Paris Jackson, the only daughter of the legendary pop icon Michael Jackson, has candidly shared her journey of self-discovery, identity, and resilience. Despite being of mixed race, the 25-year-old actress, model, and singer identifies as a black woman, a conviction rooted in her father’s insistence on embracing her heritage.
A Legacy of Pride
Born on April 3, 1998, to Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe, Paris grew up under the watchful eye of her famous father. Michael, who often went to great lengths to shield his children from the public eye, instilled in Paris a strong sense of identity and pride in her roots.
“He would look me in the eyes and he’d point his finger at me and be like, ‘You’re black. Be proud of your roots,’” Paris recalled in a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone. Despite her light complexion, blonde hair, and blue eyes—traits that lead many to assume she is of Northern European descent—Paris is steadfast in honoring her African-American heritage. “He’s my dad; why would he lie to me?” she said.
Navigating Life in the Spotlight
Growing up as Michael Jackson’s daughter meant living under a microscope. Paris, along with her brothers Prince (27) and Bigi (22), faced intense public scrutiny following their father’s death in 2009. For Paris, the loss was compounded by the relentless attention, which she says contributed to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“I experience audio hallucinations with camera clicks and severe paranoia,” she revealed. Therapy and treatment have helped her manage these challenges, but the path has not been easy. By age 15, she had attempted suicide multiple times, struggling with self-hatred and feelings of unworthiness. A stint in a treatment facility in 2019 marked a turning point in her recovery.
Carrying the Jackson Legacy
Today, Paris channels her father’s influence in her career and personal life. Whether it’s walking the runway for major fashion brands, performing as the lead vocalist for her indie band The Soundflowers, or simply speaking out about her identity, she remains a passionate advocate for staying true to oneself.
Her brother Prince once described her as embodying many of their father’s traits. “Basically, as a person, she is who my dad is. The only thing that’s different would be her age and her gender,” he said, emphasizing her strength, passion, and unwavering commitment to her family’s values.
Facing Criticism and Embracing Identity
Paris’s declaration of identifying as black has sparked debate and criticism. Talk show host Wendy Williams was among those who questioned her self-identification, arguing that societal perceptions based on appearance often define one’s racial experience. Despite this, Paris remains firm in her stance, citing her father’s teachings and her deep connection to his legacy.
“I consider myself black,” she told Rolling Stone. “To my knowledge, he’s never lied to me.”
A Journey of Strength and Resilience
Paris Jackson’s story is one of resilience and self-discovery. From facing unimaginable loss and public scrutiny to finding her voice and embracing her heritage, she continues to honor her father’s legacy in every facet of her life. As she forges her own path in the spotlight, Paris serves as a testament to the power of love, identity, and the enduring influence of a parent’s guidance.
