Paris Jackson, the 27-year-old daughter of the late music icon Michael Jackson, was recently seen in Malibu looking visibly upset during a solo walk. Dressed casually in activewear, the model and singer appeared to be in tears, unable to conceal her distress. This rare, vulnerable moment occurred shortly after the emotional 16th anniversary of her father’s death, an event that had already sparked controversy when fans criticized her for performing on that very day.

During her tearful outing, Paris wore a simple brown t-shirt, grey biking shorts, and chunky sneakers, with her platinum blonde hair pulled back in a relaxed ponytail, framing her sorrowful expression. She completed her laid-back yet expressive look with multiple bracelets and layered necklaces. This wasn’t the first time Paris has appeared overwhelmed in public; just weeks prior, she was photographed looking tense while out with her fiancé, 46-year-old Justin Long, also in Malibu.

Paris’s emotional state likely stems from the online backlash she faced for scheduling a tour performance on June 25, the exact date her father passed away in 2009 from a Propofol overdose leading to cardiac arrest. Addressing the fan disappointment, Paris took to Instagram Stories to explain her situation. She clarified that as an opening act for Incubus and Manchester Orchestra, she has no control over tour dates, humorously adding, “It’s not like I can just say, ‘Sorry, can’t play that day!'” She also described her modest tour setup, involving just her acoustic guitar, a microphone, and her fiancé, who serves as her sound engineer, emphasizing that they travel in a “soccer mom van.”

Despite the criticism, Paris made it clear she would not abandon the tour. Her frustration was evident as she firmly stated, “I’m not stepping down. I volunteered for this.” She also reposted a message from a fan account that defended her, highlighting that “You can’t judge someone’s grief based on what you see online. June 25 may be difficult for fans, but for Paris, it’s a daily loss,” to which Paris powerfully responded, “Thx fam.”

Beyond her music career, her relationship with Justin Long has also garnered attention. The couple began dating in 2022 after working together and announced their engagement in December 2023. In a touching birthday tribute that doubled as their engagement announcement, Paris wrote, “Happy birthday my sweet blue… These past few years have been a whirlwind, and I wouldn’t want to face life with anyone else.” Earlier this month, the pair were seen enjoying the California sunshine, with Paris sharing a topless lakeside photo and a cozy selfie with her partner, captioned “Home sweet California,” a nod to her upbringing at her father’s former Neverland Ranch.

Paris has long navigated public life under immense pressure, not only as Michael Jackson’s daughter but also as she carves her own path in music and fashion. She maintains a close bond with her siblings, Prince (28) and Bigi (23), with whom she attended “MJ: The Musical” in London this past March. As she continues to build her music career while balancing personal grief, public expectations, and online scrutiny, Paris remains resolute. Her recent public display of tears serves as a poignant reminder that even strong individuals carry significant emotional burdens, especially when dealing with a loss that never truly fades.