Jacksons vs AEG - Day 33 – June 19 2013 – Summary
Jackson family is not at court.
Kai Chase Testimony
AEG cross
MJ's personal chef Kai Chase on the stand. AEG's attorney Jessica Stebbins Bina doing cross examination. (ABC7)
Stebbins Bina asked Chase about whether she ever saw any of Jackson’s other doctors. Chase replied no. (AP) Chase said she never met Dr. Alan Metzger, another physician who treated Michael Jackson. (ABC7) Chase was asked about Dr. Allan Metzer and dermatologist Arnold Klein. She was also asked about nurse Cherilyn Lee. (AP)
Bina asked why Chase never told the police or testified at Dr. Murray's trial about the meeting at MJ's house. She said she wasn't asked. (ABC7) Stebbins Bina then asked Chase why she didn’t mention the meeting in which a vase was broken to police. Chase said they didn’t ask. The lawyer said the first time Chase mentioned the vase being broken was in her deposition in October 2012. (AP)
Bina: First time you mentioned the meeting was in your deposition in Oct 2012?
Chase: Yes
At that point, Bina pointed out Chase was already working for Mrs. Jackson. (ABC7)
Gongaware, DiLeo, Phillips, MJ and Dr. Murray were present in the meeting, Chase explained. Bina: You testified Mr. Jackson was wearing surgical mask and layers and layers of clothing, correct?
Chase: Yes (ABC7)
Chase was then asked about her description of Jackson at the meeting, that he wore a surgical mask and layers of clothes. (AP) But Bina said she didn't mention the surgical mask or layers of clothing before. "I described his emotions, yes," Chase explained. "You could just see the fears in his eyes." "He looked scared," Chase said. "They didn't ask for that and I didn't say it." (ABC7) The chef testified yesterday that Jackson looked afraid going into that meeting. She was again asked why she didn’t mention details before. Chase said at her deposition, she wasn’t asked for those details and “I didn’t say it.” (AP)
Bina: Did you think it was important to mention MJ was wearing a surgical masks during your deposition?
Chase: I said what I said (ABC7)
"I didn't know why he as wearing that, it was pretty strange, he had not worn that in the house before," Chase said about the surgical mask. (ABc7)
Bina: And it wasn't important enough to tell anybody before testifying yesterday, correct?
Chase: Yes (ABC7)
Bina: Did you ever mention before yesterday that Mr. Jackson was cold in that meeting?
Chase: Yes!
Chase said she saw MJ cold once. (ABC7)
"Mr. Jackson was very scared at that meeting," Chase testified. But she said MJ didn't tell her he was fearful, never spoke to her about it. (ABC7)
Chase reiterated that she didn’t know who broke the vase during the meeting, only heard one statement from Frank Dileo. Chase wasn’t allowed to testify about what Dileo said. She said she didn’t mention it to police or during Murray’s criminal proceedings. (AP) Chase said she overheard bits and pieces of the meeting since she was in and out of the room filling up beverages. "I heard what Mr. DiLeo had stated," Chase explained. Judge sustained objection about it being hearsay, so what DiLeo said was not repeated. Chase said she also told during her deposition about the voices being raised in the meeting; she said she does not know who broke the vase. As to Dr Murray leaving the meeting, Chase said he was so angry and upset, stormed into the kitchen, blurted out 'I can't handle this s**t.' Chase never talked to Dr. Murray after this episode to ask him what had happened that made him so upset. Bina asked if she knew the reason Dr. Murray was upset was because of the meeting. “No, I don't, but I was assuming it had to do with the meeting because he was coming out of it and left," Chase said. (ABC7)
"They are killing me, I'm working too hard" Chase said MJ expressed. Bina asked if was figure speech she said she took it for what he said. MJ talked to Chase about This Is It tour. "He was excited about everything," Chase said. "When he stated I'm being overworked, they are killing me, that was an indication he was tired," Chase explained. "He was tired, he needed a rest, a break," Chase said. (ABC7)
Bina played Chase's deposition, where she said MJ didn't give her any indication he was trying to avoid this concert at all. "He was excited about going to this tour," Chase said. "I too was excited, for him, for his fans, for everyone," Chase said. (ABC7)
Stebbins Bina asked about Chase’s conversations with MJ about the “This Is It” tour. She said Jackson was excited about the tour. Chase said the only time she felt Jackson expressed reservations was when he made the “They’re killing me” comment. (AP)
Chase understood she was hired by Michael Jackson but was going to be paid by AEG Live. The chef said she didn't know anything about MJ paying AEG back for her salary. (ABC7)
Bina: You understood you were let go in April for financial reasons?
