Michael Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ show director called for a “psychiatric intervention” before he died.
Kenny Ortega – who had known Michael for over 20 years before his death from a Propofol overdose in June 2009 – emailed tour promoters AEG voicing his concerns about the singer’s “paranoia, anxiety and obsessive behaviour” but was ignored.
In emails obtained by the Los Angeles Times, Kenny wrote to Randy Phillips, the chief executive of concert division AEG Live: “There are strong signs of paranoia, anxiety and obsessive-like behaviour. I think the best thing we can do is to get a top psychiatrist in to evaluate him ASAP.
“It is like there are two people in there. One [deep inside] trying to hold on to what he was and still can be and not wanting us to quit on him, the other in this weakened and troubled state. I believe we need professional guidance in this matter.”
The 'Thriller' hitmaker's musical director and production manager had also warned the star was a "basket case" who was unable to sing and dance at the same time.
Musical director Michael Bearden wrote in an email: “MJ is not in shape enough yet to sing this stuff live and dance at the same time.”
His production manager added: “He was a basket case. Doubt is pervasive.”
However, AEG Live executive Paul Gongaware warned his colleagues that Michael would try to get out of his contract because he was “lazy” and insisted they reminded him of what it would cost him to cancel the 50 London concerts.
He wrote in an email to Randy Phillips, the chief executive of concert division AEG Live: “We are holding all the risk. We let Mikey know just what it will cost him in terms of making money … We cannot be forced into stopping this, which MJ will try to do because he is lazy and constantly changes his mind to fit his immediate wants.
“He is locked. He has no choice … he signed a contract.”