On Tuesday, reality TV star Alanna Gold, known for her role on Netflix’s “Selling Sunset,” issued a public apology after falsely claiming ownership of Pioneertown, a small desert town located about two hours east of Los Angeles. Gold, a real estate agent at the Oppenheim Group, had previously told colleagues on the show that she and her husband, Adam, had bought the entire town. However, Gold has since retracted that statement, clarifying it as inaccurate.
Minor Stake in Historic Landmark
Though Gold and her husband did purchase a share of Pioneertown, their acquisition was far from encompassing the entire area. Originally founded in 1946 by Hollywood stars, the town is steeped in cinematic history. Gold made her debut on the latest season of “Selling Sunset,” where she implied that she and Adam owned Pioneertown outright. She even took her co-workers on a tour of the town during the show. The aired claim led to immediate backlash from Pioneertown residents, who were quick to correct the record.
Residents Demand Accountability
Following the episode’s release, locals were vocal in demanding an apology from both Gold and the show’s producers. A statement was posted on The Pioneertown Gazette’s Instagram account, clarifying that Gold’s ownership was not as extensive as portrayed. The town, home to over 400 residents, is divided among more than 100 individual owners. According to the post, “Mrs. Gold owns a small, non-controlling stake in a company that holds six of 35 parcels on Mane Street,” amounting to less than 1% of the town’s total 640 acres.
Alanna Gold’s Apology
Responding to the mounting criticism, Gold publicly apologized, acknowledging the error in her statements. “I sincerely apologize for the confusion I caused. I do not own Pioneertown, and I should not have made that claim,” she said. Gold explained that her excitement for the town led to her exaggerating its significance in her life. The town holds personal value to the couple, as it was the site of their first date and later their wedding venue in 2022. Despite their emotional connection, Gold admitted that her representation of their involvement in the town was misleading.
Concerns Over Town’s Future
Pioneertown, founded by Hollywood legends such as Roy Rogers and Dick Curtis, was originally envisioned as both a live-in movie set and a place for film industry professionals. Today, the town remains a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its vintage Wild West charm. However, the influx of investors and newcomers has raised concerns among long-time residents about the potential loss of the town’s unique character.
Impact of Wealthy Investors on Local Culture
The arrival of affluent buyers, like the Golds, has led some residents to worry that Pioneertown’s distinct identity could be overshadowed or altered by commercialization. Gold’s initial claims only added to these concerns, with locals fearing that outsiders may devalue the hard work of small business owners and long-term residents. Public records show that Gold and her husband hold a minority stake in the Pioneertown Land Company, which is owned by David Corso, founder of Corso Marketing Group. The company has purchased seven parcels in the town between 2021 and 2022.
Outrage from Local Business Owners
Ben Loescher, the proprietor of the Red Dog Saloon in Pioneertown, shared his disappointment with Business Insider regarding Gold’s misrepresentation. “Even though most people understand that ‘Selling Sunset’ isn’t entirely real, the publicity from this situation created a lot of unnecessary confusion,” Loescher remarked. He emphasized that for those who have poured years into growing businesses in the town, it was disheartening to hear false claims of ownership from outsiders.
Despite the controversy, Pioneertown continues to maintain its rich Hollywood heritage and rustic charm, beloved by both its residents and visitors who flock to experience its timeless appeal.