Torchde Team | December 30, 2020
Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch has a new owner named Ronald Burkle. Burkle views the 2,700-acre as a land banking opportunity, his spokesman said Thursday (Dec. 24) in an email according to AP. The property will always be known to the world as the home of Michael Jackson, not just because he stayed there but because he shared it with others. Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, here are 3 Things People should remember about the property.
Michael Jackson’s Humanitarianism
The entertainer supported dozens of charities during his life, and reportedly was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for “Most Charities Supported by a Pop Star.” Jackson also opened up his home to people from all over the world. The underprivileged, sick, and in some cases – bed ridden child along with their parents could have the time of their life during their visit.
“When I was creating Neverland, I was creating a world the way I would like to see it. I wanted it to be a place to bring sick kids who are deprived and underprivileged from around the world… A haven for them, where they could feel safe and have some escapism. Or kids, who never got to see this type of things in the inner cities to breathe fresh air and see mountains and all that.” – Michael Jackson (Take Two: The Footage You Were Never Meant To See)
The Neverland Amusement Park and Train
Jackson was possibly the most photographed person in the world and needed an escape from the media. Another reason he built the ranch besides sharing it with others, was to create a place that embodied what he missed out on as a child. Jackson also needed freedom from his fame. “I can’t go into a park. I can’t go to Disneyland, as myself. I can’t go out and walk down the street. There’s crowds, and bumper to bumper cars. And so, I create my world behind my gates.”- Michael Jackson (Ed Bradley Interview)
What made Neverland iconic was Jackson’s vision. A paradisiacal property of detailed landscape designed to promote peace and family-life. Included were zoo animals, a movie theater and an amusement park. Two on-ground train lines went all over the 2,700 acre ranch and stopped at each attraction. Jackson also had amusement park rides including a Ferris wheel, Carousel, bumper cars and a Zipper.
The Police Violated It
The Neverland Ranch was searched extensively by police officers in connection with false molestation allegations twice. Once in 1993 and again in 2003. The second time, they damaged property unnecessarily and spread rumors that Neverland was a sinister trap for children. During the trial the prosecution brought in allegations from 1993. Jackson was proven innocent of both the 93 and 2003 charges in 2005. No evidence of wrongdoing was ever found and only supported what Jackson, his fans and those close to the singer have claimed – Jackson is childlike and Neverland is just a reflection of what he loves.
Still, the damage had already been done. Jackson stated that he would never live on the property again as he no longer considered the ranch a home and did not return. Despite DA Sneddon’s 2003 attempt to shatter the reputation of Neverland and Wade Robson’s in later years, most people should remember Jackson’s ideology of the ranch. A pure innocent place for people of all ages to find enjoyment.