Paris Jackson Unveils the Shocking Truths About Her Life: Secrets, Struggles, and the Fight for Justice

Paris Jackson finally spoke the words that changed everything. In 2017, she told the world that her father’s death was a setup.

At just 18, she spoke with shocking certainty about the fears Michael Jackson had shared with her. He warned her that people wanted him dead, saying they would kill him one day. He even wrote letters expressing his fears for his life. But Paris revealed something even darker: getting justice for her father was like playing chess. She had to be careful.

What does she really know? Why has the Jackson family fought so hard to keep certain secrets buried? Paris Jackson’s name carries a story unlike any other.

It all began in the late 1970s when Michael Jackson made a light-hearted promise with his sister LaToya and their close friend Kathy Hilton. They agreed that if any of them had a daughter, they would name her Paris. Years later, that promise became a reality. On April 3, 1998, Michael kept his word and named his daughter Paris Michael Katherine Jackson.

The name held even more significance as she was reportedly conceived in the city of Paris during Michael’s time there with Debbie Rowe. This bond between the families added a unique layer to Paris Jackson’s identity from the moment she was born. However, her birth story was not just about promises and names; it was also tangled in controversy.

Michael’s marriage to Debbie Rowe in 1996 was viewed by many as strange. Rumors circulated that their relationship was more of an arrangement than a love story. After their divorce in 1999, Rowe received a settlement of around $8.5 million, and years later, the Jackson family allegedly paid her another $4 million to relinquish any remaining parental rights.

Despite denials from lawyers that money changed hands for custody, the public sentiment leaned toward believing that Rowe was more part of a deal than a marriage. The contrast between this narrative and the sweet story behind Paris’s name was striking.

Paris’s early years at Neverland Ranch were anything but normal. Michael’s fear for his children’s safety meant that Paris, Prince, and Blanket were rarely seen without masks covering their faces. These masks became one of the most talked-about aspects of their lives, as Michael sought to protect them from kidnappers, paparazzi, and the intense spotlight he had experienced.

As a child, Paris didn’t understand her father’s protective measures, but as she grew older, she realized he was trying to give them a chance at a normal life, at least in public. After Michael’s death, their grandmother, Katherine, stopped the mask tradition, yet the image of those masked children remained a strange reminder of Michael’s attempts to shield them.

Even her godparents were unconventional choices. Michael selected Elizabeth Taylor and Macaulay Culkin, both of whom understood the pressures of growing up in the spotlight. Elizabeth became a grandmotherly figure, offering wisdom, while Macaulay became a trusted friend for Paris.

Paris’s early childhood was marked by isolation. Until the sixth grade, she was homeschooled at Neverland Ranch, leaving her with few friends her own age. When she finally entered a regular school after Michael’s death, she felt overwhelmed, grappling with fitting in and learning how to interact with other kids.

One of the most unforgettable moments in Paris’s life occurred when she was just 11 years old. During Michael’s memorial service on July 7, 2009, she stepped up to the microphone, surprising everyone. Through tears, she expressed her love for her father, saying, “Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine.”

This raw, emotional moment resonated with millions, marking her first public appearance and the beginning of her journey into the spotlight. However, Michael’s death brought a storm of legal battles over custody. Katherine was given temporary custody, but the situation was messy, with family members embroiled in disputes.

In 2010, Paris took a significant step into the world by starting at Buckley School in Los Angeles, a private institution that cost almost $30,000 a year. It was a shock after a lifetime of homeschooling. For the first time, she faced classmates her age, rules, and a daily routine that didn’t revolve around Neverland.

When Paris was only 14, a traumatic event occurred. A much older stranger sexually assaulted her, and she kept it locked inside, feeling alone and broken. The burden of this pain weighed heavily on her, compounded by the pressures of being Michael Jackson’s daughter.

By the time she turned 15, life felt unbearable. After losing her father, she turned to heroin and alcohol to escape the sadness. She wasn’t just experimenting; she was using needles, sinking deeper into addiction. Paris later identified herself as an alcoholic and a heroin addict.

In June 2013, when Paris was still 15, her pain erupted. She attempted to take her own life by cutting her wrist and swallowing pills. Fortunately, she called a hotline, which likely saved her life. Paris was rushed to the hospital, where doctors monitored her for three days to ensure her safety.

The news of her suicide attempt shocked the world, revealing the depths of her struggles. Although her family sent her to a special school in Utah for healing, the road was tough, and she wasn’t sure it helped.

