The following article includes mentions of incest, sexual assault, and drug addiction.
Mackenzie Phillips and Michelle Phillips' relationship stretches back to Mackenzie’s childhood.
Mackenzie was born in 1959, the daughter of John Phillips and Susan Adams, his first wife.
Three years later, her parents divorced, and John married Michelle.
By the mid-1960s, the couple made music history with The Mamas and the Papas.
Michelle and John had one child, Chynna Phillips, before separating in 1969 and later divorcing.
Starting in the 1970s, Mackenzie and her stepmother both had acting careers.
“Unfortunately, struggles with drug addiction sidelined Mackenzie’s career for a time.
In 2009, Mackenzie released “High on Arrival.”
While the memoir detailed Mackenzie’s struggles with drug addiction, some of that information was already public.
Mackenzie had been arrested in 1977 and 2008 on charges of drug possession.
What was unexpected were Mackenzie’s allegations of an incestuous relationship with John.
Mackenzie explained her father raped her when she was under the influence of drugs.
“Consensual or otherwise, it is a betrayal of trust.”
She wasn’t prepared for Michelle’s acerbic reaction.
“John was a bad parent and a drug addict,” Michelle admitted toShowbiz411.
However, she was incredulous about Mackenzie’s incest claims.
In particular, Michelle expressed concern for her daughter Chynna Phillips, Mackenzie’s half-sister.
At the time, theWilson Phillipssinger was debuting her album of Christian music.
Even so, Michelle had her own uncomfortable memories of John.
“I told her I loved her and always had,” Mackenzie informedRolling Stone.
“She took my hand and said ‘I love you, too.’
I was moved.”
Afterward, Mackenzie approached Michelle Phillips and backpedaled her claims.
“She called me back and said, ‘You know I’m joking,'” Michelle informedShowbiz411in 2009.
“I said it wasn’t funny.
Mackenzie said, ‘I guess we have different senses of humor.'”
In contrast, Michelle’s daughter Chynna Phillips believed her half-sister from the start.
Chynna explained toUs Weeklyin 2009.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available.
