she obviously needs money more than healing.

He is a woman who was previliged to be an actress and a famous family and blew it all by doing drugs. Now she wants to make some money, even if it means making false allegations against your dead father, who is unable to defend himself.

I do not believe you Mckenzie. You are doing this to sell your book.

What is this? Stries and stories.

Why did she not speak up when her father is alive. Of course the dead stay dumb.

her decision to come out now with this is BAD! Anyone who would waste a buck on this book should have their head examined.

Larry, who cares?

I think TLC should cancel the show and let mom and dad get a real job and see how much time they have to play. Dad is just a playboy and if he don;t have money women will not find him attractive.cm

Dear Larry, Incest in itself is despicable and for a person to talk about consenting to it is even beyond the pale. Why tell of it? Young persons need some positive role models. No one should write a book or make motion pictures of such .Parental relationships should be sacred, nurturing and protective. Not Destructive.

Train wreck...

Very sick and disgusting. Who cares? Pure dirt. Need to stop we have better things to hear and learn from not this type of disgusting dirt. STOP PLEASE.

If it's true, she should be in therapy, not airing her dirty laundry in public to make money. The public is not her therapist.

I am not sure I believe this story. What I have read or heard in the years that anyone that is on these type of drugs or so many drugs/alcohol could not perform sex but I wasn't there. Any chance it was hallucinations? To me if it was drug parties there had to be someone who would accidently walk in? I can't help but wonder if it is $$$ is behind this story.

If true, I hope this interview is helpful to others in understanding the effects of abuse. We need to keep exposing this stuff because it rarely gets exposed when the child is young, the media generally does not cover to protect the child.

Many abused live lives of complete self destruction, resulting in failed lives. This is a psychological effect they have no control over. Sadly others will pretend they would have acted out differently, that is only fantasizing. The reality is that if it happened to those who now criticize, they would have also lived a life of chaos, listening to others criticizing them.

Ms Phillips was busted recently for concealing cocaine at an airport, what makes you think she is telling the truth. Her past history is not very credible why should we believe her now. She wants to get back into the limelight, and by stating she was abused by her father will get her woe is me points? This is just an act to put herself out there and in the limelight. She has no one to fall back on and this is probably the only way she knows how to get back in it. Too bad her father is not here to defend himself.

Very sad for Mackenzie Phillips! She was truly a victim!

Larry:

If you notice in your poll.... 1/3 of the population answered they have been sexually abused. There is something about this country and central and south America whereby children are more often sexually abused than Europeans and some Asian countries!

When women are perceived as "objects" in a culture... this leads to more child sexual abuse. I worked in the field for several years. Its really ugly and its EVERYWHERE!!!

I'm not surprised with the drug culture that began in those days. Truly warped peoples brains.

I can't believe this is considered newsworthy. I'm sorry but Larry is basically digging for dirt – something he does all too often. This is why I'm sorry to say that I rarely watch CNN during the 9:00 hour. Either the guests are pitiful or Larry's questions are, e.g. calling Lou Ferrigno "Lou Ferrigamo" – not knowing the name of his own guest during prime time! Time to retire!

I applaud Mackenzie for speaking out for all of us incest survivors. My question to her is...since her father knew he was dying...did he ever apologize for what he had done to her? My father also suffered a terminal illness and one thing I can't get past is, he had the opportunity to apologize, but never did, so I wonder if Mackenzie ever got an apology.

I have attended a funeral for a young woman who committed suicide in response to her fathers incest-Thank you for your courage.

Bo:

They will never apologize because they first have to look at and admit what they did to you. They do not want to see themselves as a monster, so the chance of that happening is very slim.... I am so sorry to say!

Mackenzie is very courageous for expressing this hidden subject

Bless you Mackenzie, why should we have to be burdened carrying this insidious secret and let the pedophiles run free? This is terrorism permeating the world of the most helpless. My abuser is dead and it took 17 years to muster the courage to admit to myself that this happened to me. And no one wanted to hear it, believe me or help me heal. It fractured my family and I lost friends because I spoke the truth. Thank you for your courage for speaking up and out for those that suffer silently.

Mackenzie did speak up while her father was alive, but no one pays attention to the victim, and the family/friends does everything to protect the perpetrator. My father and brother molested me. It took me 30 years to tell my story! The guilt, fear, shame, and blame keep the victim quiet.

After all these years she still seems sad, lost and hurt.

