Ortega: 'Jackson was never breathless'

Kenny Ortega has denied that Michael Jackson was not fit enough for his planned live residency before his death.

The gig planner and choreographer also told BBC Newsbeat that Jackson did not see the shows at London's O2 as a form of validation.

Ortega said: "One afternoon I said to him, 'I can't wait until we open in London, we're going to be validated and get your crown back'.

"He just laughed at me. He said, 'God bless you Kenny, that's so silly'. He did not get up in the morning and think about vindication."

Of claims that Jackson had to frequently stop rehearsals due to lack of fitness, Ortega added: "Never! Never! He's not even breathless. You'll see it in the movie.

"He was his own man. There was a weight that Michael liked to be at, he liked to eat when he liked to eat. We did want to make sure he was nourished and rested and looked after. But let's give Michael credit, he was in charge of himself."

Co-choreographer Travis Pain said: "Michael pushed himself appropriately with a show that was to be so physical for these 50 dates it was very necessary for us to pace the show correctly, so that it was something that could be done many times."

Jackson died in hospital on June 25 from "injection by another". His first concert at the O2 was planned for July 13.