Paris Jackson, the daughter of the late pop icon Michael Jackson, has been increasingly open about her journey of self-discovery, mental health, and the profound impact her father has had on her life. Growing up under the unrelenting glare of the media spotlight, Paris has described the intense pressures she faced from an early age. The constant presence of paparazzi, the flashes of cameras following her every move, and the intrusion into her private moments left deep emotional scars. She has candidly shared that this constant scrutiny caused symptoms of PTSD, with even the sound of camera flashes capable of triggering anxiety, hypervigilance, and flashbacks to particularly traumatic moments of her childhood.
In her appearances on Red Table Talk, Paris has revealed the depth of the mental health challenges she faced. She spoke about experiencing audio hallucinations and periods of paranoia, struggles that were compounded by the pressures of being the child of one of the most famous individuals in history. Despite these challenges, she has also highlighted her resilience and her commitment to healing. Paris credits therapy as a vital resource in her journey, particularly EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which she describes as profoundly helpful in processing her trauma and regaining a sense of control over her life and mental well-being. Through this therapeutic work, she has been able to confront difficult memories, navigate the pressures of public life, and begin building a foundation of self-acceptance and emotional stability.
Paris is also open about her personal life, including her experiences with sexuality. She prefers not to define herself by traditional labels, embracing fluidity in her understanding of love and attraction. While some members of her family adhere to more traditional or religious views, she has found support from her brothers, who encourage her to embrace her authentic self. Paris emphasizes that she respects differing perspectives within her family, but she no longer seeks their approval as a measure of her self-worth. This stance reflects a broader journey toward independence and self-empowerment, one in which she actively asserts her own identity while honoring the lessons of her upbringing.
In addition to her personal exploration, Paris has followed in her father’s footsteps by building a music career of her own. Her 2020 album, Wilted, demonstrates her deep commitment to songwriting as a form of self-expression. Through her music, she channels her emotions, experiences, and reflections, using her art to navigate both personal challenges and public expectations. The album resonates with listeners not only for its sonic qualities but for its honesty and vulnerability, reflecting a young woman forging her own path while honoring the musical legacy of her father.
Michael Jackson’s influence remains a central theme in Paris’s understanding of her own identity. She has spoken about how he instilled a sense of pride in being African-American, even as public attention often focused on his changing appearance due to vitiligo. Michael’s words to her — “You’re Black. Be proud of your roots” — have remained a guiding principle throughout her life. Paris describes these lessons as fundamental to her understanding of heritage, race, and self-worth, helping her navigate the complexities of being raised in a mixed-race family and the broader societal expectations surrounding race and identity.
Although critics and observers have sometimes questioned Paris’s perspectives or choices, she remains confident and grounded in her beliefs. She consistently emphasizes that her understanding of her roots, her family history, and her personal experiences shape her identity in ways that are meaningful to her. Even as she honors her father’s legacy, she has carved her own path — one defined by honesty, artistic expression, and a commitment to mental health and personal authenticity. Paris continues to navigate the challenges of fame, family expectations, and personal growth with a sense of resilience and self-assurance, demonstrating that the lessons she learned from her father and her own experiences provide a steady foundation for the life she is creating.
In the end, Paris Jackson emerges not only as the daughter of a music legend but as a young woman fully aware of her heritage, her struggles, and her power to shape her own destiny. Her story is one of healing, self-discovery, and artistic expression — a journey that underscores the enduring influence of her father while showcasing the strength, resilience, and individuality she brings to the world.