Paris Jackson is opening up about her relationship with her late father, Michael Jackson, who tragically passed away in 2009. She was 11 years old at the time.
During an appearance on Jack Osbourne’s Trying Not to Die podcast on Tuesday, May 26, Paris explained how she felt that she “owed it to people” to be public about her father due to his status.
“There’s definitely a certain element where I felt I had to share everything,” she explained. “And that has drastically changed in the last few years, because I don’t really feel like any of us owe anyone anything.”
In the past, she’s felt pressured to post on social media, specifically for key dates including the musician’s birthday, Father’s Day, and the anniversary of his death. But now, she’s learned an important lesson.
“I’m now learning I can have my own personal relationship and I’m allowed to be private about it and I’m now like, my relationship is the most beautiful relationship ever,” she added. “I’m in a very beautiful spot with my dad and I love that and it’s no one’s business and I don’t have to share that with anybody. And there’s a lot of freedom in that, which is really cool.”
Paris Jackson: ‘That Was My Best Friend’
Jackson went on to add that she doesn’t want to share things online in a way that would come off as “performative.”
“I’m not going to express my love in a copycat way, copying someone that didn’t know him,” she expressed. “Because I did. That was my best friend.”
‘Michael’ Biopic’s Massive Success
As of earlier this month, ‘Michael’ became the second-highest-grossing biopic of all time, surpassing Elvis, which made 288.7 million worldwide, according to Billboard. Sitting atop in the No.1 spot is 2018’s Freddie Mercury biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
In a recent article, PEOPLE states that ‘Michael’ has grossed nearly $800 million, having been released in theaters in the United States on April 24, 2026. Jackson is played by his nephew Jaafar Jackson, with stars Nia Long, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula, Mike Myers, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo also having roles in the popular biopic. It follows the musician’s early life, specifically focusing on his time with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to the 1980s, with his Bad World Tour.
Jackson’s son, Prince, served as an executive producer on the movie and opened up about seeing Jaafar in that role.
“I had the benefit of seeing Jaafar’s transformation over pictures I’d seen on a phone or a computer,” Prince said in an interview with ABC News. “But the first time that I saw him in person in his hair and makeup was, really, an emotional shock.”
“I had not seen my father in a long time,” he continued. “Jaafar just embodied him, and brought him back in that moment. It was difficult to maintain and keep composure because I really just wanted to give him a hug in that moment. But I had to tell him, ‘Jaafar, I’m proud of you. You’re going to do great. But I need to take a little step outside and get some air.'”
