Paris Jackson Gives Rare Insight into Growing Up with Iconic Father Michael Jackson

In a revealing conversation on the latest episode of "Call Her Daddy," Paris Jackson opened up about her unique childhood with the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The 28-year-old shared that her mornings began in a makeshift classroom where she and her siblings — Prince, 29, and Bigi, 24 — would attend their lessons. Contrary to popular belief, Paris clarified they did not grow up at the infamous Neverland Ranch amusement park but spent "the first few years of [her] life" there. Paris emphasized that the attractions at Neverland were reserved for underprivileged children and terminally ill patients, not their personal playground. She explained that the rule was simple: complete chores and homework during the week to enjoy freedom on weekends. This structure carried over when they hotel-hopped frequently and wouldn't stay in one place for more than a year, making trips to family-friendly destinations like Chuck E. Cheese or Circus Circus on weekends possible. Television was also off-limits during the week but allowed on weekends if they had completed their schoolwork. Paris noted that this rule extended beyond entertainment, as she and her siblings were discouraged from watching movies unless they were studying them for film purposes. When discussing wearing face masks during public outings to maintain anonymity, Paris dismissed concerns about it being intimidating or scary. "It made sense at the time," she explained. "If we did this now, we could go to Chuck E. Cheese and be normal because no one would know who we were." Reflecting on her father, who passed away in 2009 at age 50, Paris described him as a "really funny guy [who was] my best friend." She affectionately referred to herself as his "little princess." Navigating her grief after Michael's passing proved challenging for Paris. "It was rough," she admitted. "Losing him was like a crash course in gaining social skills." Paris also discussed her recovery from drug addiction, noting that her current struggle is with tobacco due to her history of seeking external means to cope with emotions. Paris has been sober since the first week of 2020 after reaching her breaking point and hitting rock bottom. She began experimenting with substances around 7 or 8 years old and her addiction escalated in eighth or ninth grade when she felt restless, irritable, discontented, and uncomfortable in her own skin. Paris has been open about her sobriety in recent years, including showcasing the physical effects of her drug abuse — such as a perforated septum — in 2025. That same year, she ended her engagement to fiancé Justin Long and underwent an "uncomfortable … full-blown detox" and "reset" by avoiding flirting, prolonged eye contact, and extended hugs post-split. Reflecting on the past few years, Paris expressed that the last year of her life has been the best yet. She emphasized the importance of having her priorities straight and focusing on self-improvement.