Family sues Jackson over hospital visit

The family of a woman who died two years ago are suing Michael Jackson and a California hospital amidst claims that their critically ill relative was moved to make room for the King of Pop.

Manuela Gomez Ruiz was moved out of the trauma unit of California's Marian Medical Centre to make room for Jackson when he was admitted with flu symptoms and wanted a two-bed unit to himself.

The prosecution are claiming that Mrs Ruiz was unhooked from a life support machine to create privacy for Michael Jackson and his entourage and that she was kept alive by hand-pumped oxygen.

The 73-year-old died of a massive heart attack later that day.

The event happened during Jackson's 2005 trial, in which he was eventually acquitted on ten charges of child abuse. Jacko missed a court appearance due to his illness.

The family's complaint alleges that due to what it called the Marian Centre's unspoken "VIP" policy, Jackson was able to avoid court for a day by abusing his celebrity status and being admitted to the hospital under the guise that he was suffering from a serious illness. They are seeking undetermined damages.

The hospital issued a statement which said: "The most recent complaint appears to be another frivolous claim to generate publicity. Patient care and safety is always our first priority at Marian. As such, we are confident the care provided to Mrs Ruiz was exceptional."

Mrs Ruiz's children filed the civil complaint against Jackson and the Marian Medical Centre last Thursday, the two year anniversary their mother's death.

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