Michael Jackson: And Justice for Some: August 2011

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Meet Four Defense Witnesses for Conrad Murray

On August 29, 2011 an explanation of Conrad Murray's defense witness list was filed in L.A. Superior Court. A big thanks to Bridgett, who provided the link here to the document. Since we all know that Judge Pastor has barred many of the witnesses from testifying, we'll just examine four of the witnesses were ARE allowed to testify.

1. Dr. Allen Metzger:

This claim in itself is completely false according to police reports contained in Conrad Murray's search warrant affidavit. Murray claims that he administered Propofol for six weeks. This means that Murray started administering propofol on approximately May 14, 2009. This is an entire month AFTER the defense claims Dr. Metzger administered propofol to Jackson, IF TRUE AT ALL.

2. Dr. David Adams:

Dr. Adams is an ANESTHESIOLOGIST who administered propofol to Michael Jackson four times for dental procedures. Both the defense and the prosecution agree that Adams only administered propofol to Jackson four times. However, their timelines do not agree, as the defense claims Adams administered propofol in March or April, 2009, yet Adams claims in court documents he last worked on Jackson in December, 2008.

3. Cherilyn Lee

According to Lee's website, she is a holistic integrated health practioner. The defense wants to portray Jackson as a drug addicted, desperate man whose focus was on hunting for propofol, in a desperate attempt to fight insomina. However, Cherilyn Lee told Access Hollywood in July, 2009, that “Mr. Jackson did not present himself as a drug addict and from January to April, I didn’t see that in him,” Lee told Access. “Even when it came to the Diprivan, he was looking for something that was going to help him sleep." Cherilyn Lee is stating what Jackson fans already know; that Jackson was not a drug addict, underscored by his autopsy report that showed no drugs in his system at the time of death other than propofol, lidocaine and a trace amount of a benzodiazepine.

4. Karen Faye

Karen Faye was Michael Jackson's longtime stylist. Faye maintains that Jackson was weak, frail and drug addicted in the week prior to his death. However, Jackson's autopsy report states otherwise. At death, Michael Jackson weighed 136 pounds and had no drugs in his system other than propofol, lidocaine and a trace amount of benzodiazepine.

Faye also maintains that Jackson was upset about the amount of shows that he was contracted to do with AEG Live for the This Is It tour. Yet, the Lloyd's of London policy, issued to AEG Live for Michael Jackson, indicates that the contract was originally for 30 shows, not 10.

Lastly, for those who intimate that Jackson was wearing heavy coats, while the backup dancers and musicians were wearing shorts sleeves, apparently this was a habit for Michael. See this video, during the Bad Tour, Michael is wearing a coat, while the others are in mere sleeves. (Thanks, my friend, for pointing this out.)

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Global Live Events: Stop! The Ass You Save May Be Your Own

As you all know by now, an Open Letter on Behalf of Michael Jackson fans to Global Live Events was sent to the organizers of the Michael Forever Tribute. The open letter was signed by 35 fan groups, representing thousands if not millions of fans. Other fan groups expressed interest in signing the letter after it was sent, as well.

With the announcement that Beyonce will now be "beamed" into the tribute, Reuters picked up the open letter from fans and it has been published on major media sites throughout the world. In response Global Live Events CEO Chris Hunt and the rest of the team have issued a statement.

"We are 100% going ahead," said GLE spokeswoman Juliette Harris. "We will continue to announce names for the line-up. We are moving forward and now we will try to address issues that have been raised by fans."

Founder and CEO of the under-fire promoter, Chris Hunt, even claimed that there wasn't enough evidence for fans to attack the concert like they have, and that the clash of the concert and doctor Conrad Murray's trial was a coincidence.

"There has been insufficient information for the fans," Hunt said. "Speculation has run riot about what it's all about, who the beneficiaries are, why it's taking place. That rumour has got completely out of hand.

"The trial has been moved several times already. In fact, there's speculation that the trial will in fact be moved again."

Global Live Events has announced that there will be a global conference call on August 30, between MJ fans and GLE to address concerns.

