A look at key moments this past week in the wrongful death trial in Los Angeles between Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson, and concert giant AEG Live LLC, and what is expected at court in the week ahead: THE CASE
Jackson's mother wants a jury to determine that the promoter of Jackson's planned comeback concerts didn't properly investigate Dr. Conrad Murray, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter by a criminal jury for Jackson's June 2009 death. AEG's attorney says the case is about personal choice, namely Jackson's decision to have Murray serve as his doctor and give him doses of a powerful anesthetic as a sleep aid. Millions, possibly billions, of dollars are at stake. WHAT HAPPENED THIS PAST WEEK
Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe tearfully testified about the singer's fear of debilitating pain that he often experienced after sustaining burns to his scalp during a shoot for a Pepsi commercial in 1984.
Rowe gave conflicting testimony about Jackson's frequent medical visits, saying many were tied to treatments for acne, the skin-lightening condition vitiligo, and the burns, although she acknowledged that she questioned the singer's motives when he went for medical treatments from his dermatologist more than once a week.
Rowe said Jackson's injuries and medical conditions forced him to wear wigs and de-pigment his skin and left the singer feeling that he was disfigured.
Financial consultant William Ackerman testified that based on Jackson's historical spending, he would have likely provided his children and mother USD 21.5 million in support if he had lived another 15 ½ years. Ackerman however said that the singer's large debts, in the USD 400-USD 500 million range, made it likely that he wouldn't be able to continue providing for his family as he had in the past.
WHAT THE JURY SAW
Rowe break down repeatedly, wiping away tears and at one point covering her face with her hands when she was asked about the impact of Jackson's death on his children.
Private photos of Jackson's two oldest children, Prince and Paris, with Rowe and their father. In one image, Prince was captured feeding his mother a piece of watermelon when he was an infant.
Charts showing that Jackson was spending tens of millions of dollars each year to support his lifestyle and pay the interest on loans he had taken on key assets.