Chase: Yes (ABC7)
Chase was paid every week. She had to file a claim against MJ's estate to be paid for the month of June, 2009. She has been paid in full. (ABC7)
The credit card that was declined belonged to Michael Amir Williams, Chase said. (ABC7)
"I didn't know what was going on," Chase explained about MJ's eating in May. "I assumed they possibly had food brought in." (ABC7)
Bina talked about the day MJ died. Chase said she got Prince because it was such a serious matter. Chase said she didn't think was going to make sense to stop what she was doing to out the house and look for security. After getting Prince, Chase returned to work. At some point, Chase and the housekeepers were told to leave the house. "We were asked to leave, the paramedics was still there," Chase said. Chase asked Alberto Alvarez, MJ's security guard, if MJ was ok? She said he told her he would be fine. (ABC7)
The chef was asked a little bit about the day Jackson died. She testified about Alberto Alvarez asking her to leave the mansion. She said before she left, Alvarez asked her to sign a one-paragraph document, but she doesn’t know what it was. Chase said other staffers in Jackson’s house signed confidentiality agreements, but what she signed wasn’t a confidentiality agreement. (AP) Alvarez asked Chase if she ever signed a confidentiality agreement. She said she had not, but Chase believes the housekeepers had. Alvarez asked Chase to sign something on the spot. "He asked me to sign some sort of a paragraph not on letterhead," Chase explained. Chase signed it but said she can't remember what it said. She then left the house. That was the last time she was at the Carolwood house.(ABC7)
Bina: Did it require you to keep things confidential?
Chase: It never said that (ABC7)
"I was serving smaller portions of food to MJ," Chase explained. (ABC7)
At this point, Stebbins Bina wanted to show Chase a post on CNN’s website. The lawyer called it a blog Chase wrote for Larry King. It sounded like a news story, and Chase denied she wrote it. There was a sidebar about showing it to the jury. After the sidebar, Stebbins Bina asked several more questions about it, continuing to call it blog post that Chase wrote. Chase kept denying it, eventually telling jury she had a blog called “Nibble by Kai Chase.” Chase: “I’m telling you that this is not mine. In a nice way.” She was clearly annoyed by this point. There were more questions about the post, and Chase said, “I didn’t write a blog for Larry King, sweetheart.” Stebbins Bina asked Chase to use professional language. The chef turned to the jury and said, “I didn’t write a blog for Larry King.” (AP) Bina showed Chase a blog with interview Chase gave to Larry King Live. "I did not write this blog for Larry King," Chase said. Chase got a little irritated with the question and said she has a blog about food. "And I'm telling you this, in a nice way," Chase said. (ABC7)
Bina: Did you did tell Mr. King during the time you fed him well and he ate well?
Chase: Yes, when I was feeding him, yes
Bina: That he ate well, organic foods?
Chase: Yes
"He ate well because I fed him well," Chase testified. "Overall, Mr. Jackson ate well."
Chase: He ate well because the foods I prepared him, which were healthy, well nutrition foods. That's what I mean when I said he ate well.
Bina: He had poor appetite, but ate well?
Chang: He ate well, healthy foods (ABC7)
There were questions about the children’s bedtimes. Stebbins Bina asked Chase how many times she was at house at kids’ bedtime. (AP) Chase said it fluctuated the hours she left. She said MJ was a strict father, the kids had to go to bed on time. "Sometimes he would be there with his children, but schedule changed," Chase said. "I was there every day," Chase explained, saying she didn't go upstairs, so she didn't see MJ tuck the kids in bed. Chase said MJ would do school nights, weekends, sometimes he came home late would let kids stay up. "He was a parent, that's what you do" (ABC7) Chase said she couldn’t give a percentage of times she was there for bedtimes. Chase said she never saw children put to bed. She said their bedtimes varied, and that they sometimes stayed up late on weekends. (AP)
Stebbins Bina then challenged Chase on her contention that Paris Jackson hadn’t had any birthday parties since 2009. Chase conceded that she hadn’t been present for Paris’ birthday since 2009, but Paris told her she didn’t like celebrations. Stebbins Bina asked about a 2010 party Paris apparently had at a roller rink. Chase said she was relying on what Paris told her. (AP) About Paris Jackson, Chase said she has not celebrated birthday parties after MJ died. Chase visited the kids at the Hayvenhurst house a couple of times, two or three, between 2009-12. Chase wasn't present when Paris had her birthday. "She told me she does not like to celebrate birthdays after her dad died," Chase testified. Chase doesn't know whether Paris celebrated her birthday in 2010, 2011 or 2012. (ABC7)
"I talked about the food and the love he had for his children," Chase said about paid interviews after MJ's death. (ABC7)
"I don't know if he was terminating employment, but he made all the staff leave," Chase said about Alvarez asking them to leave on June 25. (ABC7)
In 2012, Chase was re-hired by Mrs. Jackson. They speak daily now, but never spoke before MJ died. Chase never saw her at MJ's house. Chase is currently being paid by Mrs. Jackson. She makes about the same amount of money from when she worked with MJ. (ABc7)
Bina asked if Mrs Jackson gave Chase birthday present this year. The chef said no, since she doesn't celebrate dates being Jehovah's Witness
Bina: She didn't send you to the MJ Immortal show?
