The Truth About Paris Jackson And Macaulay Culkin's Relationship

Paris Jackson has not had an easy life. She was 11 when her father, Michael Jackson, died in 2009. Paris' relationship with Michael had been close, and they shared a strong bond. She credited her dad for keeping her grounded and not raising his kids to be the entitled offspring of a superstar. "My dad was really good about making sure we were cultured, making sure we were educated, and not just showing us, like, the glitz and glam, like hotel hopping, five-star places," Paris told Naomi Campbell in an interview for "No Filter."

Following Michael's death, Paris was forced to live with her super religious Jehovah's Witness grandparents, Joe and Kathleen Jackson. Per The Guardian, Joe had been physically and emotionally abusive to Michael and his siblings. So, unsurprisingly, Paris' relationship with her grandparents proved challenging at times. However, when Joe died in 2018, she called him "one of the greatest patriarchs to ever live" in an Instagram tribute (via Variety).

Paris has suffered scrutiny over her parentage. TMZ reported Michael wasn't the biological father to any of his kids. She's also had to struggle with multiple allegations about the nature of her dad's interactions with minors, including Macaulay Culkin. Michael's close friendship with the former child star was the subject of tabloid speculation and gossip for years. However, he plays a significant role in Paris' support network, along with her brothers, Prince Jackson and Bigi Jackson. So, what's the truth about Paris Jackson and Macaulay Culkin's relationship?

Paris Jackson and Macaulay Culkin's relationship is straight-up family. Michael Jackson asked Culkin to be Paris' godfather when he was 17, a role he's taken very seriously over the years. Culkin is actually the godfather to all of Michael's kids, but his bond with Paris appears especially strong. The actor is fiercely defensive of his goddaughter.

"I'm going to warn you now, I am very protective of her, so just look out," Culkin replied when asked about Paris during an interview with the "WTF with Marc Maron" podcast. "I am a very open book when it comes to things, but like with her, she is beloved by me." Both Culkin and Paris have gone through traumatic and challenging times, in addition to losing a loved one. Culkin still mourns the tragic death of his sister Dakota, who died in a car accident in 2008.

Culkin's life today is nothing like his tumultuous teens and 20s. Per The Guardian, "Home Alone" made him the most successful child star ever. He became emancipated from his parents at 14, claiming they attempted to control his $17 million fortune. Culkin shot down reports of an inappropriate relationship with Michael, fiercely defended him in his 2005 molestation trial, and continues to do so. He had scrapes with the law and substance abuse issues. And, throughout it all, he's always been there for Paris. The two even have matching tattoos — and their meaning is adorable!

Paris Jackson and Macaulay Culkin's relationship is forever sealed in ink after they got matching tattoos in 2017. In a rare interview, the actor opened up about the meaning behind their akin skin art. Culkin told Esquire he'd passed onto Paris his penchant for stealing spoons by squirreling them away up his sleeve. He said they regularly swapped their snagged swag from around the world.

When Paris was launching her music career and becoming a public figure, he'd passed on some words of wisdom, using spoons as an example. "Don't forget to be silly, don't forget to take something away from this whole experience, and don't forget to stick something up your sleeve," Culkin told her. Hence the tattoos — Culkin's one and only, but one of many for Paris.

It appears he's her go-to person for personal and career advice. When Paris was preparing to audition for one of the "American Horror Story" spin-offs, she turned to her godfather for some insider tips. He was a veteran of the subject as an actor in the original "American Horror Story" series. "He said overdo it at certain points," Paris told E! News. "Kind of like, overact and kind of make it theatrical." Turned out to be yet more sage advice from Culkin, as she landed the part of Maya, starring in the two-part premiere. Paris shared they swapped blood-soaked selfies from their different "American Horror Story" filming sets.