4/10/03, 4 p.m. ET) -- Michael Jackson is reportedly selling his Neverland Ranch in California's Santa Ynez Valley for $22.5 million dollars, though real estate sources believe the property's actual value is much less, placing it at $13.5 million.

The 2,600-acre estate includes its own lake, railway, playground, amusement rides, guardhouse, recreational facilities, and barns; and costs about $3 million a year just to maintain.

The 44-year-old "King Of Pop" recently lost a lawsuit for backing out of two millennium concerts and owes the promoter more than $5 million. He is also facing a tax hike on the "Neverland" property from Santa Barbara County officials, for allegedly violating zoning regulations and claiming false tax breaks.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday (April 9), Jackson canceled an appearance on Sunday, April 13, in Vienna, Austria, where he was scheduled to play a concert and also introduce a children's charity project in Ischlg (ISH-gul), a ski resort in western Austria. The event organizer said Jackson canceled the show due to security risks related to world political events.

No bidders?

Oh my.

for MJ Heads like Myself that is Old News.it's been on the Market for almost 3&Half Years.Sorry to tell you.

GOOD! Now maybe Michael can get away from the fairy-tale world he lives in and get closer to reality.He's planning to buy a home in Florida,which is something he needs to do.The whole LA/Hollywood lifestyle isn't very healthy after awhile.

DavidEye said:

why you be Hatin on Mike so Much? first you quoate a Trick like Cher's negative stab at Mijac&now this? He is a Artist in Hollywood everybody out there has a "NeverLand" nothing wrong with that at all.Mike is very Much based in reality who do you think has took care of His brothers&sisters for all of these years except Janet??who took care of His parents&other family Members? Mike has the family on the pay-roll.Mike got Issues&whatnot but if you have truly been attention you'd Know that MJ has taken Care of His&Provided for them.

DavidEye said:

oh yeah, Florida with its Disney World and Epcot center, and Kennedy SPACE center. Thats reality.

SexGod said:

the remaining Bee gee Gibb Brothers live there as well if you must know.

mistermaxxx said:

Oh,I'm not hating on MJ at all.I have been a fan of his since the early 70s and I will always be a fan.But I just feel that he needs to make some serious changes in his life and get closer to reality.To me,Neverland seems like this great big fantasy playhouse where a 45-year old man can live like a child (with the amusement park and everything).That can't be healthy.By pointing this out,that does not make one a "hater"...lol...the fact that he is now selling Neverland and planning to re-locate to Florida...well,that proves that maybe he agrees with me?


and yes,I know that Mike has taken care of his family for so many years.That has nothing to do with the point I was trying to make.

mistermaxxx said:

Yes,I know that.Barry Gibb is a good friend of Mike's and they are working on a musical project together.

DavidEye said:

you mentioned Him needing to face reality&I Pointed out MJ taking care of His family is very mcuh somebody that stil touches the ground.anyway you ain't blasting Hugh Hefner? he is in His 70's&He has the true neverland but where is the Hate there? who in showBusiness doesn't live in a Version of there own Neverland?? did you see Phil Spector's Crib?Mike just needs to get back to Making Music&drop the Hype factors&just roll.ain't nothing wrong with a Amusement park,Rides&Having Fun? oh that is a Sin now? Hater all the way! I'd love to have a Crib like that&Just Make Music be Creative,Have Uno partys&Chill.I'd tell Mike get some thick babes,Make your Own Music&just be cool because folks still Buy your stuff&Hit the Stage&Make it Un-plugged but enjoy yourself because you only get One Go Around!

what can i say? times is hard, do whatcha gotta.

mistermaxxx said:

Be honest Maxxx - you're wearing an MJ t-shirt right now, aren't you? Come on, admit it!!

.
[This message was edited Sat Apr 12 19:01:14 PDT 2003 by CalhounSq]

CalhounSq said:

I got one from back in the day but nope I got a R.Kelly Tour T-Shirt with my Laker Cap&Isley brothers,R.Kelly&Ayaliyah Music blasting.just because I defend MJ against Stuff that everybody else does in Hollywood ain't wrong.I mean who wouldn't want there own Neverland? who wants to Grow up really? we live in a Youth driven Society.Mike&His Lifestyle ain't bothering me&He has earned His Money.as long as He can Bring out a tight Album which He hasn't for me since "Dangerous" or a Knock Out Jam since "Stranger in Moscow" which He is long overdue on then things are cool.it's all about the Music with me.

mistermaxx you defend MJ to a fault...Mike is a nutty guy...yes he is talented but I agree with Davideye, the man is and needs a dose of reality.


Separate comments about his music vs his personality...and get a new MJ t-shirt...that one is getting funky...

Rhondab said:

you would be Nutty in that Business as well if you had that level of success&Been through all of that.define Reality??

Hahaha, where d they get these values from? Has a surveyor been around the place and reported back to the tabloids? The guy bought Neveraldn as a run down old ranch in 1988 for $17m. If anything it's worth twice what they're saying 15 years later.

mistermaxxx said:

Reality
The quality or state of being actual or true.
One, such as a person, an entity, or an event, that is actual: “the weight of history and political realities” (Benno C. Schmidt, Jr.).
The totality of all things possessing actuality, existence, or essence.
That which exists objectively and in fact: Your observations do not seem to be about reality.

Essence said:

hmmm... you know, if he keeps pulling this kind of shit, he's going to have to sell off a lot more junk than just Neverland

AaronSuperior said:

He didn't CANCEL the appearance. It was never confirmed in the first place. That was a clear case of miscommunication and lies. For the last MONTH MJJ Productions have been consistently saying that they know NOTHING about the event, but it was being advertised that he would be there.

This is where folks get the wrong end of the stick. Whose fault is it?
[This message was edited Sun Apr 13 6:58:02 PDT 2003 by Ellie]

mistermaxxx said:

I thought it was just a rumour til now, this item made the news wire April 10th.

His spokesperson makes a statement saying it's false:

WASHINGTON POST
http://www.washingtonpost...Apr11.html

Saturday, April 12, 2003; Page C03

Michael Jackson selling his Neverland Ranch? Not so, according to advisers working with the King of Pop: "Reports that Michael is selling his Neverland spread in California are false. Michael loves his home and he never plans to sell it." Furthermore, Jackson advisers say, "there are a handful of former employees who are hurt that they are no longer on the edge of the spotlight that shines on Michael, and they have established their own cottage industry in trafficking in this nonsense."

- Compiled from staff and wire reports

by Anne Schroeder

Essence said:

since about 99 MJ is looking into other things as far as Cribs go.

Remember the castles in Scotland and Switzerland he was supposed to have bought? There was even a report about MJ and Madonna being in a bidding war for a place in Scotland. Complete fabrication on both sides.

Prince could have sold the purple house, but nooo

jthad1129 said:

Great Observation&sold it on E-Bay&Made a Gang load of Loot.

mistermaxxx said:

or have this year's celebration there, and then we all trash it and each have a piece to sell on ebay

jthad1129 said:

you are on a Roll.