A French court in Orleans, has awarded five Michael Jackson fans symbolic damages for their suffering over the pop star's death.
The fans were able to convince the court they had suffered "emotional damage" with Jackson's death and were awarded a symbolic amount of $1.36 each, reports Rolling Stone. They had joined together to sue Jackson's former doctor, Conrad Murray.
Their lawyer Emmanuel Ludot told AFP, "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 recognized." He added, "They have been subjected to ridicule and I am delighted their suffering has been taken seriously by the law."
BBC News reports that 34 fans sued the doctor, but only five were able to prove they were harmed. They group won by presenting evidence of medical certificates and through witness statements.
Ludot said that the five fans do not expect Murray to actually each pay them the $1.36 as it was a symbolic victory. However the fans hope that their victory in court will somehow grant them access to Jackson's grave in Los Angeles.
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