World News 19-11-2003 Police Swoop On Jacko`s Ranch who: California police what: Conduct search of Michael Jackson`s Neverland home after sexual abuse allegations where: Neverland Ranch, Los Angeles, California when: Yesterday snippet: Michael Jackson`s Neverland ranch was yesterday raided by police "investigating claims that he molested a boy of 12", reports today`s Mirror as the rumours about the self styled King of Pop`s personal life took on more sinister overtones. More than 40 police vehicles were present at the raid which continued for a number of hours, adds The Guardian, although police would confirm nothing apart from the fact that their search was part of an "ongoing criminal investigation". The Sun speaks to Diane Dimond, a presenter from US cable channel Court TV, who says investigators "will be looking for the same sort of material as in 1993 like photos and videos." Ten years ago, Jackson was the subject of sex abuse claims by 13 year-old Jordy Chandler, who accepted a multi-million pound out-of-court settlement but whose case has never officially been closed by police. Neverland has a theatre complex, says Ms Dimond, "where Jackson would film himself and others, and I`d imagine similar videos are what police are looking for. They will also be looking for things such as casting books which were seized in 1993 - the type of thing used by film-makers and Jackson often made films. So they would say things like, `I am looking for a boy between eight and 19 with pictures`." The Times thinks that regardless of the outcome of this latest investigation, the chances of Jackson`s new single, One More Chance, may now be wrecked. "The latest allegations could destroy the last vestiges of goodwill towards a performer whose musical genius has latterly been matched only by an ability to attract scandal," writes Adam Sherwin. Musical genius he may be, but with dwindling record sales failing to support Jackon`s unrestrained spending, "he is reported to be facing debts equivalent to £125 million, which could lead to the collapse of Neverland." Spoon bender Uri Geller tells The Telegraph he is "very concerned" for his friend, adding that Jackson "becomes fragile" in the face of such claims. "He is very gullible and he is naive," says Geller. "He is very childlike and I believe he is innocent." [... more]

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