The question surrounding Paris Jackson’s biological father continues to captivate fans and media alike, with renewed discussions emerging in 2025. Despite Michael Jackson being legally recognized as her father, speculation about her paternity has persisted since the King of Pop’s death in 2009.
Mark Lester’s Controversial Claims
British actor Mark Lester has made the most prominent claims regarding Paris Jackson’s paternity. The former child star claims he donated sperm to Michael Jackson, suggesting he could be Paris Jackson’s biological father. Lester, who was Jackson’s close friend and godfather to his children, first made these assertions in 2009 shortly after Jackson’s death.
Lester told media outlets that he believed Jackson “had a problem with actually doing the physical act of sex and [had] a very low sperm count as well”, which he claims led to the sperm donation arrangement. However, these claims have never been substantiated with concrete evidence.
The actor has offered to take DNA tests multiple times over the years. In 2013, he stated: “I wouldn’t have a DNA test without the children’s permission but when the children come of age, and it’s not far away, and they decide they want me to do it then I will”.
Paris Jackson’s Firm Response
Paris Jackson has directly addressed these paternity rumors on multiple occasions. She has firmly stated that Michael Jackson is her father, not anyone else, emphasizing her connection to Michael and rejecting the significance of biological ties over the emotional bond she shared with him.
In interviews, she has consistently defended her father’s legacy and dismissed speculation about her paternity as irrelevant to her identity and relationship with the man who raised her.
Media Speculation and Public Interest
The paternity debate gained traction partly due to reports from TMZ in 2009 that claimed they independently confirmed Michael Jackson was not the biological father of Paris or Prince Jackson. However, no official public records exist to support these claims.
More recently, Paris’s 2023 role in Amazon’s “Swarm” reignited rumors due to a suggestive line referencing her character’s parentage, and unsubstantiated “DNA leaks” purportedly showing no genetic link to Michael Jackson went viral but were widely regarded as invasive and unproven.
Official Records and Legal Standing
Michael Jackson remains the legal and recognized biological father of Paris Jackson according to official records. She is the middle child and only daughter of the King of Pop, with Debbie Rowe as her biological mother. Jackson was awarded full custody of Paris following his divorce from Rowe in 1999.
The Ongoing Speculation
Despite the lack of concrete evidence supporting alternative paternity claims, the public’s fascination with “who is Paris Jackson’s biological father?” has persisted and become a significant part of her public narrative. This ongoing speculation has often overshadowed her own achievements and career in modeling, acting, and music.
The controversy highlights broader questions about celebrity privacy, particularly regarding children of famous figures. Paris Jackson has consistently maintained that her relationship with Michael Jackson transcends any biological questions, emphasizing the love and care he provided as her father.
As discussions continue in 2025, Paris Jackson remains focused on her career and personal life, having recently ended her engagement to music producer Justin Long. She continues to honor Michael Jackson’s legacy while forging her own path in the entertainment industry.
What do you think about the ongoing speculation surrounding celebrity paternity cases? Share your thoughts on how public figures should handle such personal matters while maintaining their privacy.