Four years ago on June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson, famed former pop singer and cultural icon, passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest due to acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication at his home in Los Angeles. Controversy surrounding the singer’s death led to the trial and conviction of his personal physician Conrad Murray of involuntary manslaughter. He is currently serving a four-year prison sentence. After Murray’s conviction, the Jackson family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against AEG Live, the promoter of what would have been Michael Jackson’s comeback “This Is It” tour.

The lawsuit, originally filed on September 15, 2010, on behalf of Michael Jackson’s children Prince, Paris and Blanket, and their grandmother Katherine Jackson, alleges that AEG Live put profits over the health and safety of Michael Jackson, causing his wrongful death. The trial has been ongoing since April 29, 2013, when the opening statements were made in the downtown Los Angeles court house. According to CNN, Michael Jackson’s son is expected to testify at the ongoing trial "about what his father told him in his last weeks about whom he trusted and distrusted."

While controversy continues to surround the family amid the ongoing lawsuit, fans honor Michael through song, tribute videos and memorials. According to YouTube video statistics, views of his “Thriller” music video have spiked consistently each year on the anniversary of his death.

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