Michael Jackson's Doctor Says Child Support Issues Stem From Jackson's Death

Posted by Michael Melchor on 10.28.2009

Okay, really?

According to documents filed last week in the wake of a judgment last month for $13,311.47 for missed child support payments and an arrest warrant issued based on that, Dr. Conrad Murray is blaming the death of Michael Jackson for not being to make his payments.

Dr. Murray and his attorney explain in the documents, "As a result of the media coverage of Michael Jackson's death, combined with the deleterious effects of the current recession, [Murray] was simply unable to meet his obligations."

Murray's lawyer says the doctor has no intention to "evade his obligations." But he says Murray "is temporarily unable to maintain a practice or obtain employment because of the extensive media coverage related to the death of Michael Jackson."

Murray is asking the judge to allow him to make "minimal payments" for now while he looks for a job - but the District Attorney's not buying the story.

In a response filed to Dr. Murray's objection, the D.A. shot down Murray's claims, saying, "Dr. Murray's inadequate child support payment history began before the events of June 25, 2009 [the day Michael Jackson died] and Dr. Murray has shown a pattern of failing to abide by child support orders."

Dr. Murray is due back in court on November 16, and the D.A. wants Murray to make a full disclosure of his finances before then.