Mackenzie Phillips Says Sex with Father Wasn't Consensual

Actress Mackenzie Phillips talked about her sexual relationship with her father in her memoir "High on Arrival," but now the former child star wants the public to know the relationship was not consensual.

See other shocking moments from 2009

In an interview on "The Joy Behar Show," Phillips said, "I'd like to reframe my word consensual."

She continued, "As I was writing the book, I thought, this word, it kept sitting wrong with me. But I used it for lack of a better word. Since then, I've been schooled by thousands of incest survivors all across the world that there really is no such thing as consensual incest due to the inherent power a parent has over a child. So, I wouldn't necessarily call it a consensual relationship at this time."

See 15 facts about Mackenzie that you never knew

Phillips appeared on the show with Dr. Drew Pinsky to talk about their VH1 show, "Celebrity Rehab." Dr. Drew said incest cannot be consensual.

"The child is trying to make sense of this situation she feels as though the only she can survive it is by saying, 'I'm creating it, I have some power in this, I'm consenting to it,'" Dr. Drew explained. "When the fact is, the kind of relationship a parent has with a child makes consent actually impossible."

In "High on Arrival," Phillips wrote about having sex with her father, John Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas -- including on the eve of her wedding. The secret relationship continued for 10 years.

comments

At least she can finally close the chapter from the past

aiesha.starts.a.riot
February 5, 2010

She’s a broke junkie and he is not here to defend himself! Is this a ploy to make money or a foundation to sue his estate or assets that she didn’t receive? Being with him on the eve of her wedding is really reaching! I believe her story about as much as the Mendez brothers story!

mrjake7
February 5, 2010

I said that from the very beginning. Incest or sexual abuse can never be considered conscentual, because the adult has control over the child. It may not be physical control but and emotional and psychological control that one can’t see. Which is why many inscest survivors blame themselves….because they didn’t fight back. Glad that you finally are taking the “you” out of your and your father’s relationship:)

MsCandace
February 4, 2010
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