Chase: She gave me a pair a tickets
Bina: Do you have a twitter account?
Chase: Yes
Bina showed a tweet Chase posted. Tweet: Going to see the MJ Immortal Cirque Du Soleil show tonight. What a wonderful pre-birthday gift. Thank you Katherine Jackson. Chase said Mrs. Jackson doesn't celebrate dates, but the chef considered it a pre-birthday gift for herself. (ABC7)
Chase worked as chef for Mary J. Blige sporadically after MJ died. She did not have steady job, had help from family and friends financially (ABC7)
In April 2012, Chase received a subpoena from AEG Live. In July 2012, Chase was contacted to work back with Mrs. Jackson. Sandra Ribera, Jackson's lawyer, called Chase asking if she wanted to go back to work for her. Ribera also acted as Chase's attorney in her deposition. In Oct 2012, deposition was taken. Chase does not know who paid Ribera to accompany her in her depo. (ABC7)
The lawyer then asked about Chase’s current employment with Katherine Jackson. She said they haven’t discussed the AEG case. Stebbins Bina asked about tickets Katherine Jackson gave Chase to her for the Jackson “Immortal” show. Chase said it wasn’t a gift. Chase had tweeted that it was a “wonderful pre-birthday gift” and thanked Katherine Jackson. She said it wasn’t a gift because Katherine Jackson doesn’t celebrate birthdays. “She’s a Jehovah’s Witness,” Chase said. Stebbins Bina asked whether Chase was concerned that Mrs. Jackson would fire her over testimony in the case. Chase: “No. That’s absurd.” (AP)
Chase met with Chang, attorney for the Jacksons, for about an hour a month ago, another hour a week ago and briefly yesterday.
Bina: Are you afraid that if you don't testify in the right way in this trial Mrs. Jackson may fire your?
Chase: No
Bina: Did that never cross your mind?
Chase: No, that's absurd (ABc7)
Jackson redirect
Jacksons attorney Deborah Chang did re-direct.
Chang: Do you know if Ms. Ribera hires all staff for Mrs. Jackson?
Chase: Yes
Chang: Do you know if Ms. Ribera handles payroll for Mrs. Jackson?
Chase: Yes
Chase said the children requested her to come back to work at the house.
Chang: Have you and Mrs. Jackson discussed this lawsuit?
Chase: No
Chang: Have you seen Mrs. Jackson threaten to fire anyone who didn't testify in the right way in this trial?
Chase: No (ABC7)
Chase said Michael Amir told her he was 23 years old. She asked his age because she thought he was the client. Chase said she's 45. "He was the librarian at Neverland and he used to alphabetized DVDs with his father," Chase testified about Michael Amir Williams. Chase worked with Culinary Staffing, an agency that does a lot of background on people before setting up meeting with client, to find work. Chase's resume was 4 pages long, including her experience, schooling, references. (ABC7)
She filled out AEG paperwork for working permit in the UK. The form asked about criminal background, citations, financial information. Chase filled it out and gave it to Michael Amir. (ABC7)
Chase said the “unspoken rule” that staff who questioned why they weren’t being paid would get fired came from Michael Amir Williams. The chef said she never discussed missed paychecks with Jackson, and was never told by the singer not to go upstairs. (AP)
Chang: Did MJ ever tell you not to go upstairs?
Chase: No
Chang: Did MJ ever tell you not to go in his bedroom?
Chase: No
DC: Did MJ ever tell you not to ask him about payment?
KC: No (ABC7)
"I was crying because it was beautiful to see him with his children," Chase said about watching Paris and MJ celebrate her birthday in 2009. Chase said she wasn't thinking about getting paid, since she had just started working for MJ. Paris' actual birthday is April 3. Her first paycheck came in on time, Chase said. (ABC7)
Regarding Paris deposition, Chase said her statement surprised her. "She seems just lost, she seems to just be grieving, missing her father". Chase: I knew that she was very, she was very close with Grace when she was young. Chase said Paris has a feeling of abandonment, which is probably part of the reason she was angry with Grace. Chase said Grace was a very big support for her, very loving, helped her with the kids. "They were just best friend, very, very deep relationship," Chase said about MJ and Grace Rwamba. (ABC7)
Chang: Did you believe she was protective over MJ and the children?
