A jury found that concert promoter AEG Live is not liable for Michael Jackson's drug overdose, in the wrongful death lawsuit waged by the pop star's family, CNN reported.
Katherine Jackson, the late music superstar's mother and her three children sued the promoter in 2010, contended the company's negligence in hiring Dr. Conrad Murray was a factor in his June 2009 death.
Murray, who was $1 million in debt, was pressured to deliver the risky treatments or else possibly lose the $150,000 monthly salary, they argued.
Jackson died of an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol, which Murray told investigators he was using to treat his insomnia in between rehearsals.
Dr. Murray is set to be released from jail later this month after serving two years for involuntary manslaughter. The singer reportedly kept his propofol use hidden.
AEG's lawyers argued that Jackson chose Murray, but his lawyer have said that promosters decided to negotiate their own contract with the doctor so they could control him, CNN also reported.
"We want to remind (Murray) that it is AEG, not MJ, who is paying his salary. We want to remind him what is expected of him," said Paul Gongaware, the AEG Live Co-CEO.
The five month trial included testimony from Jackson's family.
