Michael Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe has testified that the late singer used the powerful anaesthetic drug Propofol - the same medical substance that led to his death - twice in the 1990s whilst the couple were married. Her testimony on Wednesday (14th Aug) in an L.A court was the first in the wrongful death trial, in which Jackson's family are attempting to sue concert promoters AEG Live for negligence, to state that the performer had ever used the drug for anything other than a medical condition.

The singer died in June 2009 whilst in the midst of a heavy rehearsal schedule for his 50-date comeback residency at London's O2 Arena, This Is It.

Debbie Rowe
Debbie Rowe, Jackson's Ex-Wife, Was Called As A Witness By AEG Live.

The lawsuit has been filed by Michael's mother, Katherine, and his three children in a case that argues that the doctor who was charged of involuntary manslaughter after administering an overdose of the drug, Dr. Conrad Murray, was hired by AEG Live who were negligent in failing to notice the medic's lack of professionalism. AEG counter that Murray was hired by Jackson and not their promotions company and therefore any wages paid to the doctor from AEG was an advance on Jackson's performance fee.

Michael Jackson
Jackson Died After An Overdose Of Anaesthetic, Propofol.

Rowe burst into tears on several occasions when asked about her relationship with the deceased star and their children. With regards to her son Prince, 16, she nonchalantly remarked "we don't hate each other" but sobbed as her daughter Paris was mentioned. Paris Jackson was reported to have recently attempted suicide, thought to be linked to a family dispute. "She is devastated," said Rowe, explaining how Paris' father's death had affected the 15 year-old "She tried to kill herself.. She doesn't feel like she has a life anymore."

Conrad Murray
Conrad Murray Was Found Guilty Of Involuntary Manslaughter.

The former nurse gave the court a compelling insight into her private life with the 'Thriller' singer. She told of how she met Jackson, who was still devastated as a result of his divorce with Lisa Marie Presley, while she was working as a dermatologist's assistant. She moved from being his confidante to the mother of his children as their relationship developed. To Rowe, Jackson admitted he regretted not having children with his previous wife and Debbie suggested: "Let me have a baby with you. You can have the joy of being a parent."

Michael Jackson
The Star Was Drained From His Heavy Rehearsal Schedule.

Crucially, Rowe testified that Jackson experienced sleep problems in the 1990s, and cited one particular incidence on tour in Germany when Dr. Allan Metzger, Jackson's internist, was called after Michael claimed that his sleeping pills weren't working. "He was at the end of his rope," explained Rowe. A medical team was arranged for Jackson who administered an anaesthetic and monitored the star for eight hours. Jackson underwent the same procedure three days later but these, claims Rowe, were the only two instances she knew of that Michael had been put to sleep by doctor. However, the drug was used other times whilst he was undergoing medical procedures, such as collagen and botox injections.

Paris Jackson
Paris Jackson Spends Plenty Of Time With Her Mother After A Suicide Attempt.

Rowe had been called by AEG Live as a witness but, according to the LA Times, she "flashed anger at an AEG attorney and cried" whilst lamenting he...foolishly trusted a lot of people."