JOIN USThe pop music icon, who died June 25 after a cardiac arrest, was said to have been so desperate to fuel his addiction that he harmed himself to convince doctors to give him medication that included the strong pain killer Demerol, reports contactmusic.com.
"LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) detectives have interviewed some 30-35 witnesses so far, and it has come to light that Jackson was prone to self-harming. He'd bang his head against the wall, hit his fists and arms against furniture, anything to cause a cut or a bruise.
"He wanted to convince his doctors that he'd had an accident and was in a lot of pain -- a legitimate reason to ask for painkillers. This came up as part of the investigation into Michael's drug-taking. So far there's no evidence to prove or disprove the claims," a source told Britain's Daily Mirror.
A family source told the newspaper that the late singer was an attention seeker and used to harm himself for that reason.
"Michael self-harmed as an attention-seeking mechanism or to gain sympathy. He enjoyed being cared for. It was a huge cry for help," said the family member.
Michael Jackson's doctor breaks silence on YouTube
Michael Jackson's personal physician, who is being investigated on manslaughter charges, has broken his silence for the first time since the death of the pop icon in June, saying he "told the truth".
"I told the truth and I have faith the truth will prevail," Houston-based Dr Conrad Murray said in a one-minute video clip posted on YouTube yesterday.
Murray, whose home and offices have been searched by authorities investigating Jackson's death, said he is drawing strength from the people who have reached out to him.
Thanking his supporters he said, "Because of all that is going on, I am afraid to return phone calls or use email. Therefore, I recorded this video to let all of you know that I have been receiving your messages.
"I want to thank all of my patients and friends who sent such kind e-mails, letters and messages to let me know of your support and prayers for me and my family," Murray said.
"Your messages give me strength and courage, and keep me going," he said. "They mean the world to me. God bless you and thank you."
Earlier this week, an attorney for Katherine Jackson, Michael's mother, said she was considering a wrongful death lawsuit with Murray's being the main name brought up.
Investigators have been looking into whether Murray gave the pop star the anesthetic propofol in the hours before his death on June 25.