HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Mackenzie Phillips was back on “Oprah” Friday, two days after she first revealed a decade-long sexual relationship with her father, rock legend John Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas.
Appearing via satellite from New York, Phillips spoke out on the backlash that has ensued since she went public with the allegations, much of which has come from within her own family.
“My answer to that is — and I understand this is a difficult thing for my family — nobody’s talking about this,” she told Oprah. “So if I started a national dialogue that will help people face this issue, I am forever grateful.”
While she didn’t want to share the stage with her older sister, Chynna Phillips did say that she was “proud” of Mackenzie’s strength.
“Many people were repulsed, many people were horrified at the allegations. … She had the courage to come out and talk about it, and I’m proud of my sister,” said Chynna.
The two sisters later professed their love for each other.
Said Mackenzie: “I am more in love with my sister than I’ve ever been. Chynna, you spoke so beautifully about Dad’s heart and about your truth and about your faith. I couldn’t love you more right now.”
“I love you, too, Mac,” replied Chynna.
At the start of the show, Oprah read a statement from Mackenzie’s half-sister, actress Bijou Phillips, who acknowledged knowing about the sexual relationship.
“When I was 13, Mackenzie told me that she had a consensual sexual relationship with our father,” the statement said. “This news was confusing and it was also scary, as I lived alone with my father since I was 3.
“Mackenzie’s history with her father is hers, but also clouded with 30 years of drug use,” the statement continued. “I hope she can come to terms with this and find peace. The life I had with my father was very different. He was Mr. Mom, encouraging and loving. The man that raised me would never be capable of doing such things, and if he was, it is heartbreaking to me to think that my family would leave me alone with him. I understand Mackenzie’s need to come clean with a history she feels will help others, but it’s devastating to have the world watch as we try and mend broken fences, especially when the man in question isn’t here to defend himself.”
