The MJ Trial

Ain't that America. Where if I've got a loss, you've got to pay.

It's not only this wrongful death lawsuit, it's jobs. Nothing can happen that I lose mine. I don't care if everybody has to overpay to ride in a horse and buggy, if I've got to sacrifice just the tiniest bit, it can't happen.

So what we've got here is a raging drug addict looking to solve his economic problems by playing way too many gigs in London. Then again, AEG has experience with residences in Las Vegas, most famously with Celine Dion. Is it AEG's responsibility to save MJ from himself?

That's why we've got all these warnings on products. So idiots who don't think won't be able to sue. Or, to put it another way, the monkey bars have disappeared from playgrounds because little Johnny fell and got hurt, even though he was walking atop them hands-free, and your opportunity for good, clean fun is now gone.

Is AEG a mercenary company always eager to make more money?

OF COURSE!

Welcome to America. That's what corporations do. But you don't want to reign them in because you delusionally believe that one day you too will rule the corporate behemoth, raking in double digit millions, if you just will yourself, believe in yourself enough.

Reigning them in. The government won't do it.

So it's left to individuals. Via lawsuits.

Now the tide has been turning for years, it's harder to sue than ever before, class actions have been limited, same deal with whistleblowers, all because a couple of people made a lot of money, most specifically lawyers and that woman who had hot coffee spilled on her lap, and the people who can't read the financial page who don't realize this is a drop in the bucket compared to the corporation's revenues get a hair up their tush and say it must be stopped.

Must be stopped. What exactly do you want AEG to do in the future?

That's what lawsuits of this type are about. Less about compensating the individual than changing behavior.

So, in the future, a concert promoter should try and convince you to not do multiples, because you might get sick and tired from overwork, you might O.D.

As for that throat problem you've got backstage? Start surfing the Internet, the promoter is not going to hook you up with the local specialist for fear he'll get sued down the line. Yup, when it turns out you've got a granuloma, you'll say the doctor caused it or didn't see it and you know who'll be liable? The promoter!

And while you're at it, bring your own food. And your own stagehands. The promoter's hands will be tied.

Of course the Michael Jackson situation is not a perfect fit.

Then again, superstar musicians die on a regular basis. It's a hard life.

And whose responsibility is that?

Caveat: I've neither gone to the trial nor researched the law here. I do not know how the evidence fits the statutes. For all I know, there's a possibility a judgment in MJ's favor can be rendered. As an attorney, I reserve judgment. But I will say all those people supporting Michael and ganging up on AEG...this is no more than hero worship. Your act can do no wrong. Furthermore, I don't see these people lining up to make sure the underprivileged underclass gets its due in court. Screw them, they're not FAMOUS!


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