Paris Jackson pushes back at criticism for performing on anniversary of her father’s death

Paris Jackson is no stranger to public scrutiny, but her latest social media post addresses a particularly sensitive moment. The singer-songwriter and daughter of pop icon Michael Jackson responded firmly to backlash over her scheduled performance on June 25 — the anniversary of her father’s death — clarifying that the date wasn’t of her choosing and calling out misplaced outrage.

Speaking out against the noise

On June 13, Paris Jackson took to Instagram Stories to address a wave of criticism stemming from her upcoming tour date with Incubus and Manchester Orchestra — which happens to fall on June 25, the anniversary of her father Michael Jackson’s death. For Paris, the date marks a deeply personal loss: Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at age 50.

“So people are mad again,” the 27-year-old began candidly. “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, who has long navigated the complexities of growing up under a global spotlight, made it clear that she doesn’t have control over the date. “When you’re not headlining these shows, you don’t pick what date you perform,” she explained, addressing the misconception that she might have chosen the date intentionally or disrespectfully.

A stripped-down set, not a headline act

As she clarified in her Instagram Story, Paris is not the headliner of the Morning View + The Hits tour, and her role as a supporting act comes with limited flexibility. “It’s just me and my acoustic guitar and my sound guy, who happens to be my fiancé,” she said, referring to actor and musician Justin Long.

Far from the glitz of major arena productions, Paris emphasized the modest scale of her setup. “We’re gonna be in a soccer mom van,” she added with dry humor, underscoring that this tour is about hard work, growth, and sharing her music — not glamor or headline billing.

She also took the moment to defend her decision to honor her commitment to the tour despite the significance of the date. “I pinched myself to be a part of the tour,” she explained. “So, I’m gonna tell ’em, ‘Sorry, guys, we can’t perform on this date?’” she added, clearly frustrated. Then came her most blunt rebuttal: “F— you.”

An artist navigating grief and career

June 25 is a loaded date for Paris and the Jackson family, and it’s understandable that fans and followers might expect a public memorial or gesture. But as Paris made clear, grief doesn’t always follow a public script — especially not for someone trying to carve out a career in her own right.

Since stepping into music professionally, Paris has consistently pushed for recognition based on her own artistic identity, not just her surname. Her 2020 debut album Wilted received praise for its intimate, alt-folk style and emotional honesty. With raw lyrics and a quiet vocal strength, Paris has shown she’s not interested in emulating her father’s musical legacy, but rather in building her own.

Still, she remains inextricably linked to her father in the public eye — and dates like June 25 bring renewed scrutiny, expectations, and, sometimes, criticism. That public weight, combined with personal loss, is something she has addressed before — and continues to confront as her career evolves.

Reclaiming space on her own terms

Despite the backlash, Paris has chosen to continue performing, not just because of professionalism, but because it’s her passion. Her involvement in the Incubus tour is a testament to her commitment as an emerging musician, hustling in a competitive and often unforgiving industry.

Incubus first announced the tour in March, revealing that Paris Jackson and Manchester Orchestra would be joining them for a string of U.S. and U.K. shows. The June 25 performance, scheduled for Nashville, is one of many dates — not a tribute, not a protest, just another night on stage for a working musician.

There is something quietly powerful in Paris’s decision to show up on a painful anniversary and do what she loves. Instead of retreating or succumbing to public pressure, she is reclaiming the day in her own way — not with spectacle, but with song.

A message to critics — and a boundary set

Paris Jackson’s message wasn’t just a defense — it was a boundary. “F— you,” she said plainly to those who continue to police how she grieves, lives, and performs. It wasn’t vulgarity for shock value; it was a line drawn in the sand.

For someone who’s lived a life under constant observation — from tabloids to social media — her willingness to be direct and unfiltered is more than defiance. It’s self-preservation. As she tours with nothing but an acoustic guitar, a sound guy she loves, and songs she’s written from the heart, Paris Jackson is proving that she doesn’t need to explain herself. And certainly not on a day that already carries more weight than anyone outside her family could understand.