I always tried to view LKL as an educational program.... I failed to see how interviewing Phillips is educational, much less informative. I certainly don't think that her speaking out about incest provides any new information.

I'm sure she is not lying. As to whether she should have publicly revealed all this or written about it : that's her call. She certainly has a right to do whatever she chooses. If people don't want to beleive it or don't like it, that's their problem.

I am disturbed by Larry's insensitivity to MacKenzie Phillips and lack of knowledge about women's experiences with the abuse that happens to too many young girls-I hear too much of blame the victim and why don't you speak about it???? Come on. get real-listen to the questions, and then listen to your own shame!

"DID YOU ENJOY IT"?

WOW!

That was indeed a "weird question", Larry

OMG, can someone say White Trash.

That is nasty man, she said she enjoyed it at times. Wow. She actually like her father banging her....

I don't believe that Mckenzie is telling the truth. She has admitted to still being a drug user. I think that she is trying to just sell her book to get money for drugs.

How can an adult woman be molested? She kept going around her father. Most people who have been abused will leave their abusers alone. Mckenzie is a sick woman.

(I wouldn't be surpised if she is still having sex with everybody- because she is still on drugs.)

Richard the Law Student and Paralegal

The fact that she answered HONESTLY to that question proves that she is NOT lying about the whole thing. I applaud MacKenzie for being the voice of incest survivors. I believe her wholeheartedly and my prayers are with her.

That was an awful question. How could he think to ask that question? It is really low to ask. He is hung up on the number of times, the amount of drugs. It takes only once for a life to be ruined by incest, and drug abuse is a result of incest.

It's usually when they are under the influence of alcohol and drugs that these type of things happen. That's not excusing it.

Very sad.

Your father abused, raped, and gave you drugs. He was a monster.

I wonder if the father had some kind of strange hold on her or whether it was due to their drugged states. Makes you wonder alright. Strange things happen in this world.

ms. philips, you are brave to tell your story like this. perhaps others will do the same as well.

Yazmeen,

I know that she is not lying but how can you say you enjoyed it, come on now, that is just plain nasty. I could never say I enjoyed sex with my mom, no, im sorry, never....
You don't say I enjoyed it. I do not applaud that at all, ok tell your story but dont say you enjoyed F'in you father.

I am proud that MacKenzie can face her demons now and move on.I have always admired those who face these horrific challenges in theirs lives and basicallty suffer so others won't have to. I can't even quit smoking, I can only imagine how difficult her struggles have been. I decided at a young age that I was not going to drink everyday like my father did, and thank God I have not faced these kinds of issues.She seems sincere in her story. My hat goes off to her... Keep your head up...

This is one very ugly story or one very big money maker;
personally I think she is neurotically disillusioned due to the years of abuse.
I think that she is now detoxing and very angry at her father because of the fact that he introduced her to drugs wich was the prelude of the loss of her childhood and inocence.

I'm wondering why Larry is questioning her as if she is lying and he is being very insensitive..shame on you, Larry

I agree with Rebecca's comment. I feel that Larry did a terrible job of facilitating a conversation around sexual abuse. Essentially, many listeners have no understanding of the trauma of abuse and the subsequent impact on one's attachment to their caregivers; when one is abused in childhood, he/she learns to attach to their caregiver through sex. In this case, the sex continued throughout her life b/c that was the way she learned from an early age to connect to her father. Regarding publicizing her past, many people heal in different ways, and her healing includes having her voice heard in a large arena. Moreover, Larry's question about whether or not she enjoyed the sex was entirely inappropriate without context; physiologically, human beings are constructed in a way to have orgasms during sex and thus, she may have enjoyed the biological/physical part of it. She may also have enjoyed her father's attention since she learned early on that she gets dad's attention through sex. Lastly, Larry, you do not have any knowledge on addictions which clearly shows in your interview. Larry, I believe if you want to showcase such an interview, you really have to read trauma and addiction literature to gain an understanding of her experience. Please, this has to be one of the most incredibly insensitive interviews I've seen on TV...

Nice post Yaz

Remember that some people will react to this in strong macho, Most are uninformed or in denial.

Even though M says she is not mentally ill, she clearly shows signs that are indicative of someone abused.

It is not a question of believing her, I do, it is a question of when people will take this seriously enough to help others. That is instead of harming them more by calling them liars and scammers.

Thanks again for your post.

