Paris Jackson, the daughter of the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has recently opened up about her identity, making it clear that she identifies as a Black woman, despite her mixed-race heritage. This declaration reflects her deep connection to her father’s legacy and the African-American roots that shaped his music and cultural impact. Paris has always spoken highly of the values her father instilled in her, particularly his emphasis on embracing her heritage with pride. She recalls his words: “Be proud of your roots,” a sentiment that resonates deeply with her as she embraces both her father’s musical legacy and his African-American lineage.
Paris Jackson: Growing Up in the Spotlight
Born on April 3, 1998, Paris Jackson grew up under intense public scrutiny, with the media eager to learn about the next generation of the Jackson family. Along with her brothers Bigi (22) and Prince (27), Paris experienced a childhood shielded from the public eye, thanks to her father’s efforts to protect them from fame. Michael Jackson famously used blankets, masks, and veils to hide his children from the media’s prying lenses. Despite their privacy measures, their lives would soon be thrust into the spotlight following Michael’s passing in 2009, bringing challenges of its own.
The Struggles of Growing Up Under Intense Public Scrutiny
The death of Michael Jackson marked a dramatic shift for his children. Without their father’s protective barriers, Paris and her brothers were suddenly exposed to the relentless pressure of public life. This transition was particularly difficult for Paris, who later revealed that she struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result. She shared, “I experience audio hallucinations sometimes with camera clicks. I deal with severe paranoia and have attended therapy to help cope, amongst other things.” Tragically, Paris also spoke about her battles with depression and self-hatred, disclosing that by the age of 15, she had attempted to take her own life several times and entered a treatment center in 2019 for healing.
The Bond Between Paris and Her Brother Prince
Through it all, Paris has found immense support in her older brother, Prince. In a heartfelt reflection, Paris shared, “He’s just everything to me.” The siblings share a close bond, with Paris often looking up to her brother for guidance and approval. “I’ve always admired him, sought his approval, and wanted to be more like him,” she said. Prince, in return, sees a reflection of their father in his sister. He believes that Paris embodies many of the qualities that made their father who he was. “At her core, she embodies who my father was. The only difference is her age and gender,” he explained. Their shared passion and dedication to their crafts are qualities they both inherited from their father.
Honoring Her Father’s Legacy Through Music and Heritage
Paris Jackson has made her own name in the entertainment world, following in her father’s musical footsteps. As the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band The Soundflowers, she has carved out a space for herself in the music industry, even though her style is distinct from her father’s famous pop sound. She has also walked the runway for major fashion houses like Chanel, showcasing her versatility as both an actress and a model. Despite her success, Paris remains dedicated to honoring her father’s legacy, acknowledging that music is deeply embedded in the Jackson family’s DNA.
Her connection to her father’s African-American roots is another aspect of her identity that she holds dear. While Michael Jackson’s skin became lighter in later years due to his struggle with Vitiligo, he remained proud of his African-American heritage. Despite rumors and accusations regarding his appearance, Michael always denied altering his skin through skin-bleaching procedures. Paris, like her father, embraces her mixed-race identity, recognizing the importance of her African-American lineage in shaping both her and her father’s life.
Paris Jackson’s journey of self-acceptance and pride in her heritage continues to inspire others, demonstrating the powerful impact of embracing one’s identity, regardless of the challenges that may arise along the way.
