AEG Live executive Paul Gongaware returned for a fifth day of testimony in the Michael Jackson trial on Monday. The producer/promoter testified that he had never heard of Dr. Conrad Murray before Michael Jackson recommended him, nor did he do a background check on the physician. Gongaware thought it was unnecessary to do a background check since Jackson recommended him. He also testified that he was not aware of Jackson abusing drugs in the past.
Gongaware served as the top producer of Jackson’s “This Is It” comeback concert tour when Jackson died of an overdose of surgical anesthetic propofol. He was also the person who reportedly negotiated the deal with Dr. Conrad Murray to serve as Jackson’s physician for $150,000 a month.
Jackson’s family claims that AEG is liable in Jackson’s death for negligently hiring Murray, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
The trial is entering its sixth week, and AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips is expected to provide his testimony later this week.
