What happened to Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch? See what became of the star’s infamous property

Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, a 2,700-acre property in California that served as his home and private theme park for nearly two decades, was abandoned after his 2005 molestation trial acquittal and later sold to Ron Burkle in 2020. The ranch, originally purchased in 1988 for $19.5 million, featured extravagant amenities like a zoo, amusement park rides, and a movie theater before its decline following legal controversies." "article": "Michael Jackson purchased Neverland Ranch in 1988 for $19.5 million, transforming the 2,700-acre property in Los Olivos, California, into a private theme park and home. Originally named Sycamore Valley Ranch, Jackson renamed it Neverland after the fictional island in *Peter Pan*, adding elaborate features like a zoo with elephants and tigers, a Ferris wheel, and a 50-seat movie theater. The ranch became a hub for entertaining children, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, though its reputation shifted after a 2003 police raid linked to molestation allegations. Jackson faced 10 criminal charges, including child molestation, during his 2005 trial, which ended in acquittal. He never returned to Neverland Ranch afterward, and the property remained vacant for years. The ranch’s decline accelerated as its whimsical attractions—like the $215,000 Ferris wheel—became symbols of controversy rather than joy. In 2020, Neverland Ranch was sold to billionaire investor Ron Burkle, marking the end of its association with Jackson. The sale followed years of legal battles and public scrutiny, erasing the property’s once-magical reputation. While Jackson’s biopic *Michael* briefly revisited the ranch’s history, its physical legacy faded into obscurity, leaving behind only echoes of its past grandeur.