson. The intended use for the bags was different 

Conrad Murray ordered only 9 saline bags on April 6, 2009. His next order of 12 saline bags was on June 15, 2009 so he used only 9 saline bags in 2 months. Had Murray been ordering saline bags for hydrating Mr. Jackson, he would have ordered MORE.

CONRAD MURRAY’S PROPOFOL MACHINE

Disclaimer: The following is a speculation based on limited publically available information. It aims to make sense of the “broken needle” and the contraption (slit saline bag with 100ML propofol vial inside) found in the closet.  The veracity of this conjecture requires affirmation that: (1) Murray was using a non-vented IV tubing (2) there is a needle stuck in the 100ML propofol vial which was in the slit saline bag recovered from the closet.

Conrad Murray didn’t just invent a new medical treatment for insomnia. He also invented a “medical equipment” to accompany his so-called medical treatment. This arts and craft project which dripped an anesthetic into his patient’s vein without an infusion pump was incriminating evidence, testament to the substandard care Murray provided to his patient.
The milky white substance you see in a Propofol bottle is NOT all drug. Regardless of
the size of the Propofol bottle (25ml, 50ml or 100ml), only %1 of the mixture is active Propofol. Propofol has high fat content due to oil and egg yolk. Because of its high lipid content, Propofol is susceptible to bacterial growth. To deter contamination, Propofol comes in vacuum vials, topped with rubber stoppers.


50ML and 100ml Propofol vials come with a hang so they can be hung to IV stand for continous infusion.   


Withdrawing drug out of a vacuum vial is tricky. To equalize the pressure, you must push an equivalent amount of air into the drug vial for the amount of fluid that is to be withdrawn. For instance, if you would like to draw 10ML Propofol, you would pull back the plunger of your syringe to10ML to draw air into the syringe, push the needle into the rubber lid of the vial, turn the vial upside down and then inject the air into the vial.


Merely spiking a vial to the IV line won’t work, Propofol won't drip


Vented Tubing vs Non-vented Tubing


Non vented tubing                                       Vented tubing






Vented tubing allows air to enter into the IV set so you don't have to keep injecting air into the vial











When Propofol is used as a continuous IV infusion, anesthesiologists use vented tubing that allows air into
the vial and an infusion pump to regulate Propofol flow.

Conrad Murray wasn't using an infusion pump.

Making an educated inference based on the arts and crafts contraption found in the closet (saline bag with Propofol vial inside) Murray wasn't using vented tubing either.








CONRAD MURRAY IS LYING ABOUT LORAZEPAM & MIDAZOLAM

Murray told the detectives that he was becoming concerned that Michael was becoming addicted to Propofol. On June 22, 2009 Murray allegedly “INTRODUCED” Lorazepam and Midazolam as part of his “weaning” process.

A quick look at Conrad Murray orders disproves his allegation that these 2 drugs entered into the treatment for “weaning” purposes. They were very much part of his “treatment”.
Conrad Murray’s first order of Lorazepam and Midazolam was on April 30, 2009
1 tray of 10ml Lorazepam (10 vials)
2 trays of 2ml Midazolam (20 vials)

On May 15, he ordered:
2 trays of 2ml Midazolam (20 vials)

On June 15, 2009, he ordered:
1 tray of 10ml Lorazepam (10 vials)
2 trays of 2 ml Midazolam (20 vials)




Conrad Murray needed a contraption where he can administer boluses of drugs via Y connector, saline to hydrate/dilute drugs
and Propofol continous infusion so he piggy-backed 2 IV lines mentioned in Alberto Alvarez testimony (one with 1/2 to 1/3 full saline that Conrad Murray did NOT instruct Alberto Alvarez to remove, the other with empty saline bag with 100ML Propofol vial)


Assuming he only had non-vented tubing and he can't just spike a Propofol vial to the IV line, Murray had to find a way to ventilate the Propofol IV line so the drug could drip.

Conrad Murray needed a continuous air flow into the 100ml Propofol vial.
ENTER ‘BROKEN SYRINGE’ 


"When non vented tubing is all that was available and vented tubing was needed
we inserted a sterile needle into the stopper of the bottle to act as the air vent" (source)

Conrad Murray detaches the needle from the syringe. Needle hub would provide flow of air into the vial, sparing him from injecting air into the vial continuously. But there is one problem he needs to overcome. Propofol is leaking from the needle hub.




Murray needs something to hold the leaked Propofol bits from the needle hub 
ENTER SLIT SALINE BAG

Conrad Murray cuts a vertical hole on one layer of an empty saline bag so he can stick Propofol bottle into the bag. This way, leaked Propofol from the needle hub would be held by saline bag. He places the Propofol vial into the bag and spikes the vial to the IV 

Alberto Alvarez: I noticed there was a bottle inside the bag and then I noticed that
at the bottom of the bag, there was milk-like substance


"Focusing on the milligram dosage that killed Jackson diverts attention away from Murray’s gross negligence. What killed Jackson was an arrogant physician playing with anesthesia without proper training & experience"
                                               ~DR JOHN CURTIS


Related Links:

KENNY ORTEGA TESTIMONY (transcript) ~Conrad Murray Trial

Transcribed by MUZIKfactory2





Direct by David Walgren



Good afternoon, sir
Good afternoon

Mr. Ortega, what do you do for living?
I’m a director and choreographer working in film, television, and live theater and touring

As a director, what do you do in that arena?
I direct film, direct television episodic movies and as a stage director, I work to assemble life production

And as a choreographer, what type of work do you do?
I work less as a choreographer now, more supervising as a choreographer but in the day, I would create dance routines, dance production numbers, dance sequences.

