Video Summary
Michael Jackson's perfectionism and financial desperation drove him toward a high-stakes comeback.
AEG Live pushed a 50-show London residency ('This Is It') that promised huge profits and created pressure to proceed.
Internal emails and rehearsal reports flagged serious health and mental concerns that were downplayed or ignored.
Dr. Conrad Murray was brought in amid financial incentives and a conflicted setup; his contract was drafted but not signed.
After Jackson's death, Katherine Jackson sued AEG; the jury found AEG not liable, citing Michael's agency and Murray's primary role.
Emails and rehearsal reports showed growing alarm about Jackson's physical and mental state—extreme thinness, trembling, missed practices and episodes of despondence—that executives largely downplayed while pushing the production forward.
AEG sought a doctor Michael trusted and drafted a lucrative $150,000/month contract for Murray. Although the contract wasn't signed and Murray wasn't formally paid, his severe personal debts created a financial incentive to keep Jackson performing rather than cancel the tour.
Ortega sent urgent emails recommending a psychological evaluation and expressing that Michael was unfit for rehearsals. AEG CEO Randy Phillips dismissed those urgencies, advising not to second-guess the physician and prioritizing the show schedule.
Katherine Jackson sued AEG for wrongful death, alleging they prioritized profit over safety. The jury ultimately found AEG not liable, concluding Michael was an adult responsible for his choices and that Dr. Murray bore primary responsibility.
The video argues AEG profited from merchandise and the 'This Is It' documentary—compiled from rehearsal footage captured while Jackson was reportedly in decline—raising questions about exploitation and corporate responsibility.
"The desire to be the greatest of all time is a never-ending curse."
Michael Jackson's relentless pursuit of greatness encapsulates the weight of his ambition, as he constantly felt the need to prove himself, regardless of his previous successes.
Jackson's perfectionism drove him to surpass his past achievements; he believed that each new album and tour had to outshine the last, stemming not from external expectations but from his internal standards.
This mentality contributed to his status as the greatest entertainer but also positioned him as a vulnerable target in a demanding industry.
"Michael Jackson hadn't toured in over a decade... He needed one more show to prove to the world and to himself that he was still him."
By 2008, Jackson was in a dire financial situation, facing over $400 million in debt with no recent performances to revitalize his image or income.
AEG Live approached him with an opportunity to reclaim his status through a massive comeback, highlighting the immense pressure he was under not just financially but personally as well.
The planned comeback, titled "This Is It," represented both financial salvation and a chance for Jackson to reclaim his legacy, making the stakes extremely high for everyone involved.
"MJ is locked in his room, drunk and despondent."
Despite public appearances indicating a resurgence, internal communication suggested serious concerns about Jackson's mental and physical health leading up to the tour announcement.
The urgency to proceed with the planned performances led AEG to push Jackson, even as his well-being became increasingly precarious.
In an environment where everybody had something to gain, the pressure on Jackson to perform intensified, impacting not only his health but also the dynamics with those surrounding him.
"People on the production team were starting to notice, but nobody wanted to be the person who pulled the plug."
As rehearsals progressed, concerns about Jackson's health grew, with team members noting his weight loss and missed practices.
Despite apparent confidence in public, internal emails reflected frustration and worry regarding his situation, but no one was willing to take action.
Jackson's physical state was increasingly alarming to his close associates, yet the desire to see him succeed overshadowed the looming health risks.
"If we do nothing, he will die."
Emails from fans expressed grave concerns about Jackson's health, detailing observations of his extreme thinness and physical weakness.
Those closest to him, including his makeup artist, felt an urgent need to communicate the severity of his condition, fearing that the demands of the tour could lead to catastrophic consequences.
The collective hope of many—combined with financial and career pressures—created a dangerous environment where Jackson's health became a secondary concern to the impending performances.
"Michael appeared weak and fatigued, he was trembling, rambling, and obsessing."
