Reflecting on her turbulent relationship with her father John Phillips, Mackenzie Phillips revisited her past in an interview with her sister Chynna Phillips, which was published Wednesday.
Chynna Phillips described their father as having a “dark side” and being “very unpredictable.” She acknowledged his musical talent but also referred to him as a “monster.”
In her memoir, “High on Arrival,” released in 2009, Mackenzie Phillips narrated her “bizarre” childhood as the daughter of The Mamas & the Papas’ rock star. The book’s revelation about her incestuous relationship with her father attracted significant media attention and criticism.
Mackenzie expressed the complexity of her feelings toward her father, admitting to the difficulties in reaching a place of forgiveness. She highlighted that forgiveness is for her own peace, and it doesn’t mean condoning or agreeing with the actions she forgives.
Speaking in a 2016 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Phillips expressed her surprise and pain at losing her family’s support after disclosing her father’s sexual abuse.
Chynna Phillips commended her sister’s bravery in sharing her experience, expressing pride in her for speaking up despite the distress it may have caused.
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE & online.rainn.org).
Concluding their interview, Mackenzie Phillips received unwavering support from Chynna, who reiterated her belief in her sister and her pride in her courage to confront the past.
Contributing: Bill Keveney, USA TODAY
