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Mackenzie Phillips a liar?: Tamerlane Phillips, Michelle Phillips and others weigh in
Mackenzie Phillips' controversial allegation -- that she and her father John Phillips had a 10-year incestuous relationship -- from her book "High on Arrival" that was also revealed on "Oprah" Thursday have caused a debate about the claim's veracity. So far it appears that the Phillips' family is split in their reactions, while certain outsiders are taking Mackenzie at her word.
People who don't believe the allegations
Ex-wife Genevieve Waite in a statement read by Oprah Winfrey: "I am stunned by Mackenzie's terrible allegations about her father. I would often complain to John about her overly familiar attitude toward him and he would tell me that was just her way. John was a good man, who had the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction. He was incapable, no matter how drunk or drugged he was, of having such a relationship with his own child."
Ex-wife Michelle Phillips to The Hollywood Reporter blog Showbiz 411: "[Mackenzie] told me [in 1997], then she called me back and said, 'You know I'm joking,' I said it wasn't funny. Mackenzie said, 'I guess we have different senses of humor.' John was a bad parent, and a drug addict. But [expletive deleted] his daughter? If she thinks it's true, why isn't she with a good psychiatrist on a couch? I think it's unconscionable that Oprah would let her do her show. I have every reason to believe it's untrue. Oprah should be more judicious about who she has on her show.
"Mackenzie has a lot of mental illness. She's had a needle stuck up her arm for 35 years. She was arrested for heroin and coke just recently. She did 'Celebrity Rehab' and now she writes a book. The whole thing is timed. Mackenzie is jealous of her siblings, who have accomplished a lot and did not become drug addicts."
[Editorial note: At least two of Mackenzie Phillips' half-siblings, Bijou and Tamerlane Phillips, have a history with drug abuse.]
People who believe the allegations
Half-sister Chynna Phillips, UsWeekly: "I knew it was true. I mean, who in their right mind would make such a claim if it wasn't true? They were both doing drugs together. After long nights of heroin use, she's claiming that she once woke up and that my father was on top of her having sex with her. Was he actually raping her? I don't know. Do I believe that they had an incestuous relationship and that it went on for 10 years? Yes." Chynna Phillips recently released a new album with Vaugh Penn, "One Reason," and will appear on "Oprah" Friday, Sept. 25.
Addiction specialist and "Celebrity Rehab" host Dr. Drew Pinsky on "Extra": "What's unusual about Mackenzie's case is there's a romantic quality to the relationship. [John Phillips] was almost a cult leader where he was sort of using mind control over people and telling them that his way of seeing things was the right way. When you're a kid, you have no other way of seeing things and if you're then given drugs and addicted at the same time, it's hopeless for the young person ... This was somebody she really cares about and this was despicable situation."
People on the fence
Half-brother Tamerlane Phillips isn't sure if the allegations are true, but he acknowledges that his family has problems.
WARNING: The video below contains strong, possibly objectionable language
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Related:
'Oprah': Mackenzie Phillips talks John Phillips, Mick Jagger and Valerie Bertinelli
Mackenzie Phillips' incest with the Mamas and the Papas' John Phillips
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Mackenzie is an absoulte liar! Doesn't anyone find it strange that this all comes out and there's no other physical evidence, other than what Mackenzie claims? She's a loud-mouth coke head! She always freaks-out, and even admits to that on Oprah. If this was true, in all these years wouldn't she have done some freaking-out around other people, to let them in on the secret? Wouldn't there be some physical proof; some nude pictures of her and her father together? Wouldn't there have been a letter, or something from her father? Don't be so NAIVE people! She needs money; she wants to sell books! The lie of the century, and the nutjob Oprah buys it.
Oh God Shane are you an idiot!!!! Wouldn't there be physical proof, like a photo? I'll say it again, you are an idiot! A letter from her father? Saying what? I am absolutely convinced this is truth and it sure explains a lot - and how dare Michelle - sibling rivalry? Her siblings had the distinct advantage of not being f#@ked by their father!!!! Michelle's reaction is the very reason victims stay silent - she needs to be very ashamed of herself. You can't run from or drown your demons - they must be faced, then healing can begin - Mackenzie just did the hardest thing in the world - I commend her and I wish her only the best.
I have to agree with Smarter than Shane. It's a difficult subject and healing takes place when you acknowledge it. I think Mackenzie is trying to help others in similar situations as she helps herself. Those of her family and public who say it never happened, how do you know? Accessibility and availablility: A daughter is allowed access in the home, there were drugs involved, it was probably done very privately. It was also a season of free love in the 60's. Open your mind to the possibility. Why be so angry?
Oh come on, guys. Everyone knows that claiming to have sex with your parents is all the rage with kids nowadays. Everyone is doing it! It's the cool thing to do. I mean, what cooler rumour is there to spread about yourself than that???
Mackenzie used to be hot. I would have gotten her wasted and boned her too.
Mackenzie and her father John Philips had a "sick" relationship from the beginning. What "father" in his right mind, turns his child onto drugs, knows she's having sexual relationships with his "friends". I believe her, why else would she have all the problems she does, The drugs are to escape, wouldn't you want to escape???
Has noone read "The Kiss" by Kathryn Harrison? A true memoir of a woman's consentual affair with her father (who was largely absent from her life until adulthood)? Disturbing and human... it happens I guess and the Mackenzie-father circumstances seem like a case where it could be viable.
Mick can lock the door and have me anytime.
Anyone who names their son Tamerlane has more problems then incest. nd...hnh...why d y rprt flth?
If Mackenzie is telling the truth, I feel bad for her. I am curious why (true or not) would she reveal this now. Mac has done many interviews in the past revealing all sorts of dirty family secrets, I heard the Mick Jagger story a long time ago. To reveal incest now and further hurt her family members when (if it's true) it is done and over and John Phillips is dead, nothing to be gained. If she needs to talk about this, do it in therapy. To shame the family even more by writing it in a book can give the impression that she wants attention or needs money. I think Mac could be bipolar. Anyway I don't think she thought about anyone other than herself, after all if it's money or attention she seeks, the only way she can get it now is to write a book and tell stories about her crazy life. If the stories have all been told, and you want to sell a book you have to make up new ones that top all of the old ones and this tops them all.