Michael Jackson mother accused of 'extortion'

Katherine Jackson's legal action has been described as a "shakedown" attempt

The head of concert promoters AEG Live has admitted in court in Los Angeles he believes a legal action filed by Michael Jackson's mother Katherine is a "baseless extortion" attempt.

Katherine Jackson claims the concert promoters failed to investigate the doctor who was later convicted of causing her son's death in 2009.

AEG Live are being sued for $40 billion (£26 billion).

Randy Phillips says AEG bear no responsibility for Jackson's death.

'Shakedown'

When asked on Tuesday by Katherine Jackson's lawyer whether he thought the case was a "baseless extortion, a shakedown of AEG Live", Phillips answered: "Yes."

It is likely he will be asked about numerous emails he sent and received about Jackson's health in the final weeks of the singer's life, as well as any interactions he had with his physician Conrad Murray.

AEG Live claims it was not responsible for the hire or supervision of the doctor and has called the legal action "preposterous".

AEG denies hiring Murray and agreeing to pay his fee as an advance to Michael Jackson.

Murray agreed to serve as the pop star's doctor for $150,000 a month while he performed shows at London's 02 Arena in 2009 and early 2010.

He was convicted in 2011 of involuntary manslaughter after supplying Jackson with a surgical anaesthetic.

The civil trial is now in its sixth week.