Choreographer: Pop legend was ill

As the trial of Michael Jackson's physician Dr Conrad Murray, the pop star's choreographer and friend Kenny Ortega, said Jackson was in bad shape physically and mentally less than a week before his death.

He told the Los Angeles court that he sent a message to Randy Phillips, producer of the This Is It concert, telling him that Jackson was ill, should probably have a psychological evaluation and was not ready to perform.

In response Mr Ortega said, a meeting was called at Jackson's house where Mr Ortega clashed with Murray.

"He said Michael was physically and emotionally capable of handling all his responsibilities for the show," said Mr Ortega. "I was shocked. Michael didn't seem to be physically or emotionally stable."

Within a few days, he said, Jackson had recouped his energy and was full of enthusiasm for the show.