Celebrity

"I'm Not a Size Zero": Paris Jackson Gets Real About Her Stretch Marks

The 19-year-old talked body positivity and self-acceptance in her latest, super candid interview with i-D

By Laura Hensley August 4, 2017

Paris Jackson posing in a black top and skirt

(Photo: Rex Shutterstock)

As the daughter of the late Michael Jackson, Paris Jackson is used to being in the spotlight. Now, the 19-year-old is using her platform to promote body positivity and self-acceptance.

In a recent text-message interview (yes, that’s apparently a thing) with i-D Magazine, Jackson opened up about how she isn’t a “size zero” and how stretch marks and cellulite are part of being a normal woman.

“Beauty is not measured by numbers, or symmetry, or shapes, or sizes, or colours, or anything like that,” she told the outlet.

“I’m not symmetrical, I’m not a size zero, I eat hella burgers and endless amounts of pizza. I can’t fit into a runway sample size of designer clothes, I have scars and stretch marks and acne and I have cellulite. I’m human. Not a dress-up doll. The idea that we all have to fit one idea of beauty is outrageous and ridiculous because ‘perfection’ is just an opinion.”

Paris Jackson covers The Acting Up Issue! Shot by Willy Vanderperre for Calvin Klein, inside we examine how Raf is continuing Calvin Klein’s groundbreaking and provocative legacy, and catch up with cover girl Paris to talk about why she’s all about empowering women. Link in bio. . . . Photography @willyvanderperre. Styling Olivier Rizzo. @parisjackson wears marching band vest CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC.

A post shared by i-D (@i_d) on Aug 2, 2017 at 5:21am PDT

The budding actor went on to tell i-D that she wants to change the fashion world and the “standards the media places on not just women but also men.”

“Unfortunately in the world we live in it’s almost impossible to feel comfortable in your skin 24/7. Especially with what the media is constantly feeding us,” she wrote. “I still have countless insecurities and fears, like everyone else I know…which is a big reason I want to change this fashion / beauty stigma, so it’s not as difficult for people around the world to feel beautiful just the way they are.”

the intro is definitely NOT something i gave clearance on… so disappointed. #journalists but my answers were LIT so i’m sharing it anyway https://t.co/OcllafpD8h

— Paris-Michael K. J. (@ParisJackson) August 3, 2017

While the interview was filled with really inspiring quotes, Jackson tweeted that she didn’t give “clearance” on the interview’s introduction and was “disappointed” with the journalist. [Note: it is common journalistic practice that subjects don’t get to approve or “clear” stories before they run.]

We love that Jackson, who uses her social media platforms to document her spiritual journey and promote body positivity, is speaking up about accepting ourselves the way we are—stretch marks and all. After all, none of us are perfect, and it’s nice to be reminded of that.