Michael Jackson's father files wrongful death suit

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Michael Jackson sand sculpture
Image caption,

Fans around the world marked one year since the singer's death

Pop star Michael Jackson's father has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the doctor charged with giving him a lethal overdose one year ago.

The civil suit from Joe Jackson accuses Dr Conrad Murray of professional negligence in administering a fatal mix of sedatives to the singer.

The suit was filed as fans around the world marked the first anniversary of Jackson's death at the age of 50.

Dr Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in his death.

Mr Jackson's complaint seeks damages of more than $75,000 (£50,000) and alleges that Dr Murray was negligent in administering his son with the anaesthetic propofol and other drugs.

It also accuses him of secrecy and poor training and claims that Dr Murray's clinics in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Houston, Texas, did not adequately supervise him.

A spokeswoman for the doctor said she would not comment until his lawyers had reviewed the lawsuit.

The case will run parallel with the criminal trial against Dr Murray, which is expected to begin next year.

Dr Murray was treating Jackson as he prepared for a series of concerts in London.

Best seller

As the suit was filed in a federal court in Los Angeles, fans of the singer around the world paid him tribute.

In New York, the Apollo Theatre - where Jackson and his brothers won a talent contest and were subsequently signed to Motown Records - fans recreated his famous dance moves and a letter from his mother Katherine was read out.

In Los Angeles, celebrities including Mickey Rooney and Corey Feldman attended a tribute to the singer, Forever Michael, at the Beverly Hills Hilton hotel.

The show included a performance by Michael's brother, Tito.

Proceeds from the event went to the Jackson Family Foundation.

In his hometown of Gary, Indiana, Jackson's mother attended a memorial service outside the performer's childhood home and unveiled a monument to him.

Other family members visited the Los Angeles cemetery where the musician is at rest and greeted some of the fans who had gathered outside.

Flowers were also left in tribute to the late star in Tokyo, where 50 fans spent the night in an exhibition of his possessions.

Meanwhile, prisoners in the Philippines were to mark the anniversary by staging a version of Thriller for invited members of the public on Saturday.

The inmates of Cebu jail became an internet phenomenon when they were filmed performing the dance in 2007.

Jackson has been named as the biggest selling artist in the UK since his death last year, with 4.3 million sales.

That exceeds his chart performance during his 1980s heyday, the Official Chart Company has said.

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