Paris Jackson Says “I Consider Myself Black,” Citing Her Father

Reconciling Appearance With Heritage

Paris admits that she understands why people might assume she’s white. “Most people who 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. Still, she emphasizes that being mixed-race isn’t about how you look—it’s about your roots and upbringing. She even referenced actor Wentworth Miller as someone in a similar position who is also mixed but perceived as white.

 

Lessons From Her Father’s Legacy

Michael Jackson, who battled vitiligo and faced constant media scrutiny over his changing appearance, instilled a strong sense of identity in his children. Paris explained that although her father’s skin became lighter over time due to his condition, he never stopped embracing his Black identity. This is something Paris says he passed down to her through both conversations and the way he raised her. She credits her father’s honesty and guidance for helping her feel confident in identifying as Black.

Continue reading…