I find it quite interesting that GLE felt they should respond to fans, but not to the Michael Jackson Estate, who sent them an open letter voicing their concerns PRIOR to the fan letter. Considering that the Estate owns Michael's intellectual property, including the right to his name, likeness, and any songs belonging to MIJAC or the ATV, one would think that GLE would at least take a conciliatory stance.

As we take a look around the net, let's see what Jackson's fans have to say about this tribute. The Huffington Post did a poll and as of tonight, 3 out of 4 people believed that the tribute should be canceled due to mismanagement.

Like their response to the Michael Jackson Estate, I have not heard that GLE has reached out to any "verified" fan club owners for this apparent global conference call to address fans' concerns. It would seem that Global Live Event's response to anything other than mass negative media attention is the equivalent of *crickets*.

This is, yet again another public relations ploy on the part of Global Live Events. What GLE fails to realize, as evidence once again by their invitation to Gene Simmons to perform in this so-called tribute, is that Michael Jackson fans are not stupid. We see you, Global Live Events, for exactly what you are.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Open Letter From MJ's Fans: Cancel M4 Tribute!

35 Fan Groups involved in Open Letter to Global Live Events: Cancel M4 Tribute!

MJJCommunity, MJJForum, M.J.A.N, United4MJLegacy, MJ4Justice, MJFrance, Legendary MJ , MJ: And Justice for Some, Muzikfactory, Australia Salutes MJ, MJ Down Under, MJHellas.gr, MJTurkFan, Truth 4 MJ, MJ Portugal / Espana Fans, MJ Fans for Love& Justice, MJ The Legend Russia, MJJCN MJ Chinese Fanclub, Tributo MJ, MJ Memorial Munich, MJ’s Legacy Association Int., MJ’s Neverland, All4Love, MJVIBE, Iconic, MJ Stranger in Moscow , X Pages, MJ Fans Ireland, MJPortal , Postively Michael, MJ Polish Team, MJ Place w/ No Name, MJ’s Hideout, Complottisti in avanzata, Clear MJ’s name.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Open Letter On Behalf of Michael Jackson Fans to Global Live Events

Open Letter on Behalf of Michael Jackson fans:

Chris Hunt
Founder and Chief Executive
Global Live Events
89 Whiteladies Road
Clifton, Bristol
United Kingdom
BS8 2NT
Email: chrishunt@globalliveevents.com

Paul Ring
Global Live Events
1630 Bristol Street
B1
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Email: paulring@globalliveevents.com

Dear Messrs. Hunt and Ring:

We, as Michael Jackson's staunch supporters and advocates, refuse to support the Michael Forever Tribute, planned by Global Live Events in October, 2011. Even with the withdrawal of your most recent performer, Gene Simmons, fans feel the damage has already been done. Your apology is too little, too late and does not solve the problems we have with this tribute.

Since the initial announcement, through fan sites and forums and a Facebook page (Fans Against Michael Forever Tribute) fans have voiced their concerns about this tribute. One of the initial concerns was how fans were treated on the Michael Forever Tribute Facebook page. The administrators were rude and deleted comments. Therefore, when the announcement was made that Global Live Events "listened to fans" regarding the addition of Simmons, many fans are doubtful. Fans believe that Global Live Events, in an attempt to qualm the media and the Estate, rescinded their offer to Simmons. Simply put, it is not the fans that Global Live Events is concerned with, but negative media coverage, which in turn affects ticket sales.

From the timing of this tribute, in the middle of Dr. Murray's trial, to the ticketing prices, to the obscurity over what charities will be receiving the donation, to the no-guarantee policy of performers, the addition of Gene Simmons and dishonoring, thus tarnishing Michael Jackson's legacy was simply the last straw. With the damage done, it will be the fans who work hard to overcome this debacle for Michael Jackson's legacy. Please understand that this tribute is doomed to fail now. Attorneys for the Michael Jackson Estate have written to you about their concerns, and now the Michael Jackson fan base has done the same. Do the right thing for Michael Jackson, and cancel this tribute.