How long have u been a director and a choreographer?
I have been directing since the 1980s and I have been choreographing since 1970s

In addition to film and television and stage, are there other productions you have been involved in?
Yes

Such as?
Olympic ceremonies, Super Bowl ceremonies, World Cup ceremonies, concert touring, theater

Did u know Michael Jackson?
Yes sir

When did you first meet Mr. Jackson?
I met Michael in 1990

And do u remember under what circumstances you met him?
Yes. Michael called me at my home and expressed an interest in working with me creatively on an upcoming Tour

Which tour was that?
That’s was the Dangerous Tour

And you took him up on that offer?
Oh yes, absolutely

What was your role on the Dangerous Tour?
I was the co-creator of the show itself with Michael and I was the director of the Production.

In addition to the Dangerous Tour, prior to ‘This Is It’ were there other tours that you were involved in with Michael?
Yes. I also was Michael’s co-creator partner on the HIStory Tour. And also couple of other one-off concert productions for charity.

What do you mean ‘one-off’?
Not part of his Tour. Special concerts that were done for charitable reasons.

Your professional relationship with Mr. Jackson, was it always as u described as co-director or co-creator?
Starting with HIStory, I believe, we were co-directors. And then again on ‘This Is It’

Can u describe your professional interaction with Michael in that capacity as co-creators?
He was just extremely creative. Enjoyable. Fun. Inspirational. Michael and I would meet and begin at the beginning. And have an entire creative process, sculpting out the ideas for the production, from the music, staging, effects, lighting, everything that attributed to the whole of the production.

And in these areas, the music, the dance, the staging, the effects, the lighting; would Michael be heavily involved in all of that decision making?
Yeah. I did not do the choreography. Michael did the choreography, and also did choreography with other choreographers. I supervised the choreography but did not do the day-in, day-out creation of the dances. Many of those dances were there before I started working with Michael. In those other areas, costuming, lighting, sound, the staging of the production, illusions.

In between tours, for example Dangerous Tour, you mentioned the HIStory Tour, what type of personal relationship, if any, did you have with Mr. Jackson?
We had just a great friendship working together as professionals. I didn’t spend a lot of time with Michael when we weren’t engaged in a production. But over the last few years, we did keep in touch a little bit more often; saw each other on occasion, talked on the telephone.

Following the HIStory tour, what was the next tour you were involved in with Michael Jackson?
‘This Is It’

How did u become involved in on the ‘This Is It’ Tour?
I was first informed by AEG that Michael had an interest in involving me in a planned Tour then Michael reached out to me personally.

What is AEG?
The promoting company for the ‘This Is It’

Mr. Jackson contacted you directly after that?
Yes

And did he ask you to be part of that Tour?
Yes he did

Can u describe that conversation please?
Just that he was very excited and he used the expression ‘This is It’ a number of times during the telephone conversation. I remember saying to him ‘you should just call it this is it, you said it so many times’ he was just very excited. This is it. This is the time. There is great reason to do this now. I am excited about this and I want you to be part of this with me. Will you do this with me?

Did you agree to do it?
I was involved in other projects at the time but I told Michael that I would do everything I can to clear myself so that I could be a part of it with him.

And were u able to do that?
Yes

When did u start working on the ‘This Is It’ Tour with Michael?
I would say approximately middle April

And what was your role to be as part of that production?
Co-creator and co-director, along with Michael

As co-creator/co-director, was it again the same type of professional relationship that u described from the earlier Tours?
Yes sir

And was Michael equally involved in the decision making as it related to the music, the effects, the lighting, and all the relevant details?
Completely

So beginning in mid-April 2009, how often would you see Michael Jackson?
In the beginning maybe 3 to 4 days a week.

Did that increase in regularity at some point?
Yes. Probably 4 to 5 days, it increased to.

And this would be at the wherever the rehearsal was being….
At the Center Stages in Burbank, California

That’s where the rehearsals began?
Yes. Also that’s where our creative conversations began.

What was happening at Center stages during this initial phase of preparation?
We were having creative conversations, Michael and I and Travis Payne the choreographer about how we would lay out the production. Michael had music ideas, staging ideas, and we were basically building the show conceptually.

From scratch?
Yeah, building it from scratch as ‘This Is It.’ There would be elements incorporated into this production that Michael had done before but it was a new show.

And beginning in mid-April, with these 3 to 4, eventually 4 to 5 visits with Michael a week, can u please describe his demeanor and his level of involvement in the preparations?
He was very excited. Just convinced that this was the time. He had great reason to do it and believed that we had the potential to something really important and wonderful.

Did he specifically relay to you reasons why he though that this was now the right time to do a Tour of this magnitude?
Sure

What did he tell you?
He had many reasons but I would say the most important reasons were that wanted to share what it is that he loved all of his life with his children. He wanted to do it for his fans who had been loyal to him, whom he cared deeply about, he loved very much. He also wanted to do it because he felt now more than ever, that his music applied to our world situation. “Earth Song” “Will You Be There” “Heal The World” and other songs and he wanted to use the stage as a platform to remind people the importance of us doing whatever we can to take care of this planet and each other.

And he relayed this to you?
Absolutely

What did he tell you about his desire to put on a production of this magnitude for his children? What did he share with you in that regard?
Just that he was excited. That they were fans of his work and now they were of an age where they can really appreciate what it is that he did so he felt now was an opportunity for him to be able to share it with them.

During the rehearsal stage at Center Stages, and after Center Stages, where did the rehearsals move to?
We move from Center Stages to the Forum and from the Forum to the Staples Center

Did the children attend any of these rehearsals?
No

Was there a reason they did not attend the rehearsals?
Michael was waiting to bring them to see shows in London and wanted them to focus on their schooling.

Did Michael plan on bringing them on tour to London?
Yes

The children would no longer be in school during the summer months of the Tour?
Correct

The fans. You say the other reason was the fans. Did he express those thoughts to you specifically?
Yes, he actually was letting the fans vote on the music material that they wanted in the show. He had an incredible relationship with his fans all over the world and they with him. It was very loving and very special.