Namaste Mackenzie. Your bravery is such healing for so many. ty

Look at her she is so proud of her father that raped her and sodomized and committed incest, what is this world coming to.
Imagine how the crazy fathers are thinking now about their daughters, this is wrong sorry.....
This stufff is going to happen a lot more now b/c of this interview. She is making it sound like it was fun and exciting.

I think Mackenzie is a strong woman. It takes a strong woman to tell such a private story. We can't judge her , we can listen and make our own opinion BUT no one should judge her. I think many woman who have suffered from similar situations will find her as inspirational. I do hope she can stay sober and remain courageous. With Much Respect and Love – laura

remy, you shouldn't label her as "neurotically disillusioned " just because the things she's saying are unorthodox & hard to listen to...even taboo. There are many women out there who has gone through or going through incest and seeing people like you write the things you do makes them wanna hide their experiences and be burdened with it. They often turn to drugs to numb their pain and to forget their experiences. Why punish the victim and not the offender?

You should have open mind and not dismiss her story. After all, you weren't there.

Mackenzie looks incredible!! What a painful history!! She is a brave and obviously, very strong woman!! It' so sad what a dysfunctional life can do to make an entire family dysfunctional! I respect what Mackenzie is doing by baring all!! It's one more step in the healing process whether people like it or not! I must admit, I like the fact that she forgave her father...a hard step, but cleansing!!

Larry seems non-chalant and unbelieving. My accounts, minus the drugs, are parallel. You would have to live the secret to understand the need to hide the secret life. For the sake of my mother, I never told for fear of not beleiving me or siding with my father. Sexual interactions with my father started before I can remember, but clearly at age 5, I have memories until I was old enough to realize it was not a part of normal life. I will carry the secret to my grave with the exception of the few close to me that I shared with.

To bad the offender is dead, that is why she is talking about it now. No one can do anything to him. She needs money now, so this is the only way she can generate revenue. So sad.

Richard the Law Student and Paralegal

Come on, how is she making it "sound like it was fun and exciting"?
Do you think it's an easy thing to come out with it?
SHE FOUGHT HER TEARS THRU THE WHOLE INTERVIEW
I think you are being hard on her & judging her unfairly
She was a child when she was victimized
Obviously people whom she confided in didn't hold her hands
Obviously she fought with her experience until she can no longer take it
WE SHOULDN'T VICTIMIZE HER FOR THE SECOND TIME
If you don't believe her, fine, but at least not write unkind things
For the sake of those who are out there going thru the same experience

Richard, you don't understand the psychological effects.Spend a little time understanding, because right now, you are very capable of harming victims beyond the abuse.

She in no way is making this fun, she demonstrates the difficulty and the horrors.

Many in society think as you, I understand. But that must change, be compassionate and understanding. You can not use your brain to pretend it is in someone else's body and act differently. She has worked hard and there are many changes she has yet to go through.

Many years ago, approximately 3 and a half years after my divorce, I received a phone call from my oldest daughter's husband, and he revealed that my former husband had sexually molested my daughter during childhood. My son-in-law had found appointment cards for psychiatric visits, questioned my daughter about them and learned that she had not told me about the incestous acts. I eventually confronted my former husband and his second wife with the details that I had, and he did not deny anything–in fact he tried to justify his behavior. I never would have imagined that he could ever have committed such a despicable act.

Yaz,

How, look at what she is saying, she said she enjoyed it, that alone is bad. She says she love her father and misses him now. I mean thats not normal.

He raped his own daughter. That is Rape. Incest, Sodomized.
Are you blind....

Why come out now and say something, cause he is dead and he can't be harmed

Please show her some respect, Larry. What she's doing takes great courage. I believe that you can only understand this if you have experienced something similar.

Beautifully stated Mackenzie!!!

Pete.

Ok I am compassionate and understanding, but to say you enjoyed it at time and you miss him, thats not right. What you think that is going to do for children who hear that.

A father will show this interview to their kid now and say "see honey there is nothing wrong with it, she liked it to" Noooo. Thats bad, you must agree with that part at least, come on.

@ Yazmeen

He is in the area of law! I don't expect anything more from them....

Hi Larry,

I realy enjoy watching your show. But to night , I hope that I could be able to make a comment and ask a question witch will be the following:
" Starting a sexual relationship with your won father at 18 years old until 29 while he was married to another women beside your mother. Does that mean, if it was your mother you will do the same, or.? And, as your started living the celebrity' life very yong. Are you trying to teach the yong generation : Doing drug make you do wrong things or you trying to blame your father who is now not a live to say a word.

