Paris Jackson spoke about her strict celebrity father's upbringing and addiction: 'I started when I was 8'

Paris Jackson, daughter of late music legend Michael Jackson, has spoken publicly for the first time about her childhood with him, her relationship with the late singer, and her long-term struggle with drug addiction. In a recent interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, she described growing up in the iconic Neverland Ranch, a sprawling estate once central to Jackson’s life, but emphasized that she did not truly grow up there. “We were completely aware that all these attractions weren’t meant for us,” she said. “They were there for sick and vulnerable children who didn’t have the chance to go to Disneyland.” Neverland Ranch, which served as Jackson’s primary residence for nearly two decades, featured numerous attractions including a cinema, lake, train station, amusement park, and petting zoo. However, Jackson's children, Paris, Prince, and Bigi, were kept largely isolated from the public eye. They lived under strict routines, performing household chores and completing homework before being allowed entertainment on weekends. Television was mostly off-limits unless watched silently, analyzed as a form of art rather than casual viewing. The family often wore masks or face coverings in public to maintain anonymity, a practice Paris said made sense at the time. “They told us that if we did this now, we could later go to popular locations without anyone knowing who we were.” She recalled her father as a “truly funny guy” and her best friend, describing him as someone who protected his children from the pressures of fame. Following Jackson’s death in 2009, Paris said her family faced a difficult period of grief and adjustment to life outside the confines of their secluded upbringing. She described it as a phase of “accelerated social skill acquisition,” a transition that proved challenging but necessary. Paris also opened up about her battle with substance abuse, revealing that her struggles began much earlier than many might expect. She stated that she started seeking ways to cope with feelings of unease and dissatisfaction as early as age seven or eight. Problems with dependency, however, became more pronounced during middle school, around eighth or ninth grade. The issue persisted until early 2020, when she reached what she called “rock bottom” and decided to commit fully to recovery. She spoke candidly about the emotional toll of her addiction, noting that it had taken a physical toll as well. Cocaine use left lasting damage to her nose, and she expressed reluctance toward undergoing surgery due to fears surrounding anesthesia and medications. “I’m scared of those drugs,” she admitted. Her personal life has also undergone significant changes in recent years. Last summer, she ended her engagement to longtime boyfriend Justin Long, a decision she described as part of a broader realignment of priorities. She emphasized that the past year had been the best and most peaceful of her life so far, indicating a renewed focus on health, stability, and self-care. Paris’s revelations offer a rare glimpse into the private world of one of the most famous families in modern history. While much of the public narrative around Michael Jackson has focused on his career and controversies, his children’s experiences remain less explored. Paris’s account adds depth to understanding the complex dynamics within the Jackson family, particularly the impact of isolation, celebrity status, and the psychological challenges that come with such an upbringing. Her openness about her past struggles with addiction highlights the ongoing nature of recovery and the importance of mental health support. It also underscores the resilience required to navigate both the legacy of a global icon and the personal journey of healing and growth. Paris Jackson continues to speak openly about her life, using her platform to share insights that may help others facing similar challenges. Her story is one of transformation, from a child raised in secrecy to a woman embracing her identity and working through the scars of her past.