Dancer says she gave warnings over Michael Jackson
Dancer testifies she warned director of Michael Jackson's concert about singer's health
FILE - In this April 27, 2011 file photo, Katherine Jackson poses for a portrait in Calabasas, Calif. An expert told jurors Tuesday May 7, 2013 that Michael Jackson's doctor was not qualified to treat the singer for insomnia or drug addiction. Jackson's mother is suing AEG Live LLC claiming it failed to properly investigate Jackson's doctor before allowing him to work on the singer's planned 2009 comeback concerts. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A dancer who worked with Michael Jackson says she expressed concerns about the singer's health as he prepared for a series of planned comeback concerts.
Dancer and choreographer Alif Sankey told a jury hearing a lawsuit filed by Jackson's mother that the pop star appeared thin and unprepared for the rigors of the shows.
She testified that a month before Jackson's June 2009 death, she wrote an email to tour director Kenny Ortega urging him to try to improve the singer's health and spirits. She says she never received a reply.
Sankey worked with Jackson beginning on his music video for 1987's "Smooth Criminal" and was an associate producer on the singer's planned comeback tour "This Is It."
She is testifying in a negligent hiring trial filed by Jackson's mother against concert promoter AEG Live LLC.