In the weeks leading to the "This Is It" tour, Michael Jackson's health raised significant concern among his close associates. Production manager John Hudal observed that, on June 19, 2009, Michael was sent home without stepping on stage, leading others to worry he would embarrass himself or even face physical harm during performances.
Kenny Ortega, the show's director and choreographer, noted the troubling signs of Michael’s deteriorating condition, stating he felt “deeply troubled” by what he observed. Ortega sent a frantic email to Randy Phillips outlining Michael's condition, explicitly recommending a psychological examination as he found Michael to be unfit for rehearsals.
Despite Ortega's serious concerns, Randy Phillips exhibited a lack of urgency in his response and didn’t take necessary actions to prioritize Michael’s health, indicating that he was “too deep” into the production to pull the plug.
"It is critical that neither you, me, nor anyone around this show become amateur psychiatrists or physicians."
Following Ortega’s alarming emails, Phillips' dismissive tone continued as he favored the opinions of Dr. Conrad Murray over the well-documented worries of Kenny Ortega. Phillips insisted that it was essential not to second-guess Murray's competence, despite the growing evidence of Michael’s poor health.
In a concerning exchange, Phillips remarked on how the rehearsal performances must continue and implied that discouraging Michael might worsen his condition. This decision, rooted in financial motivations, reflected AEG Live's prioritization of the show over Michael's welfare.
The implications of these decisions were critical as they illustrated a systemic failure to respond appropriately to the increasing concerns voiced by those closest to Michael, culminating in a multi-layered misjudgment from AEG executives and professionals involved in the tour preparations.
"Michael Jackson suffered cardiac arrest this afternoon."
Just five days after the pivotal meeting where concerns were largely ignored, Michael Jackson was found unresponsive and suffered a cardiac arrest. He was rushed to UCLA Medical Center but could not be revived, leading to his untimely death at the age of 50.
The aftermath of Michael's death led to significant legal repercussions, notably a wrongful death lawsuit filed by his mother, Katherine Jackson, against AEG Live, holding them accountable for neglecting Michael's health in favor of profit from the tour.
Ultimately, the jury ruled that while AEG had employed Dr. Murray, they were not liable for Michael's death, citing that he was an adult responsible for his personal health choices. This conclusion triggered intense scrutiny regarding AEG's commitment to Michael's safety.
"AEG was allowed to sell Michael Jackson tour merchandise and shared in the profits from the 'This Is It' documentary, a film made entirely from rehearsal footage of a man who they knew was at the end of his rope."
AEG profited from Michael Jackson's endeavors, particularly through selling tour merchandise and reaping benefits from the documentary "This Is It," which was compiled from rehearsal footage during a critical time in Jackson's life.
This exploitation reflects a broader issue where corporate interests overshadow the well-being of artists, taking advantage of their vulnerabilities for profit.
"There's one thing Michael loved more than the music and being the best, and that was his fans and how he made us feel."
Despite the actions of corporations, Michael Jackson's true legacy remains intact, largely defined by the love and connection he fostered with his fans, emphasizing that profit cannot equate to the emotional impact he had on people.
His music continues to inspire new generations, influencing artists and fans alike, as they strive to emulate his greatness with each listening experience.
"Almost every artist looks up to Michael. They know they can never be him, but Michael's legacy inspires everyone to be just a little bit better."
The impact of Michael Jackson's artistry can be seen across the music industry, where many look to him as a benchmark of success and creativity.
His legacy motivates artists to improve themselves, striving to reach higher standards and promote their uniqueness, inspired by Jackson's trailblazing career.
"Michael was no stranger to speaking out about companies that were trying to exploit him."
In his final years, Michael Jackson was vocal about his struggles against corporate entities, particularly Sony, which he believed was attempting to undermine him.
Access to emails now reveals some of his thoughts and concerns, showcasing the complexities and challenges he faced during his life, including battles with major music corporations.
