In a heartfelt gesture, Paris Jackson took to Instagram to address the critics who have subjected her to abuse, manipulation, and harassment for not publicly acknowledging her late father on his birthday. In a video she shared, Paris revealed that Michael Jackson himself disliked people acknowledging his birthday or wishing him a happy birthday during his lifetime.
“He actually didn’t want us to even know when his birthday was because he didn’t want us to throw a party or anything like that…”
Paris went on to sarcastically explain that social media has become the primary medium for expressing love and affection these days.
“…and if you don’t wish someone a ‘Happy Birthday’ via social media, it apparently means that you don’t love them, that you don’t care about them.”
Acknowledging that there have been times when she hasn’t posted anything for her late father’s birthday, Paris expressed her frustration with the public measuring her love for her father based on social media activity.
To address her critics, Paris shared a video of her performance earlier that day, where she paid tribute to her father’s life and career.
“It’s also my dad’s birthday, and he would have been 65 years old today. He put 50 years of blood, sweat, tears, love, and passion into doing what he did so I can stand up here… and scream into a microphone. So I owe everything to him…”
Encouraging MJ super fans to honor her father in a way he would have appreciated, Paris suggested getting involved in philanthropic efforts related to climate change, environmental causes, and animal rights activism.
“There are always ways to get involved with raising awareness for climate change, doing stuff for the environment, animal rights activism—these were things that he loved and was very interested in. I can’t speak for him because I’m a different person, but I’m sure he would have loved that…”
In addition to the video, Paris included a caption urging people not to use her father, whom they’ve never met, as an excuse to mistreat his daughter.
Paris Jackson’s Siblings, Prince & Blanket, Honor Their Late Father’s Birthday
On a separate note, Blanket Jackson, rarely seen in the public eye, joined his older brother Prince to celebrate their late father’s birthday. The pair attended a showing of Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil at Sin City’s Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. They graciously took pictures with fans and even signed autographs.
Michael Jackson passed away in 2009 at the age of 50 due to cardiac arrest caused by an accidental overdose. In honor of the “King of Pop,” the article ends by asking readers about their favorite Michael Jackson song.