Sincerely,

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Twitterthon for MJ on August 28

There are many fans who have watched the Michael Forever Tribute Concert unfold. Fans have united on Facebook to create the Fans Against Michael Forever Tribute page. While this group of fans has decided not to support, we do understand that many fans and the Jacksons may feel that this tribute, timed directly in the middle of the Conrad Murray trial, may help to promote a positive legacy. We respectfully disagree, and here are our concerns.

1. As the Michael Jackson Fan Club has stated, along with both Jermaine and Randy Jackson,"we share their concerns that this concert is taking place at a most inappropriate time when everyone's care and attention should be focused on the matter of justice...the most important tribute we can give to Michael Jackson at this time is to seek justice in his name."

2. We do not believe that the lineup of performers reflect Michael Jackson's stature in the industry. World class acts such as Chris Brown, Justin Bieber and Usher, who have all stated their admiration for Michael, cannot take part because of scheduling conflicts.

3. Because the lineup of performers does not reflect Michael Jackson's caliber, this tribute will not sell out. The Millenium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales holds nearly 75,000 people. We are concerned that the media will spin this as they do anything else regarding Michael Jackson. We DO NOT want the media stating that Michael has lost his fan support, and as a result his legacy is fading. We are NOT willing to risk this in the middle of Conrad Murray's trial.

Due to our strong convictions to promote a positive legacy for Michael Jackson, we will be holding a twitterthon on August 28. The hashtag for the event will be announced shortly. We are hoping you will participate, on the day Michael Jackson wins the VMA's, and the day before his birthday.

We urge you to join the Facebook page. Show your love and support by helping to promote positivity for Michael Jackson. Stand up and raise your voice for our beloved Michael. Justice and legacy FIRST FOR MJ.

Timing Is Everything

Attention Michael Jackson fans....Michael has been nominated on MTV for the Most Iconic VMA Performance and for Best VMA Pop Performance. In 1995, Jackson performance a medley of songs including "The Way You Make Me Feel/Scream/Beat It/You Are Not Alone and Dangerous. You can watch the Dangerous segment below in the video, or click here to see it on youtube.

There are several reasons that winning this award is so important. First, we all know that the Vanguard Award was originally named after Michael, but MTV took his name off the award. Jackson's fans have an ongoing petition to reinstate Michael's name. Click here for the link via MJJJusticeProject. The more votes MTV receives for Michael, the more MTV realizes how important it is to support a fanbase of MILLIONS.

Secondly, voting ends August 24, and will be awarded on August 28, one day before Jackson's birthday.

Lastly, and most importantly, Michael Jackson's must show their support and unity prior to the trial. While the Conrad Murray defense team would like to portray Jackson's as a broke drug addict, we all know this to be completely false. We know that the AUTOPSY REPORT SHOWS NO DRUGS IN HIS SYSTEM AT THE TIME OF DEATH OTHER THAN PROPOFOL, LIDOCAINE AND TRACES OF LORAZEPAM.

STAND UP MJ FANS....DON'T LET THE MEDIA DISRESPECT MICHAEL JACKSON. VOTE! SHOW YOUR LOVE AND LOYALTY TO A MAN WHO TRIED SO HARD TO DO THE RIGHT THING.

STAND UP, RAISE YOUR VOICE AND VOTE FOR MICHAEL JACKSON.

VOTE HERE. VOTE AS MANY TIMES AS YOU ARE ABLE TO.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Conrad Murray: The Very Definition of Involuntary Manslaughter

In the last blog, I posted about Dr. Drew's clearly biased shows about Michael Jackson's death, and his obvious empathy for Dr. Murray. In the post before that I blogged about social media, the Casey Anthony trial, and what affect this may have on the upcoming Conrad Murray trial. Also mentioned was Amy Singer, who was the trial consultant for the Casey Anthony trial. She and her team monitored over 40,000 social media sites in order to help the defense. Ms. Singer was kind enough to leave a comment, seen below.

In her comment, Ms. Singer states:

1. She is not sure if the prosecution will use social media.

2. She will be a commentator on the case, and was hoping to use social media.

3. "Most folks believe that Murray is guilty of criminal negligence as opposed to involuntary manslaughter. (Unfortunately, criminal negligence fits the California law to a tee.)"

