Michael Jackson’s famous Neverland home is in the path of a Southern California wildfire.
Per TMZ, the Santa Barbara County estate is dangerously close to a blaze called Lake Fire, which has prompted evacuations.
Earlier this year, the sprawling home and amusement park received renovations in preparation for an upcoming biopic about the late singer’s life.
Jackson’s nephew Jaafar — an accomplished singer and dancer — is slated to play his uncle.
The property was purchased by Jackson in 1988 and has been reconstructed as filming takes place ahead of the movie’s scheduled April 18, 2025 release.
Aerial photos taken in April revealed that the fairground rides, tents and children’s trains have all been rebuilt, along with a Ferris wheel and a replica of Jackson’s carousel.
Additional snapshots showed a recreation of the star’s large red and white circus tent, as well as the red train that carried visitors around the park.
Billionaire Ron Burkle, a financial adviser to Michael, purchased the Neverland mansion for $22 million in December 2020.
He snagged the property for nearly $80 million less than the asking price.
The residence was inspired by J.M. Barrie’s novel Peter Pan.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal shortly after purchasing the property, Burkle explained that he wanted to give it a facelift by repairing the train station, fixing the roads and eventually getting the train line running again.
‘It was kind of a depressing place. It wasn’t the beautiful place that it was before. It just needed flowers and life in it again,’ he said.
Following the purchase, the petting zoo was reinstalled and animals were reintroduced.
Before Burkle’s investment, Neverland had been on the market on and off since 2016.
It fell into disrepair after police raided the ranch and charged the King of Pop with seven counts of child molestation.
Although he was acquitted, Jackson vowed never to step foot in Neverland again.
The ranch boasted multiple guesthouses, a 50-seat movie theatre, a swimming pool with a cabana, plus basketball and tennis courts.
Jackson famously gave the property fantasy touches for his young fans to enjoy when they visited, but he was accused by multiple alleged victims of abusing them at the ranch.
In a devastating turn of events, Michael Jackson’s iconic Neverland home is currently threatened by a wildfire in Southern California. The Santa Barbara County estate, which recently underwent renovations in preparation for an upcoming biopic about the late singer’s life, is in close proximity to the dangerous Lake Fire. This has led to evacuations in the area as authorities work to contain the blaze.
The sprawling property, originally purchased by Jackson in 1988, is now owned by billionaire Ron Burkle. In December 2020, Burkle acquired the Neverland mansion for $22 million, a staggering $80 million below the initial asking price. Inspired by J.M. Barrie’s novel Peter Pan, the residence was in need of a facelift prior to Burkle’s ownership.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal after purchasing the property, Burkle expressed his intentions to restore the magic of Neverland by repairing the train station, improving the roads, and eventually reviving the train line. He described the property as a somewhat desolate place that needed to be brought back to life with flowers and vibrancy.
Before Burkle’s intervention, Neverland had faced a tumultuous journey, including being on and off the market since 2016. The ranch fell into disrepair following a police raid and subsequent legal issues involving Jackson. Despite being acquitted of charges, the King of Pop made a vow never to return to the once-beloved estate.
However, with Burkle’s investment, the property has seen a revival. The petting zoo has been reinstated, and animals once again roam the grounds. The estate, complete with guesthouses, a movie theatre, swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts, and various fantasy-themed attractions, has regained some of its former allure.
It is heart-wrenching to see such a historic and culturally significant place under threat from natural disasters like wildfires. Our thoughts are with the residents, firefighters, and all those involved in protecting Neverland and its legacy.
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Source: Los Angeles Times (edited)
