Today, nearly 1400 items once owned by the King of Pop will be auctioned off over 3 days on display for fans to enjoy. These are the things that Michael Jackson left behind when he left fled the country after being acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005. Since his Neverland Ranch was the alleged scene of the crime, the paradise Jackson built for himself lost its allure (that’s bound to happen when cops go through your place with a fine tooth comb). Although he all but abandoned Neverland he couldn’t run away from the bills associated with his lifestyle —which continued in his absence. (Even though Colony Capital swooped last year to keep him from losing the property).
Michael Jackson now owes a whopping $24 million and this auction may raise between 10-20 million dollars. But late today Jackson changed his mind. I guess he’ll have to depend upon the good piece of change he’ll make from his performance later this year at the O.2 Stadium in the UK. (But seriously, isn’t it a trip that one can owe that much money and live like a King anyway?)
If you look at the things Jackson left behind you’d think he was moving with such quickness that he thought authorities might change their minds and snatch him up at any moment. Among the items no longer up for grabs are some of his awards (NAACP, Billboard and MTV among others), the crystal studded glove and socks he wore in his memorable “Billie Jean” video and a wax likeness of him from Madame Tussard (but there is no mention of whether it is the “Off the Wall” Michael or one of his other iterations).
In order to get all of these items, Julian Auctions, all but gutted the ranch of everything of value including light fixtures and range hoods—that took 3 months. So folks will also be able to covet things that were part of the Neverland decor. That includes items from the actual gates to the Ranch to a carousel horse inscribed by his buddy Elizabeth Taylor and artwork that proves he takes his title as King Of Pop seriously. But also included are items that show his obsession with being/staying a child (or was it to attract children?) like his video arcade games and his extensive Disney collections. Creepy.
Although the auction is now off, the Jackson stuff will be available for public viewing in the Los Angeles area at Robinson-May’s department store until April 22nd for a small fee of $20. Diehard fans may luck out if this crazy collection goes on tour. (Well if you can’t get Michael himself, maybe his stuff will do).
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