Michael Jackson's Drug Use Could Void Concert Promoter's Insurance Policy

Michael Jackson was due to kick off an unprecedented string of 50 concerts in London just days after his untimely death, and like all good concert promoters do, the ones behind Jackson's gigs took out an insurance policy in case anything would happen to delay or cancel any dates. According to the LA Times, however, that insurance policy may not pay out. The $17.5 million accident insurance policy could be void if "illicit" drugs are involved.

Lloyd's of London would cover any losses sustained by the promotion company AEG Live if Jackson suffered any mishaps leading to the cancellation of his shows, which were due to begin July 13.

The LA Time stated that the policy read:

"This insurance does not cover any loss directly or indirectly arising out of, contributed to, by or resulting from . . . the illegal possession or illicit taking of drugs and their effects."

Jackson, 50, died on June 25 at his rented LA home. While the Los Angeles County Coroner has not yet formally ruled on his cause of death, investigators and privately hired pathologists told the Jackson family that he likely died of a massive drug overdose.

AEG says that they're waiting on the coroner's findings before attempting to collect on the policy. A representative for Lloyd's said:

"The policy document is confidential and the details of it have not been made public by Lloyd's. I am afraid we can't offer any comment."

Prior to his death, Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray, gave the singer multiple benzodiazepine sedatives and the anesthetic propofol. Preliminary findings showed that Jackson's body had traces of several drugs in his system, including the anesthesia and sedatives.

Murray also said that Jackson had been taking the powerful painkillers Demerol and oxycodone before his death.