Paris Jackson, daughter of the iconic King of Pop, Michael Jackson, recently fired back at critics who blasted her for performing on the 16th anniversary of her father’s death.
The 27-year-old took the opportunity to set the record straight. Now, several fans are praising her decision to speak out, saying she did it with her signature mix of honesty, sass, and a splash of “don’t mess with me.”
June 25th marks a heavy day for the Jackson family, as well as fans all over the world. It’s the anniversary of the singer’s tragic death in 2009. The world lost a pop icon at the age of 50, leaving behind an everlasting legacy.
Fast forward 16 years, and his children are now starting to dabble more in the music world like their father. Now, Jackson happens to have a tour date scheduled for that very same day, opening for the band Incubus. The coincidence sparked immediate backlash from fans who felt it was inappropriate timing for a performance.
But as Jackson explained in a series of videos, things aren’t always as simple as they seem.
Paris Jackson: No-Nonsense Clapback
“So, people are mad again,” Jackson began, with a tone dripping in sarcasm. She explained, “One of the tour dates I’m supposed to be going out on tour with Incubus and Manchester Orchestra happens to be June 25, which is a very negative anniversary for me in my life and my family.”
But, she did go on to explain the reason behind that date being chosen. Here’s the kicker, Jackson isn’t the headliner; rather, she’s one of the opening acts.
“When you’re first of three, and you’re not headlining these shows, you don’t pick what date you perform or what time you go on stage to perform, or what city you perform in.” The decisions are made by the “big boss,” meaning Jackson had zero control over that particular date.
Surprisingly enough, she didn’t stop there. She described the gritty reality of touring as a supporting act. “First of three also doesn’t get a tour bus. You get maybe a sprinter van, which I’ve done before when I’ve got a band with me. But I’m not going to have my band with me this time.”
Instead, Jackson will be hitting the road accompanied by “just me and my acoustic guitar and my sound guy, who happens to be my fiancé,” referring to actor Justin Long. “So we’re gonna be in a soccer mom van.”
When asked why she wouldn’t just skip the date, her response was as bold as it was hilarious. Her tone made it quite clear, as she couldn’t believe she had to explain herself. “So, this feels like [Incubus is] doing me a favor by bringing me out on tour. So [what], I’m gonna tell ’em, ’Sorry, guys, we can’t perform on this date? F—k you.”
Her statement made it clear, saying she owns her music career and choices, and she won’t let others dictate what she should or shouldn’t do on such a personal day.
Several fans agreed with the star, with one user commenting, “This is insane, she shouldn’t have to defend herself this way!! Who is giving her a hard time about this? Again her Family not ours!!!”
Another one noted, “You’re good boo, live your life. Your father doesn’t care what day you perform 🥰.”
Carving Her Path in Music
Jackson isn’t just Michael’s daughter; she’s an artist in her own right. With a growing music career that blends indie, folk, and alternative rock vibes, throughout the years, she’s been stepping out more into the industry world with fierce determination and unique style.
Her recent announcement to join Incubus on their “Morning View + The Hits Tour” signaled her rising presence in the live music scene. It also highlighted her willingness to hustle and handle the tough realities of touring life.
Critics might want to remember that Jackson is making her own mark on her own terms. Even if that means playing on a tough anniversary date. As she put it herself, the decision isn’t hers, and trying to shame her only fuels her fire.
In the end, Jackson’s message makes it quite clear. She’s human, she’s independent, and she’s not here to play by anyone else’s script. Especially when it comes to honoring her late father in her own way.
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Paris Jackson Claps Back at Critics for Performing on Michael Jackson’s Death Anniversary