The latest season of Netflix’s hit real estate reality show, Selling Sunset, introduced viewers to Alanna Gold, a new agent making waves both in luxury real estate and, unexpectedly, in the historical town of Pioneertown, California. Gold’s statements on the show regarding her connection to Pioneertown sparked considerable confusion and a public apology. Here’s a breakdown of what unfolded with Alanna and Pioneertown.
During her debut season, Alanna Gold mentioned that she and her husband, Adam Gold, had purchased a portion of Pioneertown. This Old West town, located in San Bernardino County, boasts a rich history and unique character. However, following the season’s release on September 6th, Alanna’s claim that she “owned” part of Pioneertown ignited a wave of reactions from the town’s actual residents.
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Pioneertown California as featured in Selling Sunset, showcasing the town’s unique Old West charm and the setting of the recent ownership discussions.
In response to the misunderstanding, Alanna Gold issued a public apology on Monday, September 9th, directly addressing the residents of Pioneertown. In her statement, shared with PEOPLE, she expressed deep regret for the confusion caused by her remarks. “I want to reach out to personally say I am so deeply sorry for the confusion I have caused,” Alanna stated. She clarified, “I certainly do not own Pioneertown, I never should have said that and I apologize for doing so.” Alanna attributed her misstatement to getting “too excited” when speaking about Pioneertown, a place personally significant to her and her husband.
Alanna further elaborated on her connection to Pioneertown, highlighting its personal significance. She shared that her first date and wedding with her husband both took place in this distinctive town. Aiming to “correct the record,” Alanna explained that their intention was to become part of the Pioneertown community. “We wanted to become part of the community, so we invested in a home and other properties there,” she wrote, emphasizing her respect for the town’s heritage and community.
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Alanna Gold from Selling Sunset, pictured during season 8, amidst the Pioneertown ownership clarification and public response.
Prior to Alanna’s apology, Pioneertown residents responded to her claims directly via an Instagram post. They characterized her statements as “baseless” and emphasized that they “undermine 78 years of internationally celebrated film, arts and cultural history.” The residents’ statement underscored the town’s vibrant community, comprising over 400 individuals, including artists, business owners, and nature enthusiasts.
The Instagram post from Pioneertown residents further clarified the ownership structure of the town. It stated that Pioneertown “is privately owned by more than 100 independent parties.” Addressing Alanna Gold’s investment, the statement specified that she possesses “a small minority non-controlling interest in an entity that owns six of thirty five parcels in the Mane Street area, constituting less than 1% of Pioneertown’s total 640 acres.” The residents concluded firmly, “The claim that she owns the ‘entire town’ is verifiably false.”
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Scenic view of Pioneertown, California, highlighting the unique landscape and buildings that are central to the Alanna Gold ownership discussions and community identity.
In an earlier interview with PEOPLE, Alanna had expressed her and her husband’s long-standing desire to invest in Pioneertown, noting their ambition to “preserve a piece of history” and contribute to its revitalization. She highlighted Pioneertown’s unique status as a functioning town originating from a 1940s film set, co-founded by Roy Rogers. Unlike typical film sets that become ghost towns, Pioneertown remains a living, breathing community.
In Conclusion
The narrative around Alanna Gold and Pioneertown serves as a reminder of the importance of precise language, especially in the public eye. While Alanna’s enthusiasm for Pioneertown is evident, her initial statements on Selling Sunset misrepresented the reality of her investment. Her prompt apology and clarification have been crucial steps in addressing the concerns of the Pioneertown community and setting the record straight regarding her connection to this historically significant and vibrant town.
