According to Rolling Stone, a court in Orleans, France has ruled that five fans from Michael Jackson's fan club were able to prove that they suffered "emotional damage" following the pop stars death. They each were award €1, or approximately US $1.36, for their distress.
According to the article, the five fans were among 34 fans who tried to sue Dr. Conrad Murray, the man charged with involuntary manslaughter for administering a lethal dose of anesthesia to Jackson and sentenced to jail in 2011. The BBC reports that the fans used witness statements and medical certificates to prove their cases.
"As far as I know this is the first time in the world that the notion of emotional damage in connection with a pop star has been recognised," Emmanuel Ludot told the AFP news agency. "They have been subjected to ridicule and I am delighted their suffering has been taken seriously by the law."
He explained that the damages were symbolic and the fans would not be seeking to claim their money from Murray. Instead they hope the ruling will help them gain access to Jackson's grave in Los Angeles, which is currently closed to the public.
