In 2016, Mackenzie Phillips reflected that when she publicly divulged her incestuous relationship with her father, John Phillips, she thought her family would support her with unconditional love. She wasn't prepared for Michelle's acerbic reaction.
"John was a bad parent and a drug addict," Michelle admitted to Showbiz411. However, she was incredulous about Mackenzie's incest claims. "Mackenzie has a lot of mental illness," she added, asserting her stepdaughter's revelation was a publicity stunt. "Mackenzie is jealous of her siblings, who have accomplished a lot and did not become drug addicts." In particular, Michelle expressed concern for her daughter Chynna Phillips, Mackenzie's half-sister. At the time, the Wilson Phillips singer was debuting her album of Christian music.
Even so, Michelle had her own uncomfortable memories of John. Although her 1986 memoir focused on their positive experiences, Michelle disclosed in 2007 that in one instance, John assaulted her and she required hospitalization for her injuries. In 2022, Michelle further noted John misrepresented the incident in his own memoir, alleging that it was far less physically damaging than what she experienced.
Also in 2022, after years of estrangement, Michelle and Mackenzie unexpectedly reconciled when they both attended the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony for the late Cass Elliot, Michelle and John's bandmate in The Mamas and the Papas. "I told her I loved her and always had," Mackenzie informed Rolling Stone. "She took my hand and said 'I love you, too.' I was moved."
