Godfather to Jacko's children says he was 'anti-drug'
- 00:01:31
- ITN
Godfather to Jacko's children says he was 'anti-drug'
Questions have been raised about Michael Jackson's physical condition in the days leading to his death. The singer, who died last week aged 50, had been due to perform a series of concerts at London's O2 arena this summer. Promoter AEG Live has released pictures from a dress rehearsal two days before his death, showing Jackson looking thin but in typical singing and dancing poses as he performed with dancers. The images appeared to contrast with previous reports of post-mortem results that suggested he had been in an emaciated state. Speculation about what caused his heart to stop has centred on his prescription drug use, but toxicology tests are expected to take several more weeks. The Los Angeles coroner's office said reports Jackson was almost bald, emaciated and that his hips, thighs and shoulders were riddled with needle wounds did not come from its pathologists. Assistant chief coroner Ed Winter said: "I don't know where that information came from, or who that information came from. It is not accurate. Some of it is totally false." Bags of pills and other medicines were seized from the star's rented mansion on Monday as his personal physician continued to insist that the singer had not taken an overdose. Mr Winter said the substances were being seized following information from the police investigation and questions raised by the coroner's office. But Dr Conrad Murray's lawyer Edward Chernoff said his client was "ruling out" an overdose as cause of death based on what he knew of Jackson's final hours. Asked if it was possible that Jackson could have taken drugs not prescribed by the doctor, Mr Chernoff replied: "I suppose it is possible, but Dr Murray was there that night and he did not see him take Demerol or OxyContin or any other pills that would have caused these problems." Meanwhile, family members of the dead pop star are continuing to wait for the results of a second private post mortem they ordered themselves. Joe Jackson, the singer's father, said he was waiting to find out what happened to his son before announcing details of his funeral. But Mr Jackson said the funeral will not be closed to the public. In further developments, Jackson's mother has won temporary custody of his three children - Prince Michael, 12, Paris Michael, 11 and Prince Michael II, 7 - who will now stay with the Jackson family at least until a further hearing on August 3. The Jacksons' lawyer Londell McMillan said the family had not yet heard from Deborah Rowe, the mother of the two elder children. The youngest son was born to a surrogate mother. Meanwhile, fans who bought tickets for his comeback gigs have been reassured they will receive full refunds. They will also have the option of being sent their tickets as souvenirs in part lieu of the full refund. Announcing the refunds, Randy Phillips, president of AEG Live, said: "The world lost a kind soul who just happened to be the greatest entertainer the world has ever known. Since he loved his fans in life, it is incumbent upon us to treat them with the same reverence and respect after his death." Refunds will include all ticket service charges, he said. Ticketholders can gain more information at www.michaeljacksonlive.com from Wednesday. Refunds will be processed by each of the authorised ticket agencies: Ticketmaster, Viagogo, See or Ticketline.
ITN | June 30, 2009