Paris later shared that 2013 wasn’t the only time she had tried to hurt herself. There were other moments of pain that went unnoticed, even by her family. She dealt with bullying, depression, and trauma, often hiding her scars. Speaking about her experiences years later became a way for her to shed light on the battles many face in silence.

One of the saddest aspects of Paris’s story is how it intertwined with her father’s struggles. Doctors prescribed her the same medications for depression that Michael had taken, leading her to fear she was following in his footsteps. The cycle of depression was familiar in her family, and the pills made her feel trapped.

In 2020, the world was stunned when Paris Hilton released her documentary, “This Is Paris,” revealing the abuse she suffered at a behavior modification school. This prompted Paris Jackson to share her own experience at a similar institution, where she spent almost two years. Instead of healing, the experience left her with PTSD.

Paris described the school as a place where staff lied to parents and manipulated students. The methods used were brutal, with isolation and emotional abuse commonplace. Speaking up often led to punishment or extended stays, making it nearly impossible for students to be believed.

Despite her traumatic past, Paris Jackson’s rise in fashion and acting was remarkable. In 2017, at just 19, she signed a lucrative contract with Calvin Klein, becoming the face of the brand. Her dark, brooding look resonated with their rebellious image, and insiders described the deal as a massive seven-figure contract.

Paris’s journey into modeling continued when she signed with IMG Models, joining the ranks of top models like Gigi Hadid. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity, feeling blessed to carve her own path in the fashion world.

Her fashion career took off, with campaigns for Chanel and appearances on the covers of major magazines like “Rolling Stone.” She began to redefine her style, transitioning from punk and grunge to a more bohemian look while maintaining her edge with tattoos.

Acting was always part of Paris’s plan. She began her career in a film aimed at helping schools, but delays and personal struggles hindered its release. Her big break came in 2017 when she starred in Fox’s “Star,” showcasing her talent alongside established stars.

In 2020, Paris faced backlash for her role in the indie film “Habit,” where she played Jesus. Despite the controversy, she stood firm, demonstrating her willingness to take bold steps in her career. She continued to pursue complex roles, including a part in “American Horror Stories.”

In 2018, Paris met Gabriel Glenn, and their connection blossomed into a musical partnership. They formed a band called The Soundflowers, allowing Paris to share her journey through music. Their Facebook Watch show, “Unfiltered,” offered fans a glimpse into their lives and struggles.

Paris’s first major performance came in June 2018 at a charity event, where she sang with raw emotion. Videos of the performance went viral, showcasing her talent as an artist in her own right.

In 2020, Paris and Gabriel broke up, and the pain of that separation inspired her first solo single, “Let Down.” The haunting video and powerful lyrics resonated with audiences, proving she could stand on her own as an artist.

Her debut album, “Wilted,” released in November 2020, showcased her songwriting abilities and unique sound. The album received mixed reviews, but it established Paris as a serious artist, separate from her father’s legacy.

In 2017, Paris made headlines when she expressed her belief that her father’s death was a setup. She spoke with conviction, recalling Michael’s warnings about people wanting him dead. Her words shifted the narrative around his passing, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding it.

When the documentary “Leaving Neverland” was released in 2019, many expected Paris to defend her father. Instead, she chose to support her cousin Taj Jackson, advocating for peace and urging people to look at the bigger picture.

Family drama followed Paris relentlessly after Michael’s death. In 2012, a heated argument erupted at the family home, leading to police involvement. Paris later expressed remorse for her actions but acknowledged the overwhelming emotions she faced.

Through it all, Paris Jackson’s journey has been one of strength, heartbreak, and hope. On January 7, 2025, she celebrated five years of sobriety, a testament to her resilience. She publicly shared her struggles with addiction, emphasizing the importance of gratitude for her recovery.

Paris’s spiritual journey has also been significant. Raised to explore freely, she found peace in nature and studied various belief systems. Her connection to spirituality is evident in her daily practices, including meditation and Reiki.

With over 80 tattoos, many honoring her father, Paris’s body tells the story of her life. Each tattoo represents a memory, a moment of love, loss, or triumph.

In December 2024, she became engaged to Justin Long, marking a new chapter in her life. Paris’s wedding plans were guided by astrology, reflecting her desire for meaningful connections.

As of 2025, Paris’s net worth is estimated at $150 million, showcasing her success beyond her inheritance. Through modeling, acting, and music, she has built a financial empire, proving her determination to succeed on her own terms.

Paris’s journey continues as she tours and uses her platform for good. She honors her father’s legacy while carving out her own path, fighting for justice, and advocating for those who have suffered in silence.

Through strength, creativity, and resilience, Paris Jackson has become a voice for change, carrying forward a legacy of love and hope.