Photo: WENN
Kenny Ortega, the director of Michael Jackson's comeback gigs at London's O2 Arena and the 'Highschool Musical' trilogy, said he was 'frightened' by the The Thiller Star's appearnce.
Ortega was appearing in court this to give his version of events in a trial against concert promoters AEG Live. The concert promoters are on trial for the neglegent hiring of Dr Conrad Murray, who is alleged to have given Jackson an overdose of the sedative Profopol and was convicted of involuntary manslaughter as a result.
The director told the jury: "I saw a Michael that frightened me", referring to seeing Jackson after rehearsals for the 'This Is It' shows.
Ortega said that he had seen Jackson shivering backstage, and found his appearance 'very very troubling'.
Michael Jackson at the launch of his 'This Is It' concert series in London
Ortega had reportedly attempted to alert medical authorities of his observations of the singer's declining health. He broke into tears when reading a letter he had sent to AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips, in which he had described Jackson as a 'lost boy'. However, Dr Murray had assured both Phillips and Ortega that Jackson was fit to continue rehearsing.
Jackson's son Prince claimed that his father had told him how he feared the concert promoter, and had mentioned 'theyre going to kill me' in a phone conversation. He also said that he say Phillips and Murray in a heated discussion at the family mansion.
AEG's defence attorney denied these allegations outside court stating: "He's a 12-year-old boy who's suffered a great tragedy."
The trial continues.
