Warning: This article contains discussion of rape which some readers may find distressing.
Mackenzie Phillips, an actress known for her role in “One Day at a Time,” has accused her father, John Phillips, the lead singer of the 60s band The Mamas & The Papas, of assaulting her over a decade.
She alleges that their relationship turned incestuous and eventually became ‘consensual’ as she developed a form of ‘Stockholm syndrome’.
John Phillips passed away at 65 in 2001, but a few years later, shocking revelations emerged.
The Mamas & The Papas were infamous for their drug-fuelled incidents, and John Phillips was known for his erratic behaviour under the influence.
However, drugs and alcohol were not the only issues he faced.
Mackenzie Phillips, daughter of John and Susan Adams, disclosed something that stunned both the music industry and those familiar with the family.
In 2009, she published her memoir, “High on Arrival,” where she revealed a decade-long incestuous relationship with her father.
While her stepmother, Michelle Phillips, denied the claims, her sister Chynna supported her.
In an interview on Chynna’s YouTube channel, Mackenzie detailed the abuse she suffered and explained why she considered it ‘consensual’.
She recounted to People how it started in the late 70s after a drug-fuelled party.
“I had tons of pills, and dad had tons of everything too. Eventually, I passed out on dad’s bed,” she stated.
She added that she woke up to find her father raping her.
“Had this happened before? I didn’t know. All I can say is it was the first time I was aware of it,” she recounted.
Appearing on Oprah after her book’s release, she described how things escalated: “Fast-forward…and it’s 1981, maybe, and we’re touring and I begin waking up after drug-fuelled events with my pants around my ankles and my father sleeping beside me.”
She shared how she coped: “Again, ‘Don’t think, don’t look, just keep going.’”
Mackenzie stated: “It didn’t happen every day, it didn’t happen every week, but it certainly happened and it happened enough times.”
Following the initial assault, she claimed that she entered into a consensual sexual relationship with her father.
“It’s sort of the Stockholm Syndrome, where you begin to love your captor. And I felt great love for my father,” she explained.
The relationship ended when she became pregnant and was uncertain about the father’s identity.
In their YouTube video, Chynna expressed her support: “When I stood by you, I meant it with all my heart.
“And I believed you and I want you to know that I was proud of you for coming out, even though it was painful for everybody.”
If you need support, you can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673), available 24/7, or chat online via online.rainn.org.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Us Magazine shares Mackenzie Phillips’ perspective on her decade-long incestuous relationship with John Phillips, highlighting her struggle with forgiveness and the complexities of their dysfunctional family.(read more)
- Prince.org reports on Mackenzie Phillips’ shocking revelation of a sexual relationship with her father, John Phillips, emphasizing the controversy and credibility issues surrounding the claim.(read more)
- All That’s Interesting provides an in-depth overview of Mackenzie Phillips’ life, including her alleged 10-year incestuous relationship with her father John Phillips and her struggles with substance abuse.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Mackenzie Phillips claim about her father?
Mackenzie Phillips claimed her father, John Phillips, assaulted her over a 10-year period.
How did Mackenzie describe the relationship with her father?
She described it as initially non-consensual, later becoming ‘consensual’ due to ‘Stockholm syndrome’.
Did Mackenzie Phillips write a book about her experiences?
Yes, she released a book in 2009 titled High on Arrival.
Who supported Mackenzie Phillips’ claims?
Her sister Chynna Phillips supported her claims, while her stepmother Michelle Phillips did not.
How can someone get help if affected by similar issues?
You can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online via online.rainn.org.