Don’t Do Drugs, Kids” — Paris Jackson Reveals Perforated Septum Attributed to Past Drug Use
In a heartfelt and unflinching disclosure, 27-year-old singer-model Paris Jackson, daughter of the late pop icon Michael Jackson, has revealed that she has been living with a
perforated septum
— a hole in the nasal septum — which she attributes to years of drug use.
In a video posted on 10 November 2025, Jackson held a light to her nose and made the condition public:
“I have a really loud whistle when I breathe through my nose … and that is because I have what is called a perforated septum … That is from what you think it’s from.”
She added directly to viewers:
“Don’t do drugs, kids … I don’t recommend it because it ruined my life.”
What She Shared
- Jackson said she’s had the condition “since about age 20”.
- She explained that though repair surgery exists, she has chosen not to undergo it because she’s nearly six years sober and does not want to risk returning to prescription pain-medication:
“I don’t want to get plastic surgery to fix it because I’m almost six years sober … you have to take pills when you have a surgery that gnarly and I don’t want to f-k with that.” - She noted that the condition affects her music-studio work:
“It’s a b-–h when you’re in the studio.”
Medical & Contextual Notes
A perforated septum is a hole in the wall of cartilage and/or bone that separates the two nostrils (the septum). According to medical sources:
- It can result from trauma, surgery, chronic use of nasal sprays, autoimmune disease, infections or drug use (particularly substances inhaled or snorted which can damage blood vessels and cartilage).
- Symptoms often include whistling during breathing, nosebleeds, crusting, nasal obstruction, or, in large cases, structural change.
Jackson’s admissions align with these medical explanations — she cites both the whistling and the visible hole in her nasal septum.
Significance & Impact
- Sobriety milestone. Jackson emphasises that she is nearly six years sober from drugs and alcohol, a journey she has spoken about previously.
- Cautionary message. Her public admission serves as a warning about physical consequences of substance abuse — beyond the usual mental-health narrative.
- Celebrity vulnerability. As the daughter of a globally known figure, her openness may help destigmatise discussions around addiction, long-term damage, and recovery.
- Avoiding surgery. Her decision not to undergo repair surgery in order to protect her sobriety adds nuance: she is choosing to live with a visible, lifelong consequence rather than risk relapse.
What to Watch For
- Will Jackson become a spokesperson or advocate for addiction recovery, given her candid disclosure?
- Could her story prompt wider awareness in Ghana and across Africa about nasal damage from drug use — often under-reported in public health discussions?
- Might she eventually reconsider surgical repair — and if so, how will that process be managed to protect her recovery?
Final Thoughts
Paris Jackson’s revelation that she has been living with a perforated septum caused by drug use is more than celebrity news — it’s a raw, human story of damage, recovery, and living with visible consequence. Her transparency may offer hope to others, and certainly offers a caution to those flirting with substance misuse.
In a world where celebrity often hides imperfection, Jackson’s decision to shine a light — literally and metaphorically — on her scar offers a powerful message: the effects of drug use can linger long after the substance is gone, but healing and purpose can still emerge.