At this point, I'm thinking...what's the difference between criminal negligence and involuntary manslaughter? Fortunately, I didn't have to look any further than Sandy Kabasian's comment, immediately following Ms Singer's.

The definition of involuntary manslaughter: California Penal Code 192(b) PC defines "involuntary manslaughter" as an unlawful killing that takes place 1) during the commission of an unlawful act (not amounting to a felony), or 2)during the commission of a lawful act which involves a high risk of death or great bodily harm that is committed without due caution or circumspection.

We know that Murray is charged with a felony, so "during the commission of an unlawful act (not amounting to a felony) is not applicable. So we now need to focus on commission of a lawful act which involves a high risk of death or great bodily harm that is committed without due caution or circumspection. "Without due caution or circumspection is basically synonymous with California's legal definition of criminal negligence. It is an act which is
aggravated, reckless and flagrant and which is such a departure from what would be the conduct of an ordinary prudent, careful person under the same circumstances as to be in disregard for human life, or an indifference to the consequences of such an act. Criminal negligence means that the death was not the result of inattention, mistaken judgment or misadventure. But rather it was a reasonably foreseeable consequence of the aggravated, reckless or negligent conduct."

From shouselaw.com, Conrad Murray is the very definition of criminal negligence, and that is enough to prove involuntary manslaughter.

Back to Ms. Singer's comments:

4. She states that unfortunately many anesthesiologists have left their patients, only to have their licenses suspended or revoked, but not charged with a crime.

The problem here is that Conrad Murray is NOT an anesthesiologist. He is a cardiologist. In addition, Conrad Murray administered an anesthetic (propofol) in a HOME SETTING, and without any monitors attached to Jackson's body. There is a big difference between a licensed anesthesiologist, who administers propofol in a hospital setting, and has to leave his patient, and Conrad Murray's standard of care.

5. Ms. Singer states that she hopes people will take medical malpractice cases more seriously and stop crying that doctors are being unfairly accused.

While this may be true, the sole focus here is Dr. Conrad Murray. He is not being unfairly accused.

6. Lastly, Ms. Singer states that she is "with me" on this one. I sincerely thank Ms. Singer for her comments, and hope she will report fairly during the trial of Conrad Murray.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Shame on You Dr. Drew

I like Dr. Drew Pinksy. I watched Celebrity Rehab for many seasons, and think he genuinely cares about his patients. So when Pinsky's show on HLN entitled Did Michael Jackson's Doctor Cross the Line?, I watched it, believing that because Pinsky is a doctor, he would at least be semi-fair to Jackson's condition at the time of death. I was wrong.

1. Only a few minutes into the first segment, Dr. Drew accuses Michael Jackson of being a drug addict. Pinsky really needs to take a look at the autopsy report, which states:

The summary of the toxicology reports that only Lidocaine, Propofol and Lorazepam were in Jackson's system at the time of death. Lorazepam was in extremely minute quantities in the blood. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine. From the DEA: "the benzodiazepine family of depressants is used therapeutically to produce sedation, induce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and to prevent seizures. In general, benzodiazepines act as hypnotics in high doses, anxiolytics in moderate doses, and sedatives in low doses."

There were no opiates (painkillers) in Jackson's system at the time of death. Lorazepam, as stated by the DEA, in low doses is used as a SEDATIVE. Jackson clearly was under pressure with the This Is It tour coming up and suffered from insomnia in times of stress and anxiety.

2. Pinsky then brings in the now disbarred Brian Oxman (pssst Dr. Drew, did you know that? Oxman cannot practice law anymore!) and Dr. Deepak Chopra.

Pinsky goes directly for Dr. Chopra's often told story that Chopra once talked to Jackson about addiction, and consequently, Jackson kicked Chopra out of his inner circle.

Is it just me, or is this completely attacking Michael Jackson and whether he was a drug addict or not? We all know and we've all heard Oxman's stories of how Michael was an addict, spinning out of control. However, the AUTOPSY REPORT SAYS DIFFERENTLY, and I'd take the word of a physician over Oxman any day of the week. (Actually, I'd take just about anyone's word over Oxman's, but that's a different story.)

