Nation & World

<< Previous   of   Next >> Associated Press  (click to enlarge) Janet Jackson (bottom right) thanks the audience for their support after the death of her brother during the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday in Los Angeles. The ceremony turned into a celebration of Michael Jackson's life.   ADVERTISEMENT   Latest developments Celebrities crowded the annual BET awards show in Los Angeles on Sunday that was revamped into a celebration of Michael Jackson's life and musical career. Jackson's doctor, who was with him when the singer collapsed Thursday at home, denies administering or prescribing painkillers for Jackson. Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson's father, said he does not believe stress over the intense series of concerts Michael Jackson planned for his comeback led to his death. Joe Jackson's publicist read a statement Sunday saying he and his wife, Katherine, solely have authority for their late son and his children. The Rev. Al Sharpton said a memorial service was being planned for Tuesday at the Apollo Theater in New York, and would be part of a series of memorial services worldwide. Associated Press   CONTACT THE HERALD Do you have a news tip? newstips@heraldnet.com | 425.339.3400   Published: Monday, June 29, 2009 Michael Jackson doctor denies injection report Los Angeles Times and Associated Press LOS ANGELES -- A lawyer for Michael Jackson's personal physician said Sunday that reports that the doctor injected the pop star with a powerful painkiller before his death were "absolutely false." "There was no Demerol. No OxyContin," said Edward Chernoff, the attorney for Dr. Conrad Murray. People close to Michael Jackson have said since his death that they were concerned about his use of painkillers. Los Angeles County medical examiners completed their autopsy Friday and said Jackson had taken unspecified prescription medication. The lawyer, who was present Saturday for Murray's three-hour interview with Los Angeles Police Department detectives, said Jackson was already unconscious when the doctor "fortuitously" entered the bedroom of the performer's Holmby Hills mansion. The 50-year-old entertainer "wasn't breathing. He checked for a pulse. There was a weak pulse in his femoral artery. He started administering CPR," said Chernoff, a Houston criminal defense attorney. The lawyer's claim was consistent with the account of a source close to the investigation who told the Los Angeles Times that the lengthy interview with the doctor turned up "no smoking gun." Murray had not "furnished or prescribed" Jackson with Demerol, the lawyer said. Chernoff said any drugs the doctor gave Jackson were prescribed in response to a specific complaint from the entertainer. "Dr. Murray has never prescribed nor administered Demerol to Michael Jackson," Chernoff said. "Not ever. Not that day. ... Not Oxycontin (either) for that matter." He described Murray as stunned by Jackson's death. "He was the one who suggested the autopsy to the family while they were still in the hospital. He didn't understand why Michael Jackson had died," he said. Jackson's family requested a private autopsy in part because of questions about Murray, the Rev. Jesse Jackson said Saturday. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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