LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson’s longtime stylist told jurors Friday that she tried to warn the singer’s manager that concert promoter AEG Live LLC would look responsible if the singer died because of numerous signs his health was declining.

Hair and makeup artist Karen Faye testified about two emails she sent to Jackson’s manager Frank Dileo within the five days before the singer’s death that his health was deteriorating. In one of the messages, Faye warned Dileo that he and AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips might become “villains” or “financial victims” if Jackson were to die while preparing or performing a series of comeback shows called “This Is It.”

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Michael Jackson died five days after a dire message was sent about the star’s deteriorating health. The Associated Press

Faye said she struck a dire tone in the messages because she felt that earlier concerns about Jackson’s health had been ignored.

Faye sent the warning that Jackson may die in a message on June 20, 2009 – five days before the singer died of an overdose of the anesthetic propofol. Two days later, on June 22, she sent the warning about Dileo, Phillips and tour director Kenny Ortega being held financially responsible for the entertainer’s demise.

“I don’t think you, Kenny, or Randy deserve becoming the villains, or the financial victims,” her email states. She wrote that the message was “between you and me alone.”

She told jurors she was concerned the men “could be responsible for that in some way. Just kind of like where we are right now,” she said, referencing Katherine Jackson’s ongoing civil case against AEG Live.

Ortega was initially sued by Jackson’s mother, but was dismissed from the case.

Faye’s emails described Jackson as emaciated, paranoid and unable to perform. She told jurors Friday that while the singer’s performances dramatically improved in his final two rehearsals, she was still not convinced he would be able to perform the 50-concert schedule of “This Is It,” let alone its premiere.

Band founder Scholz to pay court costs

BOSTON – The founder of the rock band Boston has been ordered to pay a newspaper $132,000 for the court costs it incurred in successfully defending itself against his defamation lawsuit.

Musician Tom Scholz claimed the Boston Herald and two reporters blamed him for the 2007 suicide of lead singer Brad Delp. A Superior Court judge dismissed his lawsuit in March, saying it was impossible to know why Delp killed himself.

Scholz’s attorneys argued he shouldn’t have to pay court costs. The judge said court rules require it.

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