Celebrity | Michael Jackson Was Jackson Healthy or On the Brink? Yes. Drug-addled or ready to rock, his inner-circle tells it from all sides By Drew Nelles Posted Jul 12, 2009 2:43 PM CDT Copied In this March 5, 2009 file photo, pop singer Michael Jackson punches the air after announcing that he is set to play ten live concerts at the London O2 Arena in July. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan, file) Was Michael Jackson happy and healthy, or drug-addled and depressed in his final days? Depends who you ask. The AP compiles a list of contradictory reports from the star’s inner circle: Concert promoter Randy Phillips initially told reporters Jackson was "a healthy, vibrant human being,” but later said he hired an attendant whose sole job was reminding the singer to eat. Dermatologist Dr. Arnold Klein says Jackson “was very happy,” but confirms he went to rehab for a painkiller addiction. Klein also says Jackson suffered from lupus and vitiligo, a skin disorder. Several close friends, including self-help guru Deepak Chopra, say they confronted Jackson about his drug abuse. Chopra says he last spoke with Jackson about the issue just six months ago. Singer Akon says his famous mentor reminded him to stay healthy, asking him, “What are you doing out there on the road? Are you eating? Are you exercising?” Read These Next It's a survival story fit for a sea shanty. For first time, SCOTUS is asked to overturn gay marriage ruling. White House plans sweeping checks of Smithsonian exhibits. Got grandkids? You may want to set up a secret code with them. Report an error