Chase: Yes
DC: And she was let go?
KC: Yes
"The children felt abandoned, they weren't happy, they were upset," Chase said about Grace being fired.
Chang: Do you know if Grace kept in contact with MJ?
Chase: I don't know
Chang: Do you know MJ created a foundation for her to work?
Chase: I've heard
Chase said she heard Grace was going to the UK to prepare things for MJ and the children.
Chang: Paris has gone through a difficult period over the past 2 weeks?
Chase: Yes
"She's turned to her grandmother, she's turned to Grace and she's turned to her biological mother Debbie Rowe," Chase responded. (ABC7)
Chang: Did you ever see Dr. Murray make a special mineral-enriched shake for MJ?
Chase: No, I did not
Chase made a variety of organic juices for MJ and the children. (ABC7)
Chase said she was not aware of Dr. Murray spending the night in April. She was never asked to prepare food for him then. (ABc7)
Chase said she spoke with Michael Amir about MJ being skinny, and he indicated he had the same concerns. (ABC7)
Chase testified she gave interview to LAPD 4 days after MJ's death and didn't think it was relevant to mention the meeting in mid June. "What they wanted to know was what happened that day," Chase explained. Chang showed Chase transcript of criminal trial, where Chase said she was never asked what MJ was wearing in the June meeting. (ABC7)
Chang: Did Paris want to leave her father (on June 25th)?
Chase: Paris was so emotional that day
Chase said there was a lot of screaming and crying.
Chase: We were literally pulling her down the stairs, they had her by her ankles, she was going upstairs calling daddy, daddy, daddy!!!
Chase said she didn't want to leave, but was told to leave. "Who was going to be there with them? I knew they loved me and wanted me there." (ABC7)
Chase worked with MJ for about eight weeks, knew Grace Rwamba for about two weeks. (ABC7)
AEG recross
Bina: Any reason to believe Paris wasn't truthful when she was testifying talking about her conversation with her father?
Chase: No (ABC7)
Regarding the company they used to hire Chase, she said had known this company for years, she used them for her own catering company.
Bina: So the company knew you, didn't have to do financial background on you?
Chase: No (ABC7)
Chase: I didn't say I had financial struggles
Bina: But you said you had family and friends helping?
Chase: Yes, they helped me financially (ABC7)
Chase said kids wanted her back.
Bina: Do you know why it took 3 years for them to ask you back?
Chase: I guess there were other employees (ABC7)
Bina asked if the form Chase filled out to work in the UK was given to all the employees. She said yes, but doesn't know abut Dr. Murray. (ABC7)
Chang: Did Mrs. Jackson ever offer you $150k to provide medical care for her?
Chase: No
Then judge asked "How about for food?"
Everyone laughed, Chase said no (ABC7)
Video deposition of AEG's retained addiction specialist, Dr. Paul Henry Earley.
Dr. Earley said he's getting paid $300 an hour for research and $500 an hour for deposition. Dr. Earley is an addiction medicine specialist, care for individuals with substance abuse and disorders. He became board certified the first year the test became available. Dr. Earley first training was in neurology, then psychotherapy. The doctor has been working on this field for 28 years (ABC7)
Kevin Boyle: Are you qualified to treat patients who have addiction?
Dr Earley: I am
Dr. Earley said he treated patients with Propofol addiction, and is qualified to treat patients with benzodiazepine addiction. Dr. Earley is now involved in long-term treatment of physicians with addiction problems.
Dr. Earley explained what "Enabler" is, when someone is feeding the addiction of an addict. "Addiction is disease of secrecy, often times enablers don't see it" Dr. Earley testified. "I thinks Dr Murray was trying to help MJ sleep"
Boyle: Was it ok for Dr. Murray to give Propofol to MJ at home?
Dr. Earley: No, that was medically incorrect
Dr. Earley said he would not have done it. "Propofol is not an appropriate agent for sleep induction."
Dr. Earley testified that under the circumstances, he doesn't think he could've done a better job with MJ in terms of recovery. Dr. Earley explained in hospital if patient goes into deep sleep, there are machines to help the patient breath and control blood pressure.
When asked if he thought MJ had substance issue, Dr. Earley was adamant: "In 2009, he did have an addiction, yes." "I think he clearly had an addiction to opioids, that class of drugs," Dr. Earley said. Dr. Earley: I don't think there's sufficient evidence from the record reading to ascertain he was addicted to Propofol or benzodiazepine. Dr. Earley: The primary drug of his (MJ) addiction was Demerol, by far the most common opioid he took. Dr. Early: MJ's death wasn't caused by Demerol directly, there's a question if Demerol created synergy with Propofol and benzodiazepine (ABC7)