Michael Jackson's daughter Paris Jackson gives rare interview about life inside Neverland

19 April 2021, 15:46

Paris Jackson has opened up about her childhood living on Michael Jackson's famous 2,700-acre estate, Neverland Ranch, in California.

Michael Jackson's daughter Paris Jackson has given an interview detailing her childhood with father and what is was like growing up on the famous Neverland Ranch.

The 22-year-old musician, who is middle child of Jackson's three children, Prince Michael, aged 24 and Blanket, now 19, opened up about what music they listened to at home and having to 'earn' being allowed on her father's famous amusement park rides.

See more: Michael Jackson's mind-blowing last performance 48 hours before his death - watch video

In an interview with the Evening Standard, Paris, who has released her debut album Wilted, reveals the huge influence her father has had on her life.

When asked who her biggest musical inspirations are, she says: "The Beatles and my dad," adding: "My brothers and I have always been massive fans of his music, obviously, but he was always very modest about it. He was very humble."

See more: Michael Jackson's daughter Paris Jackson's debut album is fantastic

"I grew up listening to everything," she says, "We listened to Kanye West around the house as well,’ she recalls. "I was always singing growing up. It was cool seeing the look on my dad’s face when he realised I could match pitch and harmonise."

Paris Jackson explained she was lucky enough to be raised with 'solid morals' and her father was determined they knew the value of the things they had.

See more: Michael Jackson's daughter Paris discusses secret 'older brother' Omer Bhatti in rare interview

"We were very privileged growing up, but when it came to things like getting toys and going on the rides, we had to earn that," she explains.

"We were lucky enough to be raised with solid morals. He would be like: 'Oh, you want to go to Toys ‘R’ Us and get five toys? Great. You need to read five books — and I will test you on those books.'

See more: Michael Jackson's daughter Paris says she struggles with expectations of being music legend's child

"It was very clear to us that those rides and the zoo were for underprivileged children — children who were sick and couldn’t go to Disneyland.

"If we were good, and we did our homework and we worked hard throughout the week, maybe we could go at the weekends, but we had to earn it.’

Paris Jackson says people have preconceived ideas about what the King of Pop's daughter must be like.

See more: Barry Gibb opens up about why he asked Michael Jackson to leave his home in 2002

"I’ve had more than a handful of people tell me... 'When I met you I thought you were gonna be a spoiled brat'," Paris says.

paris jackson - wilted (official audio)

"While that’s nice to hear, it’s also like, oh, people already think that before they even meet me. A lot of times I don’t have a chance to show people who I really am."

See more: When Michael Jackson invented the robot dance on live TV - video

Throughout her life of privilege and her unusual upbringing, Paris credits Michael Jackson for instilling the values that make her the person she is today.

"I think a huge part of it was from my dad, from his work and his humanitarianism," she says.

See more: Michael Jackson's son Blanket makes rare public appearance supporting brother Prince at graduation

"Going back to the morals we were raised with, he instilled in us: 'Do what you can to leave this place better than how you found it.'

"That’s in terms of the bigger stuff, the importance of the environment, human rights and animal rights, but also just things like if you go over to a friend’s house and they cook you dinner, leave it better than you found it. Help them clean up!"

Speaking as she launches her album, Paris concludes: "I’m at a point in my life where it’s the first time I’ve ever truly experienced self-love," she smiles.

See more: Beautiful moment Michael Jackson and Princess Diana shyly first met

"A big part of it is definitely the self expression,’ she says. ‘I’m accepting that this music thing, being a musician, is what I was born to do."

Wilted by Paris Jackson is out now

Last Days of Michael Jackson' Trailer