Paris Jackson, the only daughter of the legendary King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has always been a subject of intrigue and curiosity. Born into a world where the spotlight never dims and where every move is scrutinized, Paris has managed to carve her own path—one that is as complex as it is fascinating. And now, she’s making waves with a declaration that’s both deeply personal and profoundly tied to her father’s legacy.
Despite her fair skin, striking blue eyes, and blonde hair that often lead people to assume she’s from somewhere like “Finland or something,” Paris proudly identifies as a black woman. Yes, you read that right. The late Michael Jackson’s daughter, who could easily pass for Caucasian, says she considers herself a black woman, just like her father taught her to. So, what’s the story behind this powerful declaration, and why has it stirred such a debate?
The Roots of an Identity: A Daughter’s Loyalty to Her Father’s Words
Paris Jackson was born on April 3, 1998, to Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe, at a time when Michael’s fame had reached almost mythical proportions. Growing up alongside her brothers, Prince and Bigi, she lived in a world of veils, masks, and intense protection from the prying eyes of the public. Michael was determined to shield his children from the harsh glare of the media, and he often went to great lengths to keep their faces hidden and their identities safe.
But in private, Michael made sure to instill in Paris a strong sense of identity. Despite the world’s scrutiny over his changing appearance and his battle with Vitiligo—a skin condition that lightened his pigmentation—Michael was deeply proud of his African-American roots. He wanted his children to understand and embrace that part of their heritage, no matter what the world might think.
Paris vividly recalls these lessons. She remembers how her father would look her in the eyes, point his finger at her, and say firmly, “You’re black. Be proud of your roots.” This wasn’t just a passing comment—it was a directive from a man who had battled his entire life to assert his identity in a world that often tried to define him by its own terms. Michael’s words, filled with conviction and love, became a foundation for Paris’s own understanding of who she is.
“I consider myself black,” Paris has said repeatedly. And for her, that statement is more than skin deep. It’s a tribute to the man who raised her, a way to honor his life, his legacy, and his heritage.
Life in the Spotlight: The Highs and Lows of Being a Jackson
Born into the epicenter of fame, Paris and her brothers were no strangers to public scrutiny. From their earliest days, the Jackson children were cloaked in mystery. Who were they really? What did they look like? Michael tried to shield them from prying eyes, covering their faces with blankets and masks whenever they stepped out in public. This unique approach only heightened the public’s curiosity.
But in 2009, when Michael suddenly passed away, that shield was shattered. The children, once carefully guarded, found themselves exposed and vulnerable. The paparazzi, sensing fresh prey, descended with a voracity that only deepened the trauma of their loss. For Paris, it was a nightmare that would leave scars far deeper than anyone realized.
Without her father’s protection, Paris struggled to navigate her newfound visibility. Her battle with mental health issues became public knowledge. By the age of 15, she had attempted suicide multiple times, overwhelmed by the pressure, the scrutiny, and the suffocating sense of self-hatred. In 2019, she made a brave decision to enter a treatment facility, seeking help for the pain that had been festering since her childhood.
“It was just self-hatred… Low self-esteem, thinking that I couldn’t do anything right, not thinking I was worthy of living anymore,” she shared candidly in interviews, baring her soul to the world.
But even through the darkness, Paris clung to one constant—the lessons her father had imparted. His words, his beliefs, and his values remained her guiding light, pulling her back from the brink and giving her a renewed sense of purpose.
A Sibling’s Support: Prince Jackson’s Insightful Take
While Paris has always been outspoken about her struggles and triumphs, her relationship with her brothers, especially Prince Michael Jackson, has been a source of strength and stability. In a candid interview, Paris revealed, “He’s everything to me, you know? I’ve always looked up to him and always wanted his approval and everything, and wanted to be more like him.”
And it’s not just Paris who feels this way. Prince, in turn, sees so much of their father in his sister. “Basically, as a person, she is who my dad is. The only thing that’s different would be her age and her gender,” he shared, acknowledging how much of their father’s spirit lives on in Paris. He describes her as sharing Michael’s passion, strengths, and even some of his weaknesses. To Prince, Paris is carrying on their father’s legacy in a way that is both profound and deeply personal.
Race, Identity, and the Legacy of Michael Jackson
One of the most controversial aspects of Paris’s declaration is the subject of race. Michael Jackson, whose skin color changed dramatically over the course of his life due to Vitiligo, faced endless speculation and criticism. Despite the rumors and misconceptions, he always maintained a strong sense of his African-American identity.
In a now-famous interview with Oprah Winfrey in 1993, Michael addressed the relentless scrutiny over his appearance. “I am proud of my race. I am proud of who I am,” he stated firmly, insisting that the only cosmetic procedure he had undergone was a nose job and that his lightened skin was a result of his medical condition, not an attempt to alter his race.
For Paris, embracing her black identity is a way of affirming her father’s truth. “He would look me in the eyes and say, ‘You’re black. Be proud of your roots,’” she recalled. To her, Michael’s words are irrefutable. “Why would he lie to me? He’s never lied to me before.”
Yet, Paris’s self-identification as black hasn’t been without its detractors. Talk show host Wendy Williams, for one, was quick to dismiss Paris’s declaration. “I get that she considers herself black and everything, but I’m just talking about the visual,” Williams remarked skeptically. “Black is not what you call yourself, it’s what the cops see when they’ve got steel to your neck on the turnpike.”
But for Paris, it’s not about what others see. It’s about honoring her father’s legacy and staying true to the person he raised her to be.
Conclusion: More Than Meets the Eye
Paris Jackson’s journey has been anything but ordinary. From growing up in the shadow of a legendary figure to navigating the murky waters of fame and personal identity, she has emerged as a young woman who is both resilient and self-aware. Her declaration that she identifies as black is more than a statement of race—it’s a declaration of loyalty, love, and respect for the man who shaped her understanding of herself.
What do you think of Paris’s proud embrace of her roots? Is it a fitting tribute to Michael Jackson’s legacy? Share your thoughts, and let’s celebrate the complexities and courage of a young woman who continues to defy expectations.