And lastly, you indicated the environmental message he wanted to share. Is that again something specifically that Michael shared with you?
Yes

What did he say in that regard?
Just that his songs that he had written before, that were about the environment, the planet, the children were as important now as they were when he first wrote them, if not even more important. So he felt compelled that they were out there and are part of the show experience.

What was the reason for moving from Center Staging in Burbank then to the Forum?
Space

Was that indicative of the progress of the rehearsals that the production was growing in size?
Yes

What time period were you at the Forum conducting rehearsals, what month?
June 

Of 2009?
Yes

At some point, toward the end of June 2009, did the production move to the Staples Center?
Yes

Do you recall when that was?
It was the very end of the month, of June

Michael died on June 25, 2009…
A comfortable week before that, I would guess

Just within that week prior to his death?
Yes we were there about a week

What was the reason for moving from the Forum to Staples Center?
Again, a greater space that was closer to the venue that we were going to be playing in London.

And which venue was that?
The O2

That’s the O2 Arena?
Yes

What was it exactly that required more space?
The ceiling height rigging for lighting and trusses, the stage itself. It’s like a closer example of the venue so we were moving there to have our final rehearsals in Los Angeles before going to London in the closest proximity of a space as we could get.

Were there unique aspects of the production that required a larger space?
Sure. It was a big arena production

There were gonna be screens, visuals and things of that nature?
Yes. We had an enormous 3D movie screen, we had all kinds of production elements, sets, props, costumes, lighting, special effects, pyrotechnics.

3-D movie screen, was that to be part of the actual Tour?
Yes

Whose idea was that?
Michael’s

What was that going to entail?
Michael and I created a number of short films. They were in 3-D that were gonna accompany the live production so the audience would actually have a 3-D concert experience at different moments during the production.

Had you and Michael worked with a 3-D screen such as this on a Tour before?
No. I don’t think anyone had. I certainly hadn’t.

You mentioned, when you began, you would see Michael 3 to 4 times a week. Beginning at Center Stages, daily rehearsal and meeting between you and Michael, what would it entail?
I mostly worked with Michael at Center Stages conceptually but he also did choreography with the dancers and with Travis [Payne]

And when you moved to the Forum, specifically asking about your interaction with Michael, was it now moved beyond conceptual?
Yes

What did it involve now, the Forum?
Staging, putting the show on its feet, on the stage.

What is that mean?
Taking the numbers out of a smaller room and now opening them up to fit on the actual size stage that we would be working with.

Once you moved to Staples Center, what was your interaction with Michael? It began at the Center Stages with conceptual, at the Forum it moved to staging and now at Staples Center if you can describe what it involved.
Continued staging and running of numbers, tech rehearsal, incorporating the lighting and other elements of the show.

As far as the rehearsals; would these be morning, afternoon, night, when did these take place with Michael’s involvement?
Almost always in the later part of the afternoon, into the evening

And typically how long would they last as far as Michael’s involvement?
I would say between 5 and 7 hours, typically

Would that be 5 to 7 hours of physical performance rehearsal or all aspects of the production?
All aspects of the production. Discussions, meetings, decision-making and rehearsal

As a co-creator with Michael, if agreement wasn’t reached at a particular creative idea, who had the last word?
Michael

Do u know Conrad Murray or were u introduced to Conrad Murray?
Yes

Do u see him in court today?
Yes

Could u identify him please?
The gentleman sitting here at the table in the gray suit

When did u first met Conrad Murray?
I met Mr. Murray at Michael Jackson’s house on Carolwood. I met Dr. Murray there, Michael introduced me to him one day when I came from a meeting at the house.

Do u know roughly when that meeting was?
I would say early in our creative process together, April or May

The creative process kinda started in mid-April?
Yes

So maybe mid-April to beginning of May?
I would be guessing. I went to Michael’s house for a creative meeting and the doctor was there and he introduced us.

Linking it up to where you were at the stage rehearsals, were u at the Burbank Center Stages or…
I would think, we were still at the Burbank, earlier stages

So April or May 2009?
Yes sir

And this was at Michael’s house on Carolwood?
Yes

And was Conrad Murray introduced to you as Michael’s personal doctor?
Michael introduced me as ‘this is my doctor, Dr Murray’

Was that pretty much the extent of your meeting with him on that day?
Yes. It wasn’t a meeting; it was just an introduction.

Would Conrad Murray come to the rehearsals from time to time?
On a very limited basis but yes he did come.

Would this have been at the three locations you described or are there certain locations you recall?
No, I never remembered him visiting us at Center Stages in Burbank.

Do u recall him visiting at the Forum?
The Forum, yes

Do u recall any visits at the Staples Center?
I don’t believe so but I could be mistaken

At some point, following you being introduced to Conrad Murray and meeting him, at some point in June 2009, were there a period of days or week where Michael was not showing up to rehearsals?
Yes

When in June did that take place?
I would say toward the middle-latter part of June, before we went to the Staples

So again Michael’s death being on June 25, 2009, using that as a marker, was it the prior week, is that accurate?
Yes, it would have been the week before

So the last week at the Forum?
Yes…Again, approximately sir

What was your knowledge about Michael missing these rehearsals? I assume you were at the location, at the Forum.
Yeah

Would u just learn that he is not coming that day or how would you became aware of it?
I was expecting him each day. It became this continued absence. I was only told that it was scheduling.

Did u have any reason to doubt that at that time?
No

Now I wanna ask you about Friday June 19, 2009 which I believe would have been one of the last rehearsals at the Forum, do you recall that?
Yes

Did you make observations of Michael on June 19, 2009 that caused you concern?
Yes

Can you describe what you personally observe on June 19, 2009?
That my friend wasn’t right, he wasn’t well, that there was something going on that was deeply troubling me.

By ‘my friend’ you mean Michael?
Yes

Michael Jackson?
Yes

The fact that he wasn’t well and it troubled you, did you see physical manifestations of this that caused you concern?

He was chilled. He appeared lost.

