Mackenzie Phillips has decided to share intimate details about her decade-long incestuous involvement with her father, the frontman of the Mamas & the Papas, John Phillips.
During an appearance on her sister Chynna’s YouTube channel, Mackenzie delved into the complexities of their family dynamics.
Chynna expressed admiration for their father, referring to him as one of her favorite people but acknowledging his “dark” side.
Describing John as multifaceted, Chynna highlighted his musical talents, labeling him an exceptional songwriter.
Mackenzie echoed this sentiment, acknowledging his genius but also alluding to a darker aspect of his personality.
The sisters reminisced about their upbringing, with Mackenzie recounting in her 2009 memoir, “High on Arrival,” that her father s–ually assaulted her on the night of her marriage to Jeff Sessler when she was 19.
Despite this traumatic incident, Mackenzie later engaged in a consensual relationship with John that spanned nearly a decade amidst her struggles with drug addiction.
During the recent conversation on Chynna’s YouTube channel, the focus was not on revisiting the specific events but rather on expressing support for Mackenzie’s decision to speak out about the controversial affair.
Chynna reiterated her unwavering support for Mackenzie, emphasizing her pride in her sister for courageously sharing their family’s unsettling secret.
She recalled standing by Mackenzie during her appearance on “Good Morning America” in 2009 and affirmed her belief in Mackenzie’s account.
Despite facing criticism online for her forgiveness towards her deceased father, who passed away in 2001 from heart failure, Mackenzie explained her perspective on forgiveness.
She clarified that forgiveness is a personal choice aimed at finding peace within oneself, emphasizing that it does not imply condoning or endorsing the actions being forgiven.
In a poignant moment, Mackenzie shared that her ability to forgive is integral to her inner peace, despite the complexity and challenges associated with reconciling her feelings towards her father’s actions.
The conversation between the sisters shed light on the intricacies of familial relationships and the profound impact of past traumas on personal growth and healing.