Paris Jackson said she ended her engagement to music producer Justin Long to prioritize her own happiness.
The revelation provides insight into the private life of the daughter of Michael Jackson, who has frequently spoken about the challenges of navigating fame and mental health.
Speaking during the Aug. 12 episode of the "Call Her Daddy" podcast with Alex Cooper, Jackson, 28 [1], addressed the end of her relationship with Long. She said the decision was based on her personal well-being, particularly following previous struggles with drug use.
"It was a choice that I needed to make to be happy," Jackson said [2].
Details regarding the timeline of the split vary across reports. In the interview, Jackson said she called off the engagement "last summer," which would place the breakup in the summer of 2025 [5]. However, other reports indicate the split occurred in 2026 [5] after the couple had been together for three years [3].
This timeline contradicts other reports stating the couple announced their engagement in December 2025 [5]. Jackson said that choosing her own happiness ultimately influenced her decision to end the relationship [4].
Jackson has previously been open about the complexities of her family history and her journey toward stability. By discussing the breakup on a public platform, she continues a pattern of transparency regarding her emotional health, and the boundaries she sets in her personal relationships.
Long has not issued a public statement regarding the specific details of the split or the timeline discussed during the podcast episode.
“"It was a choice that I needed to make to be happy."”
The conflicting reports on the timing of the breakup—ranging from summer 2025 to 2026—suggest a discrepancy between public announcements and the actual dissolution of the relationship. Jackson's emphasis on happiness and recovery indicates a shift toward prioritizing mental health over traditional relationship milestones.
