Paris Jackson has opened up about why she identifies as a Black woman — and says it’s all down to what her dad, Michael Jackson, taught her growing up.
The 26-year-old model and musician, who is the daughter of the late “King of Pop,” spoke candidly about her identity, struggles with mental health, and how she’s navigated life in the spotlight.
Paris has been in the public eye since childhood, and she admits the constant attention has taken a toll. She previously revealed she developed PTSD because of the paparazzi’s obsession with her dad.
“I experience audio hallucinations sometimes, with camera clicks and severe paranoia,” she said on Red Table Talk. She’s since been undergoing EDMR therapy, which she says has been “very effective” in managing the condition.
Coming Out And Family Tension
The singer has also been open about her sexuality, saying she doesn’t put a label on it: “I wouldn’t consider myself bisexual because I’ve dated more than just men and women.”
But talking about it hasn’t always been easy in her family. “My family is very religious and a lot of, like, homosexuality, is very taboo,” she admitted, adding that her brothers Prince and Bigi have been supportive.
“I’ve gotten to a point where I respect them and their beliefs. What people think about me isn’t my business.”
Following In Her Father’s Footsteps
Like her father, Paris has pursued music. She released her debut album Wilted in 2020, describing music as “the air I breathe” and her main way of expressing herself.
Meanwhile, Michael Jackson remains one of the most iconic performers of all time, first rising to fame with The Jackson 5 before becoming a solo megastar with hits like Thriller, Billie Jean, and Beat It.
Despite his lighter skin tone later in life — which he said was caused by vitiligo — Michael always spoke proudly of being African-American. “I’m a Black American. I am proud of my race, and I am proud of who I am,” he told Oprah Winfrey.
Why Paris Identifies As Black
With her father’s words in mind, Paris explained why she embraces her Black identity.
“[Michael] 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 recalled to Rolling Stone.
“And I’d be like, ‘OK, he’s my dad, why would he lie to me? So I just believe what he told me. Cause, to my knowledge, he’s never lied to me.”
She also pushed back against assumptions about her lighter skin tone, pointing out that other mixed-race people look like her — including Prison Break star Wentworth Miller, who has a Black father and white mother.
Backlash And Debate
Not everyone has agreed with Paris’ self-identification. Talk show host Wendy Williams reacted to her comments by calling them “cute.”
“I get that she considers herself Black and everything, but I’m just talking about the visual,” Williams said. “Black is not what you call yourself, it’s what the cops see when they got steel to your neck on the turnpike. That’s what they see.”
Paris has not directly responded to the backlash, but her words continue to spark debate about race, identity, and what it means to embrace your heritage.
Featured image credit: parisjackson/instagtram – Georges Biard
