Paris Jackson, born on April 3, 1998, is much more than the daughter of legendary pop icon Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe. At 25 years old, Paris has established herself as a model, actress, and musician, carving her path while continuing to honor the legacy of her famous father. Despite the challenges of living in the public eye from a young age, Paris has found strength in her heritage and has spoken openly about identifying as Black, a declaration that has sparked admiration and some controversy.
A Childhood in the Spotlight
Paris and her brothers—Prince, 27, and Bigi, 22—were born into one of the most famous families in the world. From the moment they entered the spotlight, the public was captivated by their every move. Their father, Michael Jackson, went to great lengths to protect his children from the prying eyes of the media. Often, he would shield them with blankets, masks, and veils to ensure their privacy.
However, everything changed in 2009 when Michael Jackson passed away. The protective barriers he had built around his children crumbled, leaving them exposed to the relentless scrutiny of the paparazzi. For Paris, the sudden loss of her father and the constant media attention were overwhelming, leading to struggles with mental health.
Battling Trauma and Finding Resilience
Paris has been open about her battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and severe anxiety, stemming from her childhood experiences. In interviews, she has described how the sound of camera clicks triggers audio hallucinations and paranoia.
By the age of 15, Paris faced such profound mental health challenges that she attempted suicide multiple times. Reflecting on those dark moments, she shared, “It was just self-hatred…Low self-esteem, thinking that I couldn’t do anything right, not thinking I was worthy of living anymore.”
In 2019, Paris made the courageous decision to seek help by entering a treatment facility. With the support of her family and therapy, she began to heal and rebuild her confidence. Today, Paris speaks openly about her journey, offering hope to others facing similar struggles.
A Father’s Influence
Paris credits her older brother, Prince, for being a pillar of strength and inspiration in her life. She has often expressed admiration for him, describing him as her role model. Prince, in turn, has remarked that Paris shares many qualities with their father, Michael Jackson. “She is who my dad is,” he said. “In all of her strengths, and almost all of her weaknesses as well. She’s very passionate.”
Paris’s passion shines through in her career and personal life. As a model, she has walked the runway for major fashion brands like Chanel. In music, she serves as the lead vocalist and guitarist for her band, The Soundflowers. For Paris, creativity is not just a career—it’s a way to honor her family’s legacy.
“Everyone in my family does music. I mean, I’m a Jackson,” she once said. “It makes sense that I’m a musician, but a Jackson doing folk indie?”
Embracing Her African-American Roots
One of the most poignant ways Paris connects with her father’s legacy is through her embrace of her African-American heritage. Despite Michael Jackson’s later appearance, which was altered by vitiligo, he was proud of his identity as a Black man. He instilled this pride in Paris from a young age.
In a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, Paris revealed that her father consistently reinforced her sense of identity. “He would look me in the eyes and he’d point his finger at me and he’d be like, ‘You’re Black. Be proud of your roots,’” she said.
Paris acknowledges that her lighter complexion and striking blue eyes often lead people to assume otherwise. She shared, “People assume I’m from Finland or something. But I’d think, ‘He’s my dad, why would he lie to me?’ To my knowledge, he’s never lied to me.”
Facing Criticism
Paris’s declaration of her racial identity has not been without its challenges. Critics, including talk show host Wendy Williams, have questioned her identification as a Black woman, arguing that race is often defined by how society perceives you.
Williams controversially remarked, “I get that she considers herself Black and everything, but…Black is not what you call yourself. It’s what the cops see you as when they’ve got steel to your neck on the turnpike.”
Despite such criticism, Paris remains steadfast in her identity and her commitment to honoring her father’s teachings.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Paris Jackson’s life is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and pride in her heritage. She has faced immense challenges but continues to rise above them, drawing strength from her father’s legacy and her own determination.
In embracing her roots and forging her own path, Paris not only honors Michael Jackson’s memory but also inspires others to embrace their identities with courage and pride.
