Celebrity
Tom Selleck, the charming and rugged star of Magnum P.I., found himself in a surprising predicament. Under the watchful eye of a private investigator, he was accused of stealing water to irrigate his avocado farm during a severe drought. But how did he resolve this dispute? Let’s find out!
Tom Selleck, known for his iconic mustache and his role as Thomas Magnum in Magnum P.I., became a household name and captured the hearts of many with his portrayal of a Navy SEAL turned private investigator. While his career took off, he remained locked in a contract that prevented him from accepting other roles, including the opportunity to play Indiana Jones. However, he continued to make his mark in Hollywood with films like Three Men and a Baby franchise and TV series like Friends and Las Vegas.
In 1988, seeking balance in his life and a retreat from the Hollywood spotlight, Tom Selleck and his wife, Jillie Mack, moved to their Hidden Valley ranch, nestled on 65 acres of land. This picturesque property included a 1926 ranch house, a horse corral, and a working avocado farm. Here, they raised their daughter and found solace amidst the chaos of fame.
However, during California’s grueling four-year drought, which imposed water cutbacks on cities and towns, Tom Selleck found himself embroiled in controversy. The Calleguas Municipal Water District filed a complaint against him, alleging that he had been using their water supply to irrigate his ranch.
It was revealed that a hydrant in the nearby Calleguas water district had been tapped to provide water to Selleck’s Hidden Valley ranch. Although Selleck had paid for the water he used, the water district claimed that he did not have a legal right to their water.
In order to resolve the dispute, Selleck agreed to settle the lawsuit and pay nearly $22,000 to cover the cost of the private investigator hired by the water district. The investigator was tasked with confirming whether truckloads of water were indeed being delivered to the actor’s ranch during the drought.
What makes this controversy even more intriguing is that Tom Selleck doesn’t even like avocados! In his own words, “I don’t eat ’em…Honestly, they make me gag. But it’s just as well. I’ll sell my portion.”
While what Selleck did was wrong, especially during a severe drought, some may argue that compared to other celebrity scandals, this is a relatively minor offense. After all, if his biggest controversy is stealing water for avocados, maybe he deserves a pass.
Tom Selleck’s brush with the law and subsequent settlement reminds us that even celebrities are not immune to the consequences of their actions. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of water conservation and responsible resource usage, especially during times of drought.
In the end, we can’t help but appreciate Tom Selleck’s dedication to his family and his pursuit of balance between work and personal life. As he continues to grace our screens in the TV series Blue Bloods, his portrayal of NYC Commissioner Frank Reagan proves that he remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
