Michael Jackson’s iconic Neverland Ranch faces threat from Southern California wildfire.
According to TMZ, the estate in Santa Barbara County is perilously close to the Lake Fire, leading to mandatory evacuations in the area.
Earlier this year, extensive renovations were completed at the sprawling property and amusement park in preparation for an upcoming biopic on the late singer’s life. Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar, an accomplished singer and dancer, is set to portray his uncle in the film.
Originally purchased by Jackson in 1988, the property has been meticulously restored for filming ahead of the movie’s scheduled release on April 18, 2025.
Aerial photographs from April showcased the restored fairground rides, tents, children’s trains, Ferris wheel, and a replica of Jackson’s carousel. The estate also features a recreation of the star’s famous large red and white circus tent and the iconic red train that once ferried visitors around the park.
In December 2020, billionaire Ron Burkle, a financial adviser to Michael Jackson, acquired the Neverland mansion for $22 million, significantly below its initial asking price of nearly $100 million. Burkle expressed plans to restore the property, including repairs to the train station, roads, and potentially reactivating the train line, in homage to J.M. Barrie’s novel Peter Pan.
He said: “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.”
Following the acquisition, the petting zoo at Neverland Ranch was reinstated and animals were reintroduced.
Prior to Burkle’s investment, the property had been intermittently listed for sale since 2016. It had fallen into disrepair following a police raid and subsequent legal charges against the King of Pop for seven counts of child molestation.
Despite being acquitted, Jackson vowed never to return to Neverland.
The estate featured multiple guesthouses, a 50-seat movie theatre, a swimming pool with a cabana, and facilities for basketball and tennis.
Jackson had adorned the property with whimsical elements for the enjoyment of young visitors, although multiple alleged victims later accused him of abuse at the ranch.
