Michael Jackson doctor trial: Director Kenny Ortega 'feared' for singer

Michael Jackson's This is It comeback tour director has alleged that the star was often incoherent and unable to rehearse shortly before his death in July.

Choreographer Kenny Ortega's testimony claims that he was so alarmed at Jackson's condition that he confronted the singer's personal physician Dr Conrad Murray, who is currently standing trial for involuntary manslaughter.

According to ABC News, Ortega said: "My friend wasn't right. There was something going on that was deeply troubling me." He said that he rubbed Jackson's cold feet and fed him when he realised that he hadn't eaten.

Ortega then emailed concert promoter Randy Phillips, writing that "real emotional stuff" was going on and that "everything in [him] says that Jackson should be psychologically evaluated".



The email continued: "There is no one taking responsibility, caring for him on a daily basis... today I was feeding him, wrapping him in blankets... and calling his doctor. Finally, it's important for everyone to know, I believe that he really wants this. It would shatter him, break his heart if we pulled the plug. He's terribly frightened it's all going to go away."

Ortega added that after a confrontation, Murray told him to "stop trying to be an amateur doctor and psychologist and be the director and allow Michael's health to him".

Paul Gongaware from the This is It promotions company testified that he also met with an incoherent Jackson during rehearsals.

"He was a little bit off," he said. "His speech was just very slightly slurred and he was a little slower than I'd known him to be."



Gongaware also claimed that Dr Murray originally demanded $5 million (£3.2 million) a year to become Jackson's physician, before later settling for $150,000 (£96,000) a month.

The jury has already been played a recording of Jackson slurring while discussing his tour.



Jurors have also been shown a photo of the entertainer lying on a gurney after his death.

The trial is scheduled to continue for another five weeks and Murray could face up to four years in prison if found guilty.