Michael Jackson ‘wasn’t responsible for health’

Michael Jackson was irresponsible with his health, according to the co-director of his ill-fated comeback concert tour.

The singer died from acute propofol intoxication in 2009.

Conrad Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for administering the fatal dose of the anaesthetic Jackson reportedly used as a sleep aid.

Michael's mother, Katherine Jackson, filed a wrongful death suit against AEG Live, blaming the concert promoting giant for negligently hiring and supervising the doctor tasked with taking care of her son during preparations for the shows.

According to TMZ, the tour's co-director and producer Kenny Ortega shut down Katherine's claims when he took the stand as AEG Live's witness on Thursday.

Ortega testified that Michael Jackson "called the shots" throughout tour preparation and was completely in charge of his own person in the lead up to his death.

He also claimed the pop star made it clear to everyone that he and his physician were completely in control of the star's well-being.

"I don't think he was being very responsible," Ortega said.

The director apparently requested professional help for the star as concerns for his health grew.

"There are strong signs of paranoia, anxiety and obsessive-like behaviour. I think the very best thing we can do is get a top psychiatrist in to evaluate him ASAP," he wrote in an e-mail presented in court.

"It is like there are two people there. One trying to hold on to what he was and still can be and not wanting us to quit him, the other in this weakened and troubled state.

"MJ is not in shape enough yet to sing this stuff live and dance at the same time," Ortega wrote in another email.

Katherine Jackson took the witness stand following Ortega. According to the New York Daily News, the matriarch "lost her cool" when questioned by the defence lawyer. She also said she never witnessed her son abusing drugs but admitted that the family staged an intervention at Neverland Ranch in 2002.