Michael Jackson wrongful death jury selected

Jackson died as he rehearsed for a comeback in London

A jury made up of six men and six women has been selected to hear a wrongful death case brought against promoters AEG by the late singer's family.

The legal action alleges AEG Live is liable because it hired Dr Conrad Murray, convicted of involuntary manslaughter after supplying Jackson with a surgical anaesthetic.

Jackson died in 2009 while preparing for 50 comeback gigs in the UK.

The Jackson family is suing for $40bn (£26bn).

The jury was selected from more than 100 candidates - many of whom were eliminated because they said serving on a three-month trial would be a hardship.

Others were rejected when they said they had a bias against Jackson or disapproved of big-figure legal cases or had business ties to AEG or the Jackson family.

Lawyers for both sides have now begun questioning prospective candidates to sit as six alternative jurors - used to replace a regular juror who becomes unable to serve - for the trial in Los Angeles.

The legal action has accused the promoters of Jackson's This Is It comeback shows in London of failing to check the credentials of his physician Conrad Murray.

Murray was convicted for his involvement in the singer's death from an overdose of the surgical anaesthetic propofol - which was being given to him to help him sleep.

He died three weeks before the start of his shows at the London 02 Arena.

His mother Katherine Jackson has said she believes rehearsals for the tour pushed her son too hard.

But AEG Live has said it was not responsible for the hire or supervision of the doctor and called the $40bn in damages "preposterous".

Earlier this week, Murray launched an appeal against his conviction.

The judge in the wrongful death action is yet to set a date for opening statements and testimony to begin, although the trial opening could happen later this week.