Michael Jackson’s "Incredible" Fear of Pain Detailed By Ex-Wife

Debbie Rowe, mother of Michael Jackson’s two oldest children, told the Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday (Wednesday, Aug 14) of Michael Jackson’s “incredible” fear of pain, according to The BBC. 

Michael Jackson announces his tour back in 2009

"Michael had a very low pain tolerance," Rowe, the singer’s ex-wife, explained. "His fear of pain was incredible. I think the doctors took advantage of him that way," she said. Rowe was giving evidence in the AEG court case.

The Jackson family believe the tour promoters didn’t properly investigate Dr Conrad Murray, the singer’s cardiologist who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011.

"Unfortunately, some of the doctors decided that when Michael was in pain they would try to see who could give him the best painkiller," said the 54-year-old, who is a former nurse. "Michael was at the end of his rope. He was more worried about not sleeping than dying because he couldn't perform [without sleep]," she added.

AEG Live, in its defence, has argued that Jackson had prescription drug and addiction problems long before entering into any agreement with them. They assert that they did not hire or supervise Murray, therefore are not liable.

A familiar scene - the Dr. Conrad Murray case back in 2011

Jackson died on June 25, 2009 from an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol, administered to help the 50-year-old cope with chronic insomnia. Rowe, who was married to Jackson from 1996-1999, testified on behalf of AEG.

She accused doctors of taking advantage of Jackson, taking strange measures to fix things like acne or a burn on his scalp suffered during the filming of a Pepsi commercial in 1983. "You don't call someone and say let's take Dilaudid instead of Aspirin," Rowe added. "He foolishly, foolishly trusted people."