“You don’t pick what date you perform”- Paris Jackson slams people criticizing her for performing on dad Michael Jackson’s death anniversary
Paris Jackson has publicly responded to criticism about her scheduled performance on June 25, which is also the anniversary of her father Michael Jackson's death.
The singer and daughter of the late pop icon addressed people expressing anger over her tour date coinciding with the somber occasion. She shared her thoughts directly with followers via Instagram Stories on June 13, expressing frustration with the negative reaction.
The controversy stems from Paris Jackson's role as a supporting act for Incubus's upcoming Morning View + The Hits tour alongside Manchester Orchestra. One of the tour stops is scheduled for Nashville on June 25, 2025, which marks exactly 16 years since Michael Jackson's passing at the age of 50 in 2009. Some critics questioned her decision to perform on that specific date.
In a video posted to her Instagram Stories, Paris Jackson explained the practical realities of being an opening act. She emphasized that supporting artists do not control the tour schedule.
"So, what I guess I have to explain to these people is that when... you're not headlining these shows, you don’t pick what date you perform," she said.
Paris went on to state how people were mad again that her tour date happens to be on June 25, which she said was a "very negative anniversary for me in my life and my family." She clarified that the headlining band, Incubus, set the dates and locations.
Paris Jackson on why opening acts don't control the calendar
Paris Jackson elaborated on the lack of control supporting artists have over tour logistics, extending beyond just dates. She highlighted the modest accommodations compared to headliners, pointing out she would not receive preferential treatment.
"First of three also doesn’t get a tour bus. You get maybe a sprinter van... It’s just me and my acoustic guitar and my sound guy, who happens to be my fiancé," she explained, referring to Justin Long.
This description underscored her position as an opening act without the privileges of the main performers. The musician firmly dismissed the idea of requesting a date change or withdrawing from the Nashville show. She framed the opportunity as something she actively pursued and valued, not a commitment she could easily alter.
She said that she felt Incubus was doing her a favor by bringing her out on tour. Responding sarcastically to the notion of canceling, she said:
"So, I’m gonna tell ’em, 'Sorry, guys, we can’t perform on this date?'... F--- you," directing the latter comment at her critics.
She reiterated that she pitched herself for the tour slot and secured it, making backing out impractical and disrespectful to the organizers. Incubus announced Paris Jackson and Manchester Orchestra as opening acts for their U.S. and U.K. tour in March.
The band expressed enthusiasm about her participation at the time. The June 25 date in Nashville stands as part of the planned itinerary, coinciding with the anniversary but not chosen by Paris Jackson. Her explanation centered entirely on the structural realities of touring hierarchy and her role within it for this specific engagement.
Paris Jackson addressed the criticism by explaining her lack of control over the tour schedule and expressing her commitment to fulfilling her role as a supporting artist on the Incubus tour. The Nashville performance on June 25 remains scheduled.
