Paris Jackson Poses with Paul McCartney: A Reconciliation Beyond Music Feuds
Published: March 4, 2024, 2:59 p.m. ET
Paris Jackson, daughter of the legendary Michael Jackson, was seen sitting next to Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the surviving members of the Beatles, in the front row of Stella McCartney’s Paris Fashion Week show. This sight of unity comes as a surprise, given the volatile history between the Jackson and McCartney families.
It’s worth noting that Paris Jackson, a 25-year-old singer, model, and actress, sat beside the two former bandmates who had a fallout with her late father—the King of Pop himself. This unexpected reunion took place during the Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show by Stella McCartney, daughter of Sir Paul McCartney and a prominent fashion designer.
Back in 1985, Michael Jackson acquired the rights to the Beatles catalog, outbidding Paul McCartney. This act caused a rift between the once close friends, with McCartney expressing his disapproval by saying, “I think it’s dodgy to do something like that. To be someone’s friend, and then buy the rug they’re standing on.”
However, after Jackson’s unexpected passing in 2009, rumors circulated that he might have left the Beatles catalog to McCartney in his will. Despite the rumors being debunked, Sir Paul had a change of heart and expressed his privilege in having worked with Michael. It wasn’t until 2017 that McCartney ultimately regained the rights to the timeless tunes he created with Starr and fellow bandmates, John Lennon and George Harrison.
The reunion at Stella McCartney’s show seems to signify a mending of relationships and a move towards mutual support. The star-studded event also featured prominent figures like singer-rapper M.I.A., model Ashley Graham, actor Jameela Jamil, and British actresses Naomie Harris, Charlotte Rampling, and Barbara Bach.
Paris Jackson’s attendance at the fashion show demonstrated her commitment to animal rights and environmental activism, a cause she embraced from her father. Stella McCartney, renowned for her sustainable and animal cruelty-free fashion, hence, garnered her solidarity and support in the front row.
Commenting on McCartney’s approach, Jackson emphasized the need for eco-friendly change in the fashion industry, extending to inclusive practices and a safer planet for all beings. McCartney, who avoids animal leather in her collections and explores alternatives like mushroom leather, has revolutionized sustainable fashion. Paris Jackson admires the innovative contributions Stella has made and believes she is transforming activism into a chic movement.
This unexpected reunion at Paris Fashion Week serves as a reminder that relationships can evolve and ultimately find common ground, even in the midst of infamous music industry feuds. The once strained relationship between the Jackson and McCartney families now seems to have moved towards a reconciliation that goes beyond past conflicts.
