Friday, May 31, 2013 4:55pm ET by  
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AEG President called for 'thin' Michael Jackson footage to be edited out of 'This Is It' documentary

As the wrongful death trial surrounding the untimely passing of Michael Jackson progresses, more information has come to light about his condition in the lead up to his demise on June 25, 2009.

A series of emails sent between President and CEO of AEG Live Randy Phillips and executive Paul Gongaware were read out in court today (May 31) that showed the pair discussing their concern over the pop icon's frail appearance and desire to edit out any footage that saw him looking ill.

Phillips (pictured above left with Jackson) wrote, "make sure we take out the shots of MJ in that red leather jacket at the song stage... He looks way too thin and skeletal," to which Gongaware replied "OK, will have a look when it comes on screen".

When Gongaware was called to the witness stand, the Jackson family lawyer Brian Panish asked, "You didn't want anyone distressed that Michael Jackson looked so emaciated, correct?" His question prompted the executive to say, "No, we didn't try to control anything".

It was also revealed that the 'Thriller' superstar's tour manager John 'Bugzee' Hougdahl had joked about fattening him up in an email sent to Gongaware dated June 14, 2009: "He needs some cheeseburgers... and a couple of brats (sausages) and beers."

 

 

 

 

Watch Jackson's father Joe talking to Piers Morgan earlier this year here: