Michael Jackson’s Neverland ranch has not — NOT — been sold to designer Christian Audigier. It still belongs to Michael’s estate and Colony Capital LLC.
How did this story get legs? Audigier may have purchased the Holmby Hills estate where Michael died. At least, he’s telling people he did. When Jackson died, Audigier — which is French for publicity vacuum — took huge billboards out in L.A. saying goodbye to Michael. He’s gone on TV proclaiming that they were good pals and working on a line of clothes together in secret.
Whatever.
Anyway, Audigier — who’s responsible for the pedestrian Ed Hardy line of clothes — has not, however, bought Neverland. The 2,900-acre ranch remains as is, awaiting some decision from the Jackson estate and Colony about what will happen. In all likelihood, it will be marketed next year and sold off. There’s nothing left in the house. It’s all gone.
Meantime, Michael’s brother Randy has issued some kind of statement complaining about news organizations that tried to film Michael’s funeral on Thursday night. Randy says it was a private family affair. And of course, it’s being sold to A&E for profit.
Other observations from the funeral on Thursday night: Rebbie Jackson would not go anywhere near her father, Joseph, and as such ceded her monitoring of Michael’s three kids. Janet Jackson shepherded the kids through the service.
September 6th, 2009 at 11:45 am
The saddest thing of all is that Neverland will no longer exist as a haven for sick children. In this case, evil overpowered good.
September 6th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
I’ll hope the beautiful Sycamore Valley Ranch remains intact and once again captures the true essence of the Santa Ynez Valley.
I was married in Solvang and can’t imagine this communty becoming a circus … again.
September 6th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
What a big lie about Rebbie. She arrived last and sat by Tito and then the usher found her and her husband and son seats in the row behind Joe and Katherine. Janet sat by Randy and was nowhere near the kids. Prince sat by Katherine, then Paris, then Blanket and Latoya.
Latoya walked in with Joe, Katherine and the kids. Its all on tape and in the photos provided to the media.
It seems you really hate Joe Jackson so you have to make up lies about family discord while they are grieving. And to drag Rebbie into your web after praising her shows that you are really two-faced. Tabloid journalism at it’s worse!!
Until
September 6th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
If this is true, what is the history with Rebbie? Why would she not go near her father?
September 6th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Another great report Roger! Thanks for keeping us informed.
A couple comments
– As far as Christian Audigier, I read about his clothing line with Michael in several publications (including YRB magazine). Doesn’t sound like it was much of a secret — what a weird thing for him to say.
Then to quote Roger: “Meantime, Michael’s brother Randy has issued some kind of statement complaining about news organizations that tried to film Michael’s funeral on Thursday night. Randy says it was a private family affair. And of course, it’s being sold to A&E for profit.”
I LOVE that Roger said that. I thought EXACTLY the same thing.
Fabulous report as always Roger!
September 6th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Wasn’t La Toya the one closest to the children? Janet was sitting in a row with the brothers. BTW the children seem to be growing darker and more beautiful by the day.
As for Neverland, some media outlets have been sloppy in distinguishing between the ranch and the property in LA.
September 6th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
As usual reporting bad news. No one said that Audigier purchased Neverland, all the blogs stated he purchased the Holmby Hills location where Michael died from his business partner.
Secondly, I don’t know what you were watching because I am positive you were not at that damn funeral, but to be calling out the Jackson sisters as doing what you claim that is wrong because I am positive everyone saw the ushers placing them in their respective seats. Janet was with the brothers and everyone else sat on the opposite side. God you are so overly dramatic with your fake insider stories and for those who do not know any better they gobble it up as facts.
Anyway, the story about Audigier is old and not factual as you wrote it, just like the rest of your story. GET A LIFE and LEAVE THE FAMILY ALONE. Yes, Michael and his kids were wearing Audigier’s design and he designed some shirts for Michael which was evident from pictures but to know if there was a business deal in the works is not something you would know especially since it was reported from the get-go through AEG that Michael was planning something like this – OLD NEWS AGAIN, why didn’t you comment on this information when it first came out.
TABLOID LIAR again. These lies makes the other true facts you report look so skewed.
September 6th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
JMO, but I don’t think ANY of the jacksons are sincere in their efforts to raise Michael’s three lovely kids. I think it’s all for show. Prior to Michael’s death, I don’t think his family was close to his kids and if it wasn’t for the money, the kids will be palmed off to Diana or Debbie.
Latoya is nuts; Janet is working on a hopeful; the brothers, well they’re trying for a come-back and milking this for all it’s worth; gramps is pimping and scheming in Vegas; and Katherine is a court chaser.
Sending good wishes to Prince, Paris, and Blanket
September 7th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Actually, it HAS been reported by other news organizations that Audigier purchased Neverland. If you google “audigier bought neverland” you’ll see some of the articles.
They base it off this in Audigier’s statement:
“In an interview with Agence France-Presse, he said, “I bought the Michael Jackson house. It’s something I’m gonna open just for the birthday (sic) of his death every June, where the media is gonna be able to come in and we’ll do exposes, etc.”
Here is just one example: http://www.hollyscoop.com/michael-jackson/christian-audigier-buys-neverland-ranch_21413.aspx
Thanks for keeping us up to date Roger!
September 7th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Simba,
Yes, La Toya was on right side of Blanket, then Rebbie in the last seat. (rewatched it today)