What do you mean by that?
Just lost and a little incoherent. Although we were conversing, and I did ask him questions and he did answer me, I did feel though that he was now well…at all.

Did he get well enough to rehearse?
No

Did he rehearse?
He did not.

What happened when you made these observations?
I offered him food which he accepted, I put a blanket around him, I rubbed his feet, put a heater in the room next to him. We just talked and he said ‘can I sit with you tonight and watch rehearsal, I would really like that. Could Travis go on stage and perform and could I sit with you and watch rehearsal.’ I said ‘if you’d like, absolutely, Michael’

Is that what he did?
Yes

Did you sit with him?
Yes

How long did that take place where he was sitting watched the rehearsal with you?
I am guessing under 2 hours maybe

Was he still chilled? What was his condition?
He didn’t seem children but he just seemed…he wasn’t there, there was something wrong

Had you ever seen him like that previously?
Not like that, no

Did Michael stay till the end of the rehearsal that night?
No he did not

What happened?
He left early

And had you discussed that with Michael?
Yes. I suggested it actually

And he agreed?
Yes

You’ve indicated this caused you concerns. Did you express those concerns to anybody following the June 19th encounter?
I did

Did u in fact send an email expressing ur concerns?
I did



People's Exhibit 1, Email from Kenny Ortega to Randy Phillips

Do u recognize that email?
Yes

Would the only change, you would agree, is that the emails addresses has been redacted?
Yes

That’s an email from you to Randy Phillips on June 20, 2009 at 2:04am?
Yes

When u wrote this email, what was ur frame of mind in regard to Michael’s condition?
I was deeply concerns and I wanted others to know.

The encounter with Michael that caused you concern was the Friday June 19th. I see this is sent on Saturday June 20th at 2:04am. That was a couple of hours after the rehearsal?
Yes, I was still at the facility, sitting there in my office and I wrote it

Mr. Ortega, could u please read the email outloud?
May I have some water, you Honor?


Randy

I will do whatever I can to be of help with this situation. If you need me to come to the house, just give me a call in the morning. My concern is now that we've brought the doctor into the fold and have played the tough love, now or never card is that the artist may be unable to rise to the occasion due to real emotional stuff. He appeared quite weak and fatigued this evening. He had a terrible case of the chills, was trembling, rambling and obsessing. Everything in me says he should be psychologically evaluated. If we have any chance at all to get him back in the light, it's going to take a strong therapist to help him through this as well as immediate physical nurturing. I was told by our choreographer that during the artists costume fitting with his designer tonight they noticed he's lost more weight. As far as I can tell there is no one taking care responsibility (caring for) for him on a daily basis. Where was his assistant tonight? Tonight I was feeding him, wrapping him in blankets to warm his chills, massaging his feet to calm him and calling his doctor. There were four security guards outside his door, but no one offering him a cup of hot tea. Finally it's important for everyone to know, I believe that he really wants this. It would shatter him; break his heart if we pulled the plug. He's terribly frightened it's all going to go away. He asked me repeatedly tonight if I was going to leave him. He was practically begging for my confidence. It broke my heart. He was like a lost boy. There still may be a chance. e can rise to the occasion if we get him the help he needs

Sincerely,
Kenny

Does that accurate reflect your thoughts and concerns on June 19th and June 20th?
Yes

At the beginning of you email, you indicate “we've brought the doctor”. Who is the doctor?
Dr. Murray

What did you mean by bringing him into the hold?
Dr. Murray was creating a daily schedule for Michael so that Michael could make rehearsals.

And this was in response to that prior week [before his death] where Michael wasn’t showing up to rehearsals?
Yes

You also indicate “and have played the tough love, now or never card”. Had YOU played the tough love, now or never card?
No

What was that referencing?
I believe that there was a meeting that was held without my presence. That was about informing Michael that unless he started to show up at rehearsals that it was very possible that we weren’t going to be able to make the goals of the show.

And the goals of the show being what?
Being able to open in London at the O2

U also state in this email “tonight I was feeding him, wrapping him in blankets to warm his chills, massaging his feet to calm him and calling his doctor.” Calling his doctor, is that Conrad Murray?
Yes sir

Were u able to reach him that evening?
No sir

You then toward the end of the email describe “finally it's important for everyone to know, I believe that he really wants this. I would shatter him; break his heart if we pulled the plug. He's terribly frightened it's all going to go away.” When you are referencing ‘I believe he really wants this’ what are you referencing?
Always Michael would talk about how important this was and how we were gonna accomplish this, always just was very positive and optimistic.

What is the “he really wants this”. What is the “this”?
The show. The Tour

So when u go onto say “it would shatter him; break his heart if we pulled the plug” you are referencing pulling the plug on the Tour?
Yes

The next sentence “he's terribly frightened it's all going to go away”. Again, you are referencing the Tour and the production?
Yes

That would actually be the same day, Saturday June 20th since it was written at 2:04 in the morning. Was a meeting held at the Carolwood address that u attended?
Yes

Had that meeting been previously scheduled?
It was scheduled that day

That day, meaning Saturday June 20th?
Yes

How did u become aware of this meeting?
My assistant told me that we received a call asking me to be at the house.

Did u go to Michael’s house at Carolwood?
I did

Do u recall what time of day it was?
I would say late morning or early afternoon

And knowing that you had sent this email the night before, actually that same day, did you know that the meeting was going to center on these concerns or did you speculate or what?
The meeting wasn’t broken down to me. I assumed that it would be about Michael.

And when u arrived at 100 N Carolwood, who was there?
As I best recollect, it was Randy Phillips, Frank Dileo, Dr. Murray and Michael

And when u first came into this meeting, did u soon learn what the topic was?
Yes

And were u confronted by someone?
Yes

By whom?
Dr. Murray

What was expressed to u by Conrad Murray at this meeting?
He was upset that I didn’t allow Michael to rehearse the night before and that I sent him home. He said I should stop trying to be an amateur doctor and physiologist and be the director and allow Michael’s health to him.

