Paris Jackson Proudly Embraces Her African-American Heritage Despite Criticisms

Paris Jackson, the 25-year-old daughter of the late music legend Michael Jackson, has always been in the public eye due to her famous family. Recently, she openly expressed pride in her African-American heritage and addressed the criticisms she has faced over the years.

Born in 1998 to the “Billie Jean” singer and Debbie Rowe, Paris has been scrutinized since childhood. Many have speculated whether Michael Jackson was the biological father of his three children—Paris, Bigi, and Prince—due to their lighter complexions and features that don’t closely resemble the late pop star. Paris, in particular, stands out with her fair skin, light-colored eyes, and recently, her blonde-dyed hair.

Despite these speculations, the bond between Michael and his children was undeniably strong. Michael Jackson was known for taking extraordinary measures to protect them from the intrusive eyes of the media. For instance, he would cover Bigi’s face with a blanket whenever they were in public. However, this unconventional approach led to challenges for Bigi, who later faced teasing from his peers. Today, Bigi prefers to go by his nickname rather than his birth name.

When Michael Jackson passed away unexpectedly in 2009, his children were thrust into the public spotlight without the protective shield their father had provided. Suddenly, they became prime targets for the paparazzi, who eagerly followed their every move, turning their young lives into tabloid fodder. This sudden invasion of privacy had a profound effect on Paris, leaving her to struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Paris has been candid about her struggles with mental health. She has undergone therapy for various issues, including experiencing auditory hallucinations triggered by sounds reminiscent of camera clicks. These auditory triggers, coupled with intense paranoia, made her teenage years incredibly difficult. By the age of 15, Paris had attempted suicide multiple times, leading to her eventual admission to a treatment facility in 2019. During this dark period, she battled severe self-hatred, low self-esteem, and overwhelming feelings of inadequacy that made her question whether life was worth living.

However, Paris has made remarkable strides in her journey toward healing. Today, she is flourishing as a musician, following in her father’s legendary footsteps. She has also ventured into the fashion industry, walking the runway for renowned brands like Chanel. In addition to her solo endeavors, she is a member of the band The Soundflowers, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

In a 2020 interview, Paris spoke about her musical aspirations, noting that her family’s deep-rooted passion for music was a significant influence. “Everyone in my family is musically inclined. Being a Jackson, it only feels natural for me to pursue a career in music,” she shared. “However, it’s quite unconventional for a Jackson to be delving into folk indie.”

Paris also shares a close bond with her brothers, especially Prince. In an interview with People magazine in 2020, she emphasized how much her older brother means to her. “He’s my world. I’ve always looked up to him and sought his approval. I’ve always aspired to be like him,” she said with heartfelt admiration.

Prince, in turn, has always been supportive of Paris. He often describes her as a reflection of their father, Michael Jackson, with only her age and gender setting her apart. He believes that Paris carries many of their father’s strengths and even some of his weaknesses, noting her deep passion and drive.

The topic of race has long been a sensitive subject surrounding the Jackson family. Michael Jackson’s appearance changed drastically over the years, which led to rumors that he had intentionally lightened his skin. However, Michael consistently denied these claims, attributing his lighter complexion to vitiligo, a skin condition he discussed during a famous 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey. “I am proud of my race. I am proud of who I am,” Michael declared to Winfrey at that time.

In 2017, Paris sat down for an interview with Rolling Stone magazine where she addressed her own racial identity. Despite her fair skin and light features, she confidently identifies as Black, crediting her father for teaching her to embrace her roots. “People who don’t know me often assume I’m white. I get it—I have light skin, and especially with my blonde hair, I might look Scandinavian,” she said. “But I trust my dad. He never lied to me.”

Paris’s statement about identifying as Black was not without backlash. Among her critics was talk show host Wendy Williams, who argued that race goes beyond self-identification—it’s about how society perceives you, especially in high-pressure situations like interactions with law enforcement. Williams stated, “It’s not about what you call yourself; it’s about how others see you when you’re in a dangerous situation.”

Despite the criticism, Paris remains firm in her beliefs and takes pride in her heritage. She acknowledges that while others may focus on her physical appearance, she stays true to the values instilled in her by her father. In doing so, she continues to carve out her own identity while honoring the legacy of the King of Pop.

In today’s world where identity and representation matter more than ever, Paris Jackson’s journey serves as an inspiration. She continues to navigate the complexities of fame, personal struggles, and societal expectations with grace, proving that being true to oneself is the ultimate form of self-respect.