Paris Jackson has shared that her brief but memorable tribute at her father Michael Jackson’s memorial service happened “in the moment.”
Paris was just 11 years old when her legendary father died at his Los Angeles home from cardiac arrest as a result of a propofol overdose in June 2009. She famously stepped up to the microphone inside Los Angeles’ packed Staples Center and spoke just a few sentences at the King of Pop’s memorial service, which was being broadcast live across the U.S.
“Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine,” Paris said on stage, flanked by her aunts Janet and La Toya Jackson. “And I just want to say I love him so much,” she added before dissolving into tears and being ushered offstage by her family.
Looking back on the moment during Wednesday’s episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast, Paris revealed her speech was unplanned.
“Oh, it kind of just happened in the moment,” she told host Alex Cooper. “It was kind of like, yeah, I’ve been on stage where it was like, they looked and they’re like, ‘Are one of the kids going to say something?’ And no one moved. So I was like, f*** it, we ball. And ... yeah, it just happened.”
Asked by Cooper whether she felt any pressure in that moment, Paris responded: “Well, because when eyes turn and they’re like, ‘Someone’s got to say something.’ ... I have not gone back to watch it to see how quickly it all happened, but it felt like it happened very slowly. And it felt like someone’s got to say something.
“Little bro’s not going to do it. Older bro’s not moving,” she added, referring to her two siblings, Prince, 29, and Bigi, 24.
Paris, 28, has continued to advocate for her father in the years since his death, most notably with an ongoing legal battle over his estate. She and her brothers are the beneficiaries of Michael’s estate, which is now estimated to be worth over $2 billion.
Michael’s only daughter raised concerns last July about executors John Branca and John McClain allegedly mishandling the late singer’s money after reportedly noticing irregular payments. She went on to accuse the attorneys of “skimming money” from her father’s estate.
Branca and McClain have denied all allegations against them.
Earlier this year, a Los Angeles judge ruled in favor of Paris, deciding that the money will have to be returned to the estate. The ruling also demanded transparency in the way that the Jackson family’s money is spent.