Those were the words of Conrad Murray?
As close as I can remember them, yes

You said he was upset that YOU did not let Michael rehearse. Did u respond to that?
I did, I said it wasn’t my choice, even though I agreed with it entirely.

You agreed that Michael should not have been there?
Absolutely. It was m’s request to sit out and watch the show and I felt that was a far safer place for him to be.

But according to what Conrad Murray was relaying to u, this upset Conrad Murray?
Yes

And he told u words to the effect of ‘don’t act like a doctor or amateur psychologist’?
Yes

‘Direct the show and leave Michael’s heath to me’?
Yes

How did u respond to that?
He also assured me, if I may, that Michael’s…
Defense: Nonresponsive
Judge: Objection sustained, re-ask

What did Conrad Murray assure you?
That Michael was physically and emotionally capable of handling all of his responsibilities for the show.

How did you respond?
I was shocked

Why?
B/c Michael didn’t appear to me to be physically or emotionally stable at that moment.

From that prior night?
Yeah

What was Conrad Murray’s general demeanor as he made these statements to u?
Just stern

Were u defending yourself, were u responding in kind?
Yes

How did Conrad Murray respond to that?
I said to Michael, ‘Michael, please tell the doctor that is not the way it went down. I didn’t ask u not to perform and I didn’t send u home and this was something that we agreed on together. And Michael said yes, that’s what happened.

Yes? Agreeing with you?
Yes

In Dr. Murray’s presence?
Yes

What happened after that?
Michael told me that he was ready to take the reigns, that I should not be afraid, that he was perfectly capable of handling the responsibilities, he wanted to do it, wanted me to stay at his side, told me to believe in him. I told him I loved him, I was concerned for his health and safety. He said I know that. And that’s the only reason why I brought these things up b/c I care about you, I don’t want any harm to fall upon you. He said I’m fine Kenny, I promise you. And he gave me a hug and I left Carolwood.

After hugging Michael?
Yes

Following that meeting of Saturday June 20th, was the next rehearsal on Tuesday June 23, 2009?
Yes

Those days in between, Sunday the 21st, Monday the 22nd, there is no rehearsal those days?
It was a load-in, I believe, to the Staples Center

Of course that same day, the Saturday, there was no rehearsal that day as well?
Correct. I don’t know if Michael rehearsed privately but there wasn’t a called rehearsal. Sometimes, Michael rehearsed privately.

Going then to Tuesday June 23, 2009, was Michael in the same condition he had been on Friday June 19th?
No

What was his demeanor, what was his condition on Tuesday June 23rd?
He entered into rehearsal full of energy, full of desire to work, full of enthusiasm, it was a different Michael.

The following day, which would be Wednesday June 24th, did Michael show up for rehearsal that day?
He did

What was his demeanor?
The same

The same as the night prior?
Yes

Involved?
Full participant in both rehearsals and other areas of production

Going back for a moment to June 23rd, do u remember a production, Michael performing ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’?
Yes

And on June 24th, was one of the rehearsal numbers the ‘Earth Song’?
Yes

Do u remember a conversation with Michael on June 24 following the rehearsal where he asked you if you were happy?
Yes

Can you describe that conversation, please?
We had 2 very successful days of rehearsal. Michael was feeling great. He looked at me and he asked me if I was happy and I said I was happy. I asked him if he was happy and he said he was very happy.

Do you recall him saying he felt the dream or words to that effect?
Yes, he felt like we were accomplishing the dream he saw before him in those rehearsals.

The following day which would have been Thursday June 25, 2009. Was there a particular illusion scheduled to take place that day?
Yes

What was that?
It was the big illusion that happened in the production. It transitioned Michael from one musical event to another musical event.

What was the illusion?
Michael was standing on a bed in these silk flames sort of obscured him and when the silk flames came down, he vanished and he would rise up on a cherry picker and flowed out over the audience.

On Wednesday June 24th, was the fact that this illusion was going to be utilized the following day, was that discussed between you and Michael?
Yes it was

Can u describe that please?
He was very excited, he loved magic, he loved illusions, we always had them in the shows. He was excited that the apparatus was arriving and that we were going into rehearsals for the illusion.

How did the evening come to a close on Wednesday June 24, 2009?
Michael was very happy. He asked me to thank everybody, tell them that he loved them, the dancers, the singers, the band, the crew. I told him that I would have everything prepared for him the next day by the time he arrived so we could step right into the illusion rehearsal. I told him that I loved him and he told me that he loved me more. I gave him a big hug and he left the building.

The next day, Mr. Ortega, did you respond to Staples Center on June 25th to begin work on the illusion and the rehearsal?
Yes I did

At some point while you were at Staples Center, did you learn there was a very serious issue with Michael taking place?
Yes I did

How did you learn that?
Telephone call

From whom?
Paul Gongaware

What did he tell you?
That an ambulance that had left Carolwood, in fact, was carrying Michael Jackson and that Michael was at the Hospital and that he was in with the doctors and he would call me back when he knew more.

Did you then get a subsequent call?
I did

From whom?
From Paul Gongaware

And what did he tell you?
That we lost him.

And you learned thru that phone call that Michael had been pronounced dead?
Yes

What did u do at the Staples Center at that time?
It took awhile for me to even feel my feet on the ground. And it was clear that everyone in the room was getting text messages and phone calls and that the word had spread. I called everyone to the floor; the entire cast. We all joined in a circle and I informed them of Michael’s passing.

