There are some interesting offers on the table for Michael Jackson's legendary Neverland Ranch. The property was seized in 2008 because of Jackson's mountainous debt, and it has just recently inched closer toward actually being sold. Of course, there are a few interested parties that would love to turn the property into a shrine to the singer. Interestingly enough, the Graceland-type idea does not seem to be sitting well Colony Capital, the hedge fund that seized control of the property. Instead, it seems more intrigued by the idea of a rehab for victims of sexual assault taking up residence. According to a report by Page Six, a local businessman offered "in the neighborhood of $40 million" for the use of the site as a treatment center for sexual abuse victims, said a source with direct knowledge of the sale process.
"His goal is for the place to be used to help children in a serene setting recover from the trauma of sex abuse," the source said. "The plan is to have children come there for treatment, and they will also hire trained therapists who would help the victims through the use of equine-assisted therapy, which works to improve the kids' self-esteem, and it helps them to become more outgoing."
Colony Capital is likely to reject that initial offer because it believes they can get $75 million for the property, but if both sides come to an agreement, it would be more than a little ironic. For years, Jackson was accused of luring young boys to Neverland Ranch only to get them drunk and allegedly sexually abuse them. While he was never successfully prosecuted, the accusations clouded his career and followed him to his early grave.
While the property sits in limbo, Paris Jackson has reportedly returned often to plant a Zen garden where the Ferris wheel once stood. Just being on the grounds probably brings her a lot of comfort, which is why she supposedly makes the 100-mile trek often.
Readers: What are your thoughts on this one? Should Neverland Ranch be turned into a tribute to Jackson, or would a treatment center be incredibly appropriate? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.
