Michael Jackson's Neverland: A Dream Escape Turned Controversy

0:00It's April 26th. This is Entertainment and Celebrity News, AI-powered stories from the world of fame. I'm Cory with the story. Michael Jackson turned Neverland Ranch into his dream escape back in 1988, dropping $17 million on the 2000. 700 Acre Spot in Los Alivos, California. He poured another $35 million into making it a full-on fantasy land with a Ferris Wheel, movie theater, petting zoo, lake, and even a mini. Train station straight out of Peter Pan, where he lived for about 17 years until 2005. The place was all about recapturing the childhood he missed out on, inviting kids from all over to play while he built his private world of rides and animals. His sister Latoya said it let him live out normal joys like zoo trips or movies that fame stole from him, and his kids Paris, Prince, and BG only got access as rewards for good behavior. But shadows hit in 2003 when police raided the ranch over allegations tied to his friendship with a 13-year-old cancer survivor.

1:04Leading to charges of molestation and more, he got acquitted on all counts in 2005. Later docs like Leaving Neverland brought fresh claims from other accusers about hidden spots on the property. After the trial, Michael swore off the place forever, calling it hateful, and never went back before dying in 2009 at age 50. It fell into financial trouble with a $24.5 million loan default, got stripped of rides and animals, renamed Sikamore Valley, Ranch. And bounced through sales listed as high as 100 million before selling for 22 million in 2020 to billionaire Ron. Berkall lately, crews used it for the Michael Jackson biopic, filming dialogue, stunts, and petting zucines from April 15th to May 1st. Yearkeeping that Neverland Magic Alive, in a whole new way.