Mr. Ortega have you previously identified this particular track I am about to play this particular performance of “The Way You Make Me Feel” as the one that was performed on June 23, 2009?
Yes

(MJ rehearsal footage ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’ is played)

Mr. Ortega, the rehearsal performance we just saw, that is from June 23rd?
Yes

The dancers that Michael is performing is performing with, what is their average age?
18 to 24

And did that video clip accurately reflect Michael’s overall demeanor that night?
Yes

Of camera, at the end, there was a voice being heard. It sounded like your voice, was that you?
Yes

At the point where Michael was speaking, he appears to look behind him and he says something to the fact of ‘that’s okay, that’s why we rehearse’. Did you hear that?
Yes

To whom is he speaking?
He is talking to Michael Bearden, the band leader

There was some mistake made or something?
Yes. There were few bars of music that should have been there and they weren’t and Michael was asking for them back

This performance from June 24, 2009 of ‘Earth song’, was this in fact Michael’s last performance of any kind on stage?
It was a rehearsal. I was his last rehearsal.

(MJ rehearsal footage ‘Earth Song’ is played)

Mr. Ortega, regarding what we just observed, ‘Earth Song’ on June 24th, that was the last rehearsal, the last time Michael was on stage performing that night?
Yes

Following that performance of ‘Earth Song’ that night, what happened?
Michael stepped off the stage and joined me in the arena and together we watched the next part of rehearsal together. Travis Payne stepped on stage for Michael. And we ran ‘Heal the World.’ so that Michael could look at the lighting elements, the scenic elements, the staging.

You referenced earlier a conversation with Michael about asking are you happy, very happy and talking about the Tour. Where in time did that take place?
During the rehearsal of ‘Heal the World’ I was breaking it down for Michael as to how we were going to fully imagine it. So he was looking at the stage, not only the rehearsal that was in front of us but imagining things that were still to come. That’s when we had our conversation, after the number.

Did you and Michael discuss touring plans beyond his Tour that the two of you hoped to engage in?
Yes

Can you describe what you discussed as far as the future plans as part of the ‘This Is It’ Tour?
Michael had hoped that after the London dates, he would be able to take ‘This Is It’ out into the world; perhaps even bringing it to the Unites States. And after that, he wanted to do movies.

Did you specifically discuss that with him?
Yes I did

What movies did he wanna make?
He invited me to join him as a co-director to a full length feature film of Thriller. Also the Legs Diamond Story which was based on his Smooth Criminal short film.

These discussions that you had actually contemplated pursuing those endeavors following the tour?
We didn’t get into the details but it was just an invitation and a hope.

By both of you?
Yeah, surely

Thank you, sir. Nothing further, Your Honor.




Cross by Ed Chernoff:

Mr. Ortega, how are you today?
My Chernoff, thank you

I wanna go straight to June 20, the meeting at Michael Jackson’s house. This was at the Carolwood residence where he resided, is that correct?
Yes

We have seen this email that was put up on the screen that you read for us. That email was sent, obviously, prior to the meeting being scheduled?
Yes

Prior to sending the email to Randy Phillips, did you speak to him on the phone about what had happened on June 19th?
No

So this was just an email that u sent cold, essentially ‘this is how I feel about certain things that are happening at this particular point in time with regard to the show?
Yes

You had said that the meeting that was scheduled at the Carolwood residence you found out from your assistant? Did you happen to know whether or not it was Paul Gongaware who scheduled this meeting?
I thought it was but I’m not certain sir

To ur knowledge, was this meeting scheduled by Dr. Murray?
It could have been?

“It could have been”?
I wasn’t told who the meeting was scheduled by. I was just invited to the meeting.

It could have been scheduled by Randy Phillips?
It could have been, yes

Would you agree that one of the conversations that you were going to have, one of the reasons for having this meeting was to discuss these missed rehearsals?
Pardon me?

One of the reasons for having this meeting was to discuss Michael Jackson’s missed rehearsals?
That wasn’t brought up to me

Your email talks about playing tough love, pulling the plug. Was it ur understanding that what you were referring to was, perhaps, some resolution to the problem of Michael Jackson missed rehearsal?
My comments were based on meetings that probably occurred before this night where Michael was informed that we had to get serious about coming to rehearsals.

The June 20th meeting was not the only meeting that was held at Michael Jackson’s house regarding missed rehearsals, correct?
Probably not

Probably not? Are you guessing?
I was at another one

Are you aware of another meeting that was held at Michael Jackson’s house?
Not aware of it but most likely there was one b/c I know that Dr. Murray was creating a schedule for Michael to try to help resolve the problem of Michael missing rehearsals.

You testified that the schedule that Dr. Murray was creating was as a result of a week prior to his death. Are you saying that the schedule that he was creating was a result of a meeting before the 20th?
The result of the schedule was to try to help us

I understand that. lemme ask you this. Who asked Dr. Murray to prepare a schedule for Michael Jackson?
Prosecutor: Objection calls for speculation
I have no idea
Judge: The objection sustained

Is it possible that this schedule that was created by Dr. Michael was created week prior?
Prosecutor: Objection calls for speculation
Judge: Sustained

Do you know when Dr. Murray was asked to create this schedule?
I don’t know if he was asked or if he offered. I just know that it was truly an attempt to try to help us arrive at a schedule that would work for Michael.

Prior to this June 20th email that was sent to Randy Phillips, had you expressed concern about Michael Jackson’s missed rehearsals?
Yes

Would it be fair that you expressed your concerns earlier than the last week before his death?
Yes

These missed rehearsals; these were at the Staples Center and/or also the Forum?
I don’t believe that we started the Staples Center yet, sir, I believe they were from the Forum

What was ur impression why Michael Jackson was missing these rehearsals?
Prosecutor: Objection, calls for speculation
Judge: Sustained

You have already testified to Michael Jackson’s state of mind. Do you think he was missing these rehearsals just b/c he was tired or lazy?
Prosecutor: Objection, calls for speculation
Judge: Sustained

(blogger: Ed Chernoff is hinting that MJ missed rehearsals due to drug addiction)

Did u have a conversation with anybody about why he was missing these rehearsals?
Yes

Who did you have that conversation with?
I had conversations with a few people, trying to find out why he wasn’t showing up to the rehearsals

One of those people was Randy Phillips?
Yes

Paul Gongaware?
Yes

Frank Dileo?
Probably not Frank

(blogger: IF Frank Dileo was indeed Michael’s so-called manager, why not?)

