Paris Jackson | Source: Getty Images
Paris Jackson, the only daughter of the late Michael Jackson, recently announced her engagement. She shared a series of intimate photos, including the proposal set in a grand hall with chandeliers and gold decor.
While the engagement seemed picture-perfect, many were more focused on the long-haired man himself. Fans questioned his background and intentions, sparking widespread speculation about the man by Jackson’s side.
Who Is Paris Jackson’s Fiancé?
Justin Long may not be a household name, but he is no stranger to the music world. A music producer, engineer, mixer, and songwriter, Long has worked with major labels like Warner Brothers, Capitol, and Island Records.
Over the years, he’s collaborated with well-known artists, including 5 Seconds of Summer, Sleater-Kinney, and Grace Potter. His behind-the-scenes role in the industry has made him a sought-after talent in music production.
Raised in a religious conservative household, he grew up taking piano lessons and singing in church. After completing a degree in marketing and business administration from Grace College & Seminary in 2007, he initially pursued a business career.
However, his passion for music pulled him in a different direction, and by 2013, he had transitioned to music full-time. His experience working at Barefoot Recording in Los Angeles allowed him to connect with big industry players. In 2020, Long revealed during an interview that he had recently gone through a divorce.
In addition to his professional accolades, Long also plays a key role in Jackson’s music career. He has been actively involved in her performances, including her appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and her set at the Bottlerock Music Festival.
Long’s contributions extended to recording her vocals for the song “Blue Moon.” Their collaboration as bandmates reportedly blossomed into a romance in 2022, turning a working relationship into something much more personal.
With his role in Jackson’s life, many fans have become increasingly curious about him. As a man with a strong musical background and a low public profile, his sudden spotlight as Jackson’s fiancé has raised questions about their relationship.
Paris Jackson and Justin Long during a ski trip. | Source: Instagram/parisjackson
Their Public Debut as a Couple
While Jackson and Long had been quietly building their romance behind the scenes, it wasn’t until December 2024 that they officially went public with their relationship. Jackson marked Long’s birthday with a heartfelt social media tribute.
Justin Long placing his hand on Paris Jackson's back at an event. | Source: Instagram/parisjackson
One standout image featured the couple in medieval, dragon-inspired Halloween costumes, while others included photobooth snapshots, casual selfies, and a cozy moment on a tour bus. The images gave fans a peek into the couple’s private life.
Justin Long and Paris Jackson. | Source: Instagram/parisjackson
Her caption was just as telling as the images. Jackson’s message read, “Happy birthday my sweet blue. Doing life with you these last years has been an indescribable whirlwind and I couldn’t dream of anyone more perfect for me to do it all with. Thank you for letting me be yours. I love you.”
Justin Long and Paris Jackson sharing a kiss, posted on December 6, 2024 | Source: Instagram/parisjackson
The announcement of the couple’s engagement drew a wide range of reactions from fans. While some celebrated the couple’s love story, others voiced concerns about Long’s intentions, with many questioning his motives for being with the daughter of a global music icon.
Justin Long and Paris Jackson cuddling. | Source: Instagram/parisjackson
The Proposal That Had Everyone Talking
Jackson’s engagement reveal had all the elements of a fairy-tale moment. The proposal took place in an elegant hall adorned with grand chandeliers and golden wall accents, creating a stunning backdrop for the big moment.
Paris Jackson and Justin Long sharing a kiss. | Source: Instagram/parisjackson
The romantic setting was just one part of the story, as Jackson shared a carousel of images that showcased her love for her partner. The proposal moment itself captured the man on one knee, dressed in black pants, a white button-down shirt, and boots, as he gazed up at Jackson.
Justin Long down on a bent knee in front of Paris Jackson. | Source: Instagram/parisjackson
She stood before him smiling, dressed in a casual yet stylish outfit of jean shorts, tights, knee-high brown boots, a cream sweater, and a matching fiddler cap. Other photos revealed playful glimpses of their relationship.
Justin Long and Paris Jackson. | Source: Instagram/parisjackson
The series of images painted a clear picture of a couple deeply in love. Shifting focus from the romantic ambiance, all eyes turned to the man at the center of it all. While Jackson’s post celebrated their love, fans couldn’t help but wonder about him.
