Paris Jackson shared new details about her upbringing during an Aug. 12 appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast with Alex Cooper, describing what life was actually like at her father’s famous Neverland Ranch. Jackson clarified that she did not grow up there full time, only living there during the first few years of her life. She said the property’s amusement park, zoo, movie theater and other attractions were never meant for her or her siblings personally, explaining that those features were intended for underprivileged children and children with terminal illnesses who otherwise could not visit places like Disneyland.

Jackson described a consistent structure to her childhood built around completing chores and schoolwork before being allowed access to any of the property’s attractions on weekends. She said the same rule applied to watching television or movies, which she said was mostly restricted unless done for educational purposes with the sound off, or allowed as a reward on weekends.

Why did Michael Jackson have his children wear masks in public?

Jackson explained that wearing masks in public as a child made sense to her at the time, since it allowed her and her siblings to visit ordinary places without being recognized. She described understanding, even as a young child, that the trade off allowed her to experience normal outings, like visiting a family style restaurant, without the complications of public attention. She remembered her father as a warm and funny presence in her life, describing their relationship closely and calling herself his princess growing up. Michael Jackson died in 2009 at age 50, when Jackson was 11 years old.

What did Paris Jackson say about her father’s funeral?

Jackson also spoke about her father’s 2009 memorial service at the Staples Center, describing an unplanned moment in which she decided to speak on his behalf when no one else in the family appeared ready to do so. She recalled a long pause where nobody moved, prompting her to step forward herself despite not having planned any remarks in advance. Her brothers, Prince and Bigi, were also present for the service. Paris said she has never gone back to watch footage of her remarks from that day.

How did Paris Jackson meet her mother, Debbie Rowe?

Jackson described her first meeting with her mother, Debbie Rowe, at around age 15, recalling a casual and unplanned interaction rather than an emotional or dramatic reunion. She said she came downstairs to find Rowe in the living room with her grandmother, greeted her simply, and the two ended up spending the day together shortly after. She attributed part of their quick connection to shared personality traits, noting that she and Rowe are both fire signs astrologically.

Jackson said she has approached her relationship with her mother, and relationships generally, by trying to avoid placing expectations on people, which she said allows connections to develop more naturally. She said that approach has helped her relationship with Rowe grow steadily over the years, to the point that the two now regularly celebrate holidays together.