Neverland off hook

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson still has Neverland, having cut an 11th-hour deal on Thursday to keep it off the auction block.

But the magic that once made the financially troubled entertainer’s 2 500-acre paradise in the rolling hills of central California’s wine country one of the most talked-about places on Earth seems to have vanished along with its reclusive owner. Jackson hasn’t been seen in this bucolic area of oak-studded hills since he was acquitted in June 2005 of molesting a 13-year-old visitor to his estate.His absence leaves the future of Neverland, a sort of Hearst Castle for 12-year-olds, in doubt.The pop star’s attorney, L Londell McMillan, told The AP his client has worked out a confidential agreement with Fortress Investment Group LLC allowing him to retain ownership of the estate.Whether he’ll keep it for long, however, remains to be seen.Jackson is said to be living in various places, including overseas, and his family has said that when dozens of sheriff’s deputies raided the place in 2003 they destroyed the fond feelings he once had for Neverland.Nampa-APJackson hasn’t been seen in this bucolic area of oak-studded hills since he was acquitted in June 2005 of molesting a 13-year-old visitor to his estate.His absence leaves the future of Neverland, a sort of Hearst Castle for 12-year-olds, in doubt.The pop star’s attorney, L Londell McMillan, told The AP his client has worked out a confidential agreement with Fortress Investment Group LLC allowing him to retain ownership of the estate.Whether he’ll keep it for long, however, remains to be seen.Jackson is said to be living in various places, including overseas, and his family has said that when dozens of sheriff’s deputies raided the place in 2003 they destroyed the fond feelings he once had for Neverland.Nampa-AP