Justin Long and Paris Jackson at an event. | Source: Instagram/parisjackson
Fans React: Support, Skepticism, and Strong Opinions
Skeptical fans took to social media to voice their opinions, with some implying that Long might be motivated by financial gain. One user commented, “She is a beautiful woman …. BUT….All I see in his eyes are $$$$ signs…” Another bluntly stated, “He just wants MJ trust fund money.”
Justin Long and Paris Jackson posing for a photo. | Source: Instagram/parisjackson
Calls for Jackson to protect herself legally also surfaced, with one user urging, “PRENUP!!!!!!” Others went as far as to predict a rocky future for the couple, with some comments reading, “That guy wants to squander Paris’s fortune and then run away” and “Let’s see how long the engagement/marriage lasts!!!!”
Justin Long playfully placing his feet on Paris Jackson. | Source: Instagram/parisjackson
Despite the flood of negative opinions, there were plenty of fans who showered the couple with love and positivity. Supporters took a more optimistic view, focusing on the happiness Jackson seemed to have found.
Paris Jackson and Justin Long posing for a photo in a car. | Source: Instagram/parisjackson
One person praised the couple’s appearance, saying, “What a beautiful looking couple, and wishing her happiness in her life — she absolutely deserves it.” Others focused on the hope that Jackson had finally found lasting happiness. One fan wrote, “Beautiful couple wishing them lots of love and happiness.”
Justin Long and Paris Jackson at a concert. | Source: Instagram/parisjackson
Another fan took a more spiritual tone, offering blessings for her future, saying, “Congratulations Paris Jackson. May you live a healthy normal decent life and have an everlasting love life, happily married with healthy and smart offspring. May heavenly Father God bless you and Christ Jesus be your shield and confidant in all your challenges in life.”
For Jackson, fan criticism is nothing new. From her relationship with Gabriel Glenn to her career as a musician, she has faced public commentary on most aspects of her personal life.
Paris Jackson and Gabriel Glenn attend the screening of "The Peanut Butter Falcon" on August 1, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Paris Jackson’s Past Love and Journey to Healing
Before finding love with Long, Jackson was in a deeply emotional and public relationship with musician Gabriel Glenn. The two began dating in November 2018, and their love story was documented in the Facebook Watch docuseries “Unfiltered: Paris Jackson & Gabriel Glenn.”
The six-part series, which aired from June to August 2020, gave fans a raw, behind-the-scenes look at their relationship and their creative partnership as bandmates. During the docuseries, Jackson was candid about her insecurities and how her relationship with Glenn impacted her.
Paris Jackson and Gabriel Glenn attend the Moschino Spring/Summer 20 Menswear and Women's Resort Collection on June 7, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Their connection was both personal and professional, as the two were also members of the folk music duo The Soundflowers. Their love appeared genuine to many viewers, but by August 2020, news broke that the couple had split.
Reports at the time suggested the breakup was amicable, with sources stating that their relationship had simply run its course. Jackson reportedly used the split as an opportunity to focus more on her music and personal growth.
Paris Jackson and Gabriel Glenn are seen on October 10, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
During a 2021 episode of “Red Table Talk,” Jackson sat down with Willow Smith for a discussion about love, heartbreak, and personal growth. It was during this conversation that Jackson offered insight into the depth of her emotions following her split from Glenn.
“It was the deepest heartbreak I had ever experienced but also one of the most powerful rebirths that I’ve ever had,” Jackson admitted. She explained that the pain pushed her to fully embrace her identity as a musician, something she had long feared.
Paris Jackson and Gabriel Glenn attend the 2019 amfAR Gala on October 10, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
She added, “Finding my voice and finding my sound and embracing being a musician… cause I was scared to do that for a long time.” The emotional weight of the breakup left a lasting mark on Jackson, and she admitted it made her more cautious in love.
She described Glenn as the person she had loved “the deepest” up to that point but also as the source of her “most intense betrayal.” This betrayal caused Jackson to become more guarded about who she allowed into her inner circle.
Paris Jackson and Gabriel Glenn attend The Ryan Gordy Foundation Celebrates 60 Years Of Mowtown on November 11, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
“There were some dark, dark times when I did feel like music was all I had,” she shared, revealing how she leaned on her creative side for comfort and stability.
Her reflections on “Red Table Talk” revealed a young woman who had grown wiser and more cautious. But with Long, it appears she has found a sense of peace and happiness.