Paris Jackson Explains Why She Identifies as a Black Woman

Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris Jackson, had a lot to say in an interview with Rolling Stone. The 18-year-old, who lost her father when she was 11, not only opened up about his death (she says he was murdered) but also revealed that she identifies as a black woman.

US talk show host Wendy Williams responded negatively to Paris’ comments, saying on air: “I get that she considers herself black and everything, but I’m just talking about the visual because you know… black is not what you call yourself, it’s what the cops see you when they got steel to your neck on the turnpike. It’s what they see. But that’s cute and good for her.” Watch in the video above, at the 3.43 mark.

In the interview, Paris addressed the pink elephant in the room for the first, and last, time. For years, many people have speculated that there was no way Jackson was the biological father of any of his children—Paris, Blanket or Prince. Jackson and Paris’ mother, Debbie Rowe, were married for three years, but some people assume that someone other than Jackson is Paris’ father.

With her white skin, light eyes and now bleached-blond hair, it’s hard to see any resemblance to anyone in the Jackson family, but Paris is adamant about being Jackson’s daughter because, she said, he said so, and he never lied to her.

“I consider myself black,” she said. She also recalled how her father made it a point to tell her that she’s black and she should be proud of her roots. 

“Most people that don’t know me call me white. I’ve got light skin and, especially since I’ve had my hair blond, I look like I was born in Finland or something,” she said.

Paris also compared her look to Wentworth Miller, who is also on the lighter side of the biracial color scale.

If Paris says she’s black, then she’s black?