Paris Jackson explains her 23 body tattoos

Paris Jackson, in some ways, does not represent Michael Jackson’s former lifestyle due to her deep love of tattoos. At the young age of 18, she already has 23 tattoos on her body and counting.

She was 11 years old when her father passed away, and each piece of art reminds her of how far she’s come. After being sent to a psychiatric hospital in 2013 for an apparent overdose, Jackson reflects on those years with an Instagram image.

Part of the caption reads, “”the craftsmanship of tattoos will always be a controversy. some people like them, some people absolutely hate them. i appreciate art, i always have. especially when that art means something to me. today i can look at my inner forearms and see art that has meaning for me, i don’t see a dark past anymore. my scars and self-hatred have been covered up by loving marks, creativity , ingenuity.. and depth.”

the craftsmanship of tattoos will always be a controversy. some people like them, some people absolutely hate them. i appreciate art, i always have. especially when that art means something to me. today i can look at my inner forearms and see art that has meaning for me, i don't see a dark past anymore. my scars and past of self-hatred have been covered by loving marks, creativity, ingenuity.. and depth. sure i will always carry my past with me, but i see ink as a way of changing for the better, always improving. they represent strength for me. i look back at my old self and then i look in the mirror, and i see a fighter looking back at me. i'll always keep fighting, and encouraging others to stay strong. we all go through hell every now and then but it makes us the warriors of love we were meant to be. so to anyone struggling, it gets better. you're not alone.

A photo posted by Paris-Michael K. Jackson (@parisjackson) on Jun 14, 2016 at 1:37pm PDT

She had previously tattooed “Queen of My Heart” in Michael Jackson’s handwriting, followed by his Dangerous cover art shortly after.

To those going through trying times, she hopes to inspire and let them know they’re not alone. “I’ll always keep fighting, and encouraging others to stay strong. we all go through hell every now and then but it makes us the warriors of love we were meant to be. so to anyone struggling, it gets better. you’re not alone (sic)”

Paris Jackson is the daughter of Debbie Rowe and sister to 14-year-old Blanket, as well as 19-year-old Prince.