Mackenzie and Chynna Phillips Embrace Hollywood's 'Colorfully Unique' Family Dynamics
Mackenzie Phillips dismisses the label of 'Most Dysfunctional' for her family in Hollywood, candidly discussing her father's troubled past and their alleged decade-long incestuous relationship A revealing account that sheds light on their complex family dynamics
In a lengthy conversation about her "dysfunctional" family, Mackenzie Phillips explained her decision to forgive her late father, John Phillips, after their abusive and incestuous relationship spanned a decade.
"Dad was quite a character," shared Mackenzie, 64, during an interview on Monday, December 4, on her sister Chynna Phillips Baldwin's YouTube channel. "I receive a lot of criticism and online trolling for choosing to have forgiveness in my heart. But forgiveness is for me, not the other person. It doesn't mean I condone or agree with what I'm forgiving him for. It's a complex matter, but I have found peace."
Mackenzie detailed her past in her 2009 memoir, High on Arrival, stating that after being raped by her father at 19 on the night of her marriage to ex-husband Jeff Sessler, their abusive relationship turned consensual over nearly a decade. The relationship came to an end when Mackenzie discovered she was pregnant but unsure if John was the father and later had an abortion. Chynna, 55, who is currently married to Billy Baldwin, agreed with Mackenzie's account of their father, saying there were many different aspects to his personality, touting his talents as a songwriter but acknowledging a darker side. John passed away from heart failure in 2001 at the age of 64. Mackenzie was married to Sessler from 1979 to 1981 and later married Shane Fontayne in 1986 before divorcing in 2000. She then wed Keith Levenson in 2005.
Mackenzie's observation of the dark side of the Mama's & Papa's singer was met with agreement from Chynna, who noted the unpredictability of his behavior. When Mackenzie published her memoir in 2009, she and Chynna became publicly estranged, as Chynna claimed she had not been informed about Mackenzie's plan to discuss incest in the book. Chynna expressed a desire for a family discussion before the memoir's release.
"So we can discuss what makes you feel safe, what doesn't," she explained to her sister during a joint interview in 2009. "But you know what? This may not have been achievable in our family. It may not have worked."
John, the father of five children, had Mackenzie and son Jeffrey Phillips with ex-wife Susan Adams. He later married Michelle Phillips in 1962 and they had daughter Chynna before divorcing seven years later. In 1972, he married Geneviève Waïte, and they had son Tamerlane Phillips and daughter Bijou Phillips before divorcing in 1985. (John married his fourth wife, Farnaz Arasteh, in 1995.)
Chynna Phillips, Bijou Phillips and Mackenzie Phillips. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Mackenzie experienced tension from most of her family members after accusing John, however, she and Chynna were ultimately able to reconcile. During a conversation on their YouTube channel, Chynna expressed her unwavering support and pride for Mackenzie. Additionally, Chynna mentioned that the Phillips family has been labeled as one of the "most dysfunctional" families in Hollywood. Touching on their difficulties, she referenced the tragic incident on Alec Baldwin's Rust film set and her sister Bijou's divorce from Danny Masterson, who was recently sentenced to 30 years in prison for rape.
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"I've had a few incredibly difficult years," she shared, revealing that her trauma has been causing unusual symptoms such as chest and upper back pain. "I felt like I was making progress in simplifying my life, and then more trauma hit, and I lost my way again."
Mackenzie, who has been sober for six years, echoed her sister's sentiments, admitting that she often needs to "recharge" after social interactions. "I've become almost like a recluse," she confessed. "But I work at a drug rehabilitation center. I need to protect myself while also being compassionate."