In your email, when you talked about “it would break his if we pull the plug” is this a conversation that you had with Randy Phillips or that Randy Phillips had with you about pulling the plug?
No, it was based on me as a director of the production, having real questions as to whether or not we were going to be able to make the goals without Michael.

If the plug had been pulled on Michael Jackson, what impact would it have on him personally?
Creatively, he would have been devastated. He really wanted to do this Tour.

(blogger: Ed Chernoff said during April 6, 2011 status hearing “the crux of the defense is going to be that Jackson did a desperate act and took desperate measures that caused his own death. Therefore his emotional, physical and financial conditions are relevant to show his state of mind when he did this act. What he faced if he didn’t complete these concerts. That is why we asked the Estate for this information.  His greatest assets happen to be music catalogs. We believe they were leveraged by these 3 entities -HSCB, Barclay’s & Plainfield- and we believe they were leveraged up to the point that they were essentially worthless to Michael Jackson.”)

What about professionally?
Professionally I’m sure it wouldn’t have been a good thing.

You said you worked on the Dangerous Tour with Michael?
Yes

What year was that?
1991

You also worked on the HIStory Tour?
Yes

What year was that?
96 approximately

To ur knowledge, did Michael Jackson have any Tours after the HIStory tour?
I know he did perform on a New York Engagement. I don’t think he had any tours but I believed that he performed on occasion once or twice.

So the last time that Michael Jackson had a Tour was in 1996?
Was the HIStory Tour

The meeting that you had on June 20th at Michael Jackson’s house, you described a conversation with Dr. Murray. Would you say it was adversarial, the conversation you had with Dr. Murray?
Can you rephrase that sir?

Were you fighting? Was it adversarial?
No

You mentioned what Dr. Murray said to you and what you said to Dr. Murray. Was there anything else that was said beside the statements you already testified to?
It could have been.

“It could have been”? Do you remember any of those statements?
I just remember that what Dr. Murray was saying to me was not exactly what had occurred. And at one point, Dr. Murray looked to Michael b/c Michael was his source of information and he was looking to Michael like Michael had said one thing and I was saying another so there was a moment of clarity which was based around his assumption that I had taken Michael off, not allowed Michael to rehearse and sent him home which wasn’t the case.

And you were not privy to the conversations that Michael Jackson and Dr. Murray had prior to your arrival?
No

You do not know what Michael Jackson might have told Dr. Murray about the encounter the night before?
No

How long was this meeting, Mr. Ortega?
Not long

Would you estimate for us?
I would guess that I was in the room for about 10 minutes

Is it your testimony today that the entire meeting lasted 10 minutes?
The portion of the meeting that I was involved in, cause I left before everyone else left, felt brief.

Why did you leave before everyone else?
B/c that is what I was called for, that conversation.

You know who Karen Faye is, correct?
Yes I do

And who is Karen Faye?
Michael’s hair and makeup artist.

She was the hair and makeup artist on the ‘This is It’ rehearsal?
Yes

Do you recall telling Karen Faye that you read Michael Jackson (*Ortega smiles and shakes his head no), well, lemme finish, you might remember it, that you read Michael Jackson the riot act?
No

Do you remember directing Karen Faye not to placate Michael Jackson?
I remember Karen Faye being there on the 19th and being as concerned as I was and everyone else that was in that small circle. I remember seeing Karen Faye on the Tuesday….
Chernoff: Non responsive
Judge: Sustained

Mr. Ortega. Did you tell Karen Faye not to placate Michael Jackson?
I would never have used that word, sir

Well did u tell her not to placate Michael Jackson and used a different work?
I might have told Karen Faye that Michael told that he was taking the reigns and that he could use your support.

So the answer is no? You didn’t tell her that?
That’s right

Would u agree with me that your success was somewhat tied to Michael Jackson’s success in ‘This is it?
Don’t understand the question

If ‘'This Is It'’ was a successful show, that would certainly reflect upon you as well as Michael Jackson.
Yes, yes

So u when u talk about Michael Jackson having a desire to complete ‘'This Is It'’, you also had that same desire?
Sure

Would u agree with me that without Michael Jackson showing up to rehearsals, that would impact you personally as well as Michael Jackson individually?
It would impact everyone

Including you?
It would make it impossible for me to do my job

And that was important to you, you doing ur job?
That is what I was there for

Is that a yes?
Yes

You talked about Michael Jackson being involved in the production of ‘'This Is It'’, is that correct?
Yes

He was not just involved; he was VERY involved in the production, correct?
Yes

He wasn’t just co-choreographer or co-director in name only; it wasn’t an honorary title, right?
No

He was intimately involved in the decision making?
Yes

In fact you mentioned a particular, was it a 3-D effect that he himself had come up with, is that right, it was his idea?
I don’t know if it was his idea but it came to me from Michael

But you had never even seen it used before in a staged show?
No

Would it be fair to say that Michael Jackson was involved in all of the effects that were involved in the show?
Are you talking about the 3-D effects?
Yeah, did he have a hand in all of the effects?
Yes absolutely

(blogger: Chernoff is trying to show MJ's state of mind as stressed out and consumed. It supports his April 6, 2011 statement "the crux of the defense is going to be that Jackson did a desperate act and took desperate measures that caused his own death. Therefore his emotional, physical and financial conditions are relevant to show his state of mind when he did this act.)

