Paris Jackson, daughter of Michael Jackson, recently disclosed her identification as a Black woman. Growing up in the limelight, she faced public struggles, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) triggered by paparazzi fixation on her father. She shared her mental health journey on Red Table Talk, revealing, “I experience audio hallucinations… with camera clicks and severe paranoia.”
Aside from PTSD, Paris addressed her sexuality and family dynamics on the show, admitting challenges discussing it with her religious family. She emphasized respect for their beliefs but acknowledged difficulties in their acceptance.
Paris’s music career mirrors her father’s legacy. Despite her fair skin, akin to Michael’s later life appearance due to vitiligo, she cherishes her African-American heritage. Quoting her father’s encouragement, she recalled, “[He] would look me in the eyes… ‘You’re Black. Be proud of your roots’.”
However, her identification as Black faced criticism, with talk show host Wendy Williams questioning her visual representation. Despite backlash, Paris remains steadfast in her identity, echoing her father’s words and the importance of embracing her roots.