Actor and singer Paris Jackson has responded to online criticism for planning to perform on June 25, the anniversary of her father Michael Jackson’s death. That date marks 16 years since the King of Pop died at the age of 50. Fans and social media users were upset that Paris will be performing on that day.
She is currently touring with rock bands Incubus and Manchester Orchestra. The schedule has upset some followers who felt the performance was inappropriate on such a sensitive date.
Paris Speaks Out on Instagram
Paris, 27, addressed the issue in a video she posted on her Instagram Stories. Although the clip is no longer on her profile, it has been shared widely online.
In the video, she said, “So people are mad again. This time, I think, I guess 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.”
Paris doesn't owe nobody not even a super fan any explanation. not everyone needs to post about loved ones on a constant basis or on birthdays or special days. They are allowed to celebrate in private and in their own way and it doesn't need to be publicized! She had a show last… pic.twitter.com/IWsHQmXUcT
— Kelly Jackson (Michael Jacksons) wife (@KellyBills14) June 14, 2025
Paris is the daughter of the late pop legend Michael Jackson and his ex-wife Debbie Rowe. She has a brother, Prince Jackson, who is 28.
She Explains the Reality of Touring
Paris explained that she didn’t choose to perform on that date. She clarified that, “when… 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.”
She added that many people have a “glamorised” view of what touring is like. But for artists who aren’t headlining, the reality is much different.
Paris continued, “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. It’s just me and my acoustic guitar and my sound guy, who happens to be my fiancé (musician Justin Long). So we’re gonna be in a soccer mom van.”
She also expressed her gratitude to Incubus for including her on the tour. “This feels like (Incubus is) doing me a favour by bringing me out on tour. So (what), I’m gonna tell ’em, ‘Sorry, guys, we can’t perform on this date?’” she said.
At the end of the video, she closed with a bold message to her critics: “F**k you”.
Paris is scheduled to perform in Nashville on June 25.
Not the First Time
This isn’t the first time Paris has had to defend her way of honouring her father. In August 2023, she spoke up after fans questioned why she didn’t post anything for what would have been Michael Jackson’s 65th birthday.
She said, “Today is my dad’s birthday and back when he was alive, he used to hate anybody acknowledging his birthday.” She added, “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 criticised those who attacked her for not making a public tribute. She insisted her father never liked birthday celebrations and wanted privacy.
Paris Jackson made it clear that performing on her father’s death anniversary wasn’t her choice. She explained how touring works and asked people not to judge without understanding. Despite the backlash, she continues to honour her father in her own way.
