Paris Jackson, daughter of the late Michael Jackson, is opening up about her identity, mental health, and the influence her father had on how she sees herself.
The model and musician grew up under intense public attention. She has spoken openly about the impact the paparazzi had on her childhood, sharing that the constant camera flashes triggered PTSD. She revealed on Red Table Talk that she experienced audio hallucinations and paranoia, and said therapy — including EMDR — has been a helpful tool in her recovery.
Paris has also been candid about her personal life, including her sexuality. She chooses not to use labels and says her brothers have supported her, even though her wider family holds more traditional, religious views. She respects their beliefs but no longer bases her self-worth on their approval.
Like her father, Paris built a music career of her own. Her 2020 album Wilted reflects how deeply she connects to songwriting and self-expression.
Michael Jackson’s heritage often comes up when discussing his children. Though his appearance changed due to vitiligo, he spoke proudly of being African-American. Paris says he passed that pride on to her. She recalled him telling her, “You’re Black. Be proud of your roots,” a message she took to heart.
Despite her lighter complexion, Paris says her identity is shaped by her father’s teachings and her own understanding of mixed-race families. While some critics have questioned her words, Paris remains grounded in what she believes: her roots matter, and her father’s voice still guides her.