The song?
Certainly the choreography?
Yes

Yes

He was the boss?
Yes

It was his show?
Yes

And he told u that this was his time, this was it for him, is that right?
Yes

And what you understood him to mean by that is he understood the historical significance of what he was about to do?
Yes

You mentioned that at the conclusions of these shows, Michael Jackson was planning movies?
Yes

And at the conclusion of these shows, you also discussed with him taking the show on the road, taking it onto a Tour?
He had talked about it, yes

That was something that you had talked about?
He talked to me about it

That was his plan?
Yes, it is hope

On the June 19th rehearsal, would it be fair to say that Michael Jackson’s condition scared you?
Yes

Had you ever seen him that way?
No

On any occasion, during the rehearsals for ‘This is It’ did it ever strike you that Michael Jackson might have been on drugs?
Yes

Had you every met or personally known a man named Dr. Arnold Klein?
Knew who he was but didn’t know him

How did you know who he was?
Just knew him as a doctor

You’ve been introduced to him?
No

You’ve heard about him?
Yes

When you first met Dr. Murray, you said that it was at Michael Jackson’s residence, is that correct?
Yes

You said that you’d seen him at a rehearsal, at the Forum?
Yes once

You testified you did not believe you saw him at the Staples Center at all?
I don’t recall

But you do remember once at the Forum?
Yes

Did u have any conversation with Dr. Murray?
Yes I did

Did you initiate that conversation?
I was invited to call Dr. Murray if I need any assistance, If there was any problems with the schedule

He seemed concerned about Michael Jackson?
Yes

Did you take him up on that invitation?
Yes

Did you take his phone number?
Yes

Were you part of the meeting where Dr. Murray made suggestions about Michael Jackson’s schedule?
He brought those suggestions to me

And you recall that one of the suggestions he made is that Michael Jackson should be permitted to have lunch with his children?
Yes

The rehearsals at that time were much earlier than they ultimately wind up being?
No

Do you recall any conversation with Dr. Murray about the diet that Michael Jackson was on, the food that he was eating?
I don’t recall a conversation about that.

You had said that the rehearsals went from Burbank Center Stages to the Forum. I don’t think I heard exactly when you said that move happened. Can u tell us when you exactly went to the Forum?
The beginning of June

In May, the rehearsals were still at Center Stages in Burbank?
Yes

U told us that at Center Stages, you and Michael Jackson had creative meetings. I guess u talked about what u r gonna have in the show, and things of that nature?
Yes

Was that thru May and thru April?
Beginning in April and thru May

As u move to the Forum, would it be fair to say that the rehearsals became a little more active, there was rehearsals on the stage with Michael Jackson?
Yes. More people were incorporated into the body of the rehearsals at that time

And when u moved to the Staples Center, even more things were incorporated into the show, like effects and magic acts?
Yes

(blogger: what a bizarre and funny question ↓)

I wanna bring your attention to the week prior to Michael Jackson’s death. I’m gonna tell you that the Monday on that week was June 15th. Is that how you remember it?
I don’t remember that the Monday was June 15th

That week of June 14 / June 15, 2009. The rehearsals were scheduled at the Staples Center. Is that correct?
I don’t believe we were at the Staples Center yet. We were at the Forum

Still?
Yes

June 15 thru June 19 would be Monday thru Friday. When did u move to the Staples Center?
I think we moved to the Staples Center like the Tuesday or the Monday or over that weekend. I am guessing that b/c we were gonna be at the Staples Center for two weeks. We were at the Forum for a longer period of time.

The following Tuesday would be the 22nd of June. You are saying that the week Michael Jackson died is the first week you moved to the staples Center?
I think so

So you had exactly 2 rehearsals at the Staples Center?
That’s what I’m guessing sir. I don’t have a calendar in front of me and I don’t recall exactly but I think it was a short period of time that we were at the Staples Center.

During these rehearsals and we have seen this video, these rehearsals were actually video-taped, is that right?
These rehearsals were video-taped, yes

And so were the rehearsals from June 15th thru June 19th?
If Michael was there, we were recording per his request. If Michael wasn’t there, we didn’t necessarily have the video-camera running

Is it your testimony today that if M was not there, u simply did not record?
I didn’t have any reason to. Michael recorded rehearsals for his own benefit. No one photographed or recorded rehearsals until we had our actual cameras that were gonna be used for the I-Max screens which came late at the Forum or early at the Staples Center. So there were no other people that were recording other than when Michael requested recording.

Mr. Ortega, after the death of Michael Jackson, you were hired to help edit video tape for the movie ‘'This Is It'’?
Yes

You were hired by Sony pictures?
Yes

And u sat in a room at Sony pictures for two months?
Yes

Editing this video tape?
We had video footage that was taken, interviews of the band, and the dancers, and the singers that was gonna be used for a later behind the scenes of a filming if ‘'This Is It'’ in London at some point. So there was that, yes sir.

This video tape that you edited had date stamps on them; they were labeled by the date?
Prosecutor: Objection, relevance
I’m not quiet sure what you are getting at.
Judge: I am gonna sustain the objection

Here is what I am getting at. You reviewed all the rehearsals. You spent 2 months reviewing all the rehearsals. But you don’t remember where the rehearsals were had the week before his death?
I believe, as I mentioned to you already, that we were at the Forum until the end of the month and then moved for a week into the Staples

On June 19th, there is a videotape, is there not, of Michael Jackson sitting on a chair, with a blanket wrapped around his shoulders. Have you seen that video tape? 
I haven’t.

(blogger: The defense wanted to show rehearsal footage showing Michael Jackson in a rather frail state but the judge ruled against it. Karen Faye had written on her facebook “I cuddled him in blankets inside his dressing room. He did go out to view the rehearsal, covered in a blanket and a heater next to him one time. The video cameras caught that on film but I told Kenny that he should not allowed Michel’s weak moments to be filmed. He agreed.”)

On June 18th, Michael Jackson missed his rehearsal; he didn’t show up, right?
It is most likely, yeah

Why is it most likely?
Well he was missing for a period of about a week. I am not exactly sure what day, but he was missing for a period of about a week in that area.

Thanks you so much, Mr. Ortega.



Judge: Redirect examination, Mr. Walgren?

Walgren: No thank you, Your Honor.