Michael Jackson’s Neverland home is facing demolition after struggling to sell, according to reports.
The ranch is the focus of the Leaving Neverland documentary that explores claims made by Wade Robson and James Safechuck in graphic detail, accusing Michael of sexually abusing them when they were children at his Neverland home.
The Michael Jackson estate and his family have strongly denied the claims. His estate is suing HBO for $100million, while the Jackson family have accused Robson and Safechuck of lying over the allegations and ‘trying to make money’ off Michael.
Jackson, who died in 2009, has been subjected to backlash since Leaving Neverland aired in the UK and the US and reports claimed his Neverland Ranch is now struggling to sell on the property market as a result.
The property, located in Santa Barbara, California, has been renamed to Sycamore Valley Ranch and faced a drastic reduction of 69% in order to entice potential buyers.
In 2015, Neverland Ranch was put on sale for $100 million (£76.6 million) and the price has now dropped significantly to $31million (£23million).
Advertisement
Advertisement
But, property expert Ruban Selvanayagam (of Property Solvers) has told Daily Star, Neverland now faces ‘being demolished’.
He explained: ‘I suspect most of it will be demolished as I doubt many developers would want to maintain Michael Jackson’s legacy after these shocking allegations.
‘Perhaps someone may think that Neverland could be rebranded somehow, but this would be doomed to failure in my view.’
He added the ranch’s owners have the option of ‘cutting their losses’ and destroying Neverland to build something new.
Leaving Neverland proved to be divisive following its broadcast, with some viewers supporting Robson and Safechuck’s story and others branding it ‘one-sided’ in defence of Michael.
The documentary’s director Dan Reed is reportedly now looking at making a movie about Jackson and his 2005 trial, where he wasn’t convicted.
Reed told Film School Rejects that if the alleged victim Gavin Arvizo would be up for discussing his trial, then he would be more than happy about making another film.
More: Entertainment
Dan said: ‘The film I would really like to make following this one is the trial of Michael Jackson. I could only do that if the victim and his family participate.
‘If Gavin Arvizo and his family would agree to participate, I would very much like to tell the story of that trial. I think it’s fascinating and astonishing that Michael was acquitted. The way that happened is an amazing story and one that should be told.’
Got a showbiz story?
If you've got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Hailey Baldwin says mental health should be a priority after husband Justin Bieber admits struggles
MORE: Jennifer Lopez and fiance Alex Rodriguez break their silence on engagement: ‘We’re really happy’
Advertisement
Advertisement
