Paris Jackson has opened up about the difficult decision to end her engagement to music producer Justin Long, explaining that being with someone who is a good person does not necessarily mean they are the right partner.
The daughter of the late Michael Jackson discussed her past relationships and the lessons she has taken from them during an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast. Jackson, 28, said she ultimately had to prioritise her own happiness and recognise that certain needs in a relationship could not simply be overlooked.
Her candid comments offer a glimpse into why she decided to walk away from her engagement to Long, despite describing him as a good person.
Choosing Happiness Over Staying in an Unhappy Relationship
Jackson revealed that ending the relationship was a decision she needed to make for her own happiness.
'There were times where I did try and end it,' she explained, acknowledging that she struggled with the idea of whether staying a little longer might eventually make things better.
That uncertainty is something many people can relate to. Jackson said she had to confront the thought that perhaps the relationship could improve if she simply waited. Ultimately, however, she realised that staying did not necessarily mean the issues would resolve themselves.
The singer and actress said she worked through those doubts with support from her therapist, a clinical psychologist, a coach and what she described as a 'whole council of people'. Their conversations helped her examine why she wanted to remain in the relationship.
According to Jackson, the questions she was asked eventually made her reassess her reasons for staying.
'A Good Person' Does Not Always Mean 'My Person'
One of the most revealing parts of Jackson's discussion was her distinction between someone being a good person and being the right person for her.
'I've realised just because someone is a good person doesn't mean they're my person,' she said.
Jackson explained that having a partner who is kind or faithful is not, on its own, enough to make a relationship work. She also needs her major relationship needs to be met, and she has learned that she is allowed to treat those needs as non-negotiable.
'If these big major needs are not being met,' she said, 'it doesn't matter that you're a good person and you're not going to cheat on me'.
Her comments highlight a broader lesson about relationships: compatibility involves more than simply avoiding obvious problems. A relationship can involve two decent people and still not be right for either of them.
Jackson Opens up About Her Previous Engagement
The Justin Long engagement was not Jackson's first experience with plans to marry.
During the podcast appearance, she revealed that she had previously been secretly engaged to someone else. She said that relationship was significant to her at the time, although she now views it differently.
Jackson described the circumstances surrounding that first engagement as unhealthy, saying they were both struggling with drug use and revealing that the engagement ring had been purchased with her money without her knowledge.
The revelation comes as Jackson reflects on her personal growth. She said she has now been sober for six years and has taken time to work on herself following her previous relationships.
'The Bar Can Be Raised a Bit'
Jackson also acknowledged that her past dating experiences have influenced the standards she now has for future relationships.
'I can be a little bit pickier,' she said, before candidly adding that 'the bar can be raised a bit because it's historically been very low'.
The comment reflects the self-awareness Jackson says she has developed while looking back at her romantic history. Rather than focusing solely on whether a partner is a good person, she is placing greater importance on whether the relationship itself meets her emotional and personal needs.
For Jackson, that has meant becoming more comfortable with walking away when something does not feel right, even when making that choice is difficult.
Paris Jackson's Engagement to Justin Long
Jackson and Long announced their engagement in December 2024 after dating for around two years. The couple had previously kept much of their relationship relatively private, making the announcement a notable moment for fans.
However, their engagement ultimately did not lead to marriage. Jackson revealed in August of the following year that the pair had separated.
Her latest comments provide further context about the breakup without suggesting that the relationship ended because of one specific incident. Instead, Jackson's explanation centres on recognising that her needs were not being met and accepting that staying with someone simply because they are a good person was not enough.
Paris Jackson Says She Is 'Happy' Now
When asked about her current dating life, Jackson kept her answer brief but positive. The musician simply described herself as 'happy'.
After discussing her past engagements, sobriety and the process of reassessing what she wants from a relationship, that answer carries particular significance. Jackson appears to be focused less on rushing into another commitment and more on being comfortable with where she is now.
Her experience also marks a shift in how she approaches relationships. Having previously questioned whether she should stay and wait for things to improve, Jackson now seems more confident in recognising her own boundaries.
For the star, walking away from an engagement was ultimately not about declaring that her former partner was a bad person. It was about acknowledging that being good to one another is only part of what makes a lasting relationship work.
As Jackson continues to focus on her career and personal growth, her latest comments suggest she is entering the next chapter with clearer expectations and a higher bar for the relationships she chooses to pursue.