Pinsky then moves to the 2005 trial, and shows video footage of Michael entering the courthouse in pajamas. Of course, Oxman goes on his schpeel about how addicted Michael was, blah, blah, blah.

After the commerical, Pinksy brings out his next guest, Dr. Sandheep Kapoor, who was found not guilty in the Anna Nicole Smith trial. Kapoor was one of Smith's doctors.

At the end of the segment, here are what Kapoor and Pinsky have to say.

Kapoor seemingly sides with Conrad Murray!

The headline for this story was Did Michael Jackson's Doctor Cross the Line? Never once did anyone talk about Conrad Murray, not once. Pinsky did mention that propofol should never be given in a home setting, but then mentions addiction problems with propofol. Pinsky did not mention that Murray left Jackson UNATTENDED AND WITHOUT A MONITOR to talk on the phone.

Dr. Drew, I am seriously disappointed in you. Michael Jackson has millions of fans who would be EAGER to supply you with information we have gathered over the past two years.

A warning to the media who plan to attack Michael Jackson rather than focus on the issue at hand. That issue is that there were no significant drugs found in Jackson's system at the time of death other than PROPOFOL. The LA coroner himself stated that it would be impossible for Jackson to self-inject. Conrad Murray administered propofol in a home setting, without monitoring or staying by Jackson's side. That is the issue, and that is what is going to send Conrad Murray to jail for involuntary manslaughter.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Social Media and the Conrad Murray Case

With the Conrad Murray trial nearing, its important that the MJ fan-mily understand how important social media will be prior to and during the trial. From an article on law.com regarding the Casey Anthony trial:

1. Jose Baez, Casey Anthony's lead defense attorney, hired trial consultant Amy Singer to monitor over 40,000 blog items to see what was annoying people about Anthony --and tailor their defense accordingly.

2. Above, Singer states that the Anthony trial "was the first high-profile murder trial to take place in the social media age and will forever change how lawyers defend clients."

3. Singer was allowed to help the defense team pick a jury. After helping to choose jurors, Singer's job went into overdrive. Singer combed blogs, and to keep up with blogger traffic, asked for help from the website American Society of Trial Consultants. Singer was overwhelmed with responses from trial consultants who volunteered their time to monitor the blogosphere.

4. Singer and the team of trial consultants did not focus on what blogs were stated that was positive about Anthony. Rather, they focused on isolating the important negative comments that they felt needed to be addressed. For example, when blogs attacked George Anthony's credibility/likeability, Singer encouraged the defense team to beef up that point in their strategy.

Also of interest is Miranda Sevcik's blog from July 6, 2011. Remember Sevcik? She was the publicist for Ed Chernoff and the Conrad Murray defense team who leaked a fake jury questionnaire to TMZ. Sevcik's blog post speaks to points regarding the media and misinformation spread by the media. Of note, Sevcik states that while working for the Murray defense team, media interviews were often sensationalized and key information was distorted. In particular, Sevcik underscores Nancy Grace's biased influence on the public.

There are two central points to be taken here, one from the Casey Anthony trial and the other from the audacity of Miranda Sevcik's claims in her blog.

1. If we are to believe that the Murray defense will focus on social media prior to and during the trial, they most likely focus on the negative comments made about Murray's professional and ethical treatment (or lack thereof) of Michael Jackson. Those negative comments will in all likelihood be made by the MJ fan-mily. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that we focus on the key issues; that Conrad Murray left Michael Jackson unmonitored while administering an anesthetic which should be only used in a professional setting.

2. The audacity of Miranda Sevcik is immeasurable. I find it very difficult to believe that as a publicist, Sevcik was not aware of sensationalism and bias in the media. Sevcik acts as if Conrad Murray was the first person to ever be victimized by the media. Murray, like Michael Jackson was for the better part of four decades, is being hounded by the press. The difference between Conrad Murray and Michael Jackson is that Jackson never killed anyone. Welcome to the media world Michael lived in, Dr. Murray.

Michael Jackson: And Justice for Some

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