This women has been drugged up for 40 years. She is finally physiologically more sound. Her healing has begun...who cares if she makes money off of this...people make money when they write books...she did no wrong here.

I hope that the moderator will not choose to censure my posting. I am very very disappointed with Larry King's show tonight. I feel a sense of shame and embarrassment that something like this should take up the airwaves for several hours (because it will be repeated on the air). the whole thing is shameful and should be dealt with in a more delicate manner. The air waves is not the time and place for this woman to air her dirty linen. This is what makes America look bad.

Scary, Richard

Do you know that many rapist will actually think the person raped enjoyed it? There was a post on another blog where the poster, a pedophile, stated that the child wanted it.

What you hear, is what you want to hear. Be sensitive and listen, especially if you plan to represent people in trial.

I feel like she is a really BRAVE to speak out and be open with this. i was in the same boat as she was and i look at it like she is speaking for everyone that has had this happen to them!!! Thank you to her!!!

God bless you and stay strong. The bad things people are saying on this blog speaks more about their truth and none about your own

Pete,

Thats different man, in this case the victim is saying she enjoyed it. Come on. This is not the father saying she enjoyed it, there is a difference.

Damage is already done now. Show is over.

And I will make sure I tell my client not to say she enjoyed doing her father.

People do not want to believe humans who commit incest of sexual molestation exists.

I personally was molested by a neighbor, an old man living with his daughter and her husband. He molested me for years from the age of 6 until 10 if not longer. I obviously have blocked some of the experiences. Carmen's, the old man, daughter and husband must have known, because he was not allowed to have children in his room. So he molested me in the corner of a garage. I was too young to know what was going on. B

But the point is there are people who are wired differently and they do exists. Protect your children by realizing people like Mackenzie's father exist.

Richard the Law Student and Paralegal

Of course she'll love her dad, that's all she knew & had
Okay she "enjoyed" it, to me that shows her honesty, I don't know how to say this without being graphic but it's the act of sex she may have enjoyed, NOT the fact that it was her dad. Why are you not pointing finger at her dad, a grown man who injected drugs to his daughter and had sex with her and died without not once explaining or apologizing but you tear this woman up? Why are you not pointing fingers at mom & aunt that she confided in but they asked M to "let it lie"?

Incest is not a black or white issue. I sincerely ask that you try to understand, and reserve harsh criticism until you have a better understanding. M IS THE VICTIM, DON'T FORGET IT.

Richard,

She enjoyed the attention she craved for, he took advantage. You think she would have done it looking back? It was pure manipulation of a small child who only wanted parental love. It was not sex she enjoyed.

Understand now?

Another point Richard. You are listening to M, an adult now speaking as she was when a child. M expects you to understand that.

LIES, LIES, & MORE LIES!!!
Remember she is an actress and for tonite she should receive an ACADEMY AWARD!!!!!!

It happens; it's true. Fathers victimize innocent children who are learning what love and affection is from someone unworthy to teach them.

Children need affection from their parents. Unfortunately, they are mistakenly taught by abusive fathers that "it is good", "it is okay", "this is how I show my love for you."

Did she "enjoy it?" I can't believe Larry asked that question. Children enjoy affection. Abused children are not taught this type of affection is wrong by the fathers who do it.

Larry's question was CRUDE and a slap in the face to every female suffering in silence. It is unspeakable for most. Others do not speak of it to protect the members of their family who would be affected if they knew.

Fear is the reason most cannot and will not speak about it until their fathers are dead. Mothers cannot accept they allowed something so horrible to exist in their homes. They are often victims along with their children of being deceived by the most repulsive of human behaviors.

women go threw this all the time i was raped by brothers, uncles, and cousins growing up. When you are young you dont know what is right or wrong. I dare you to tell a girl she knows the difference from right or wrong when ever one tells her different.. I felt like that was what I was suppose to do because my father had died. I was not worthy as a person or child, nobody cared about me. My mother died never knowing what kind of hell I went though growing up, nor did she care, (she always blamed me for my fathers death). I praise God for this woman to step up and say something tonight, and to write a book. I will buy it and give it to my daughters to read, and I hope and pray they have never been violated by family members.

I am truly surprised by the negatism on this blog tonight.

No bleeding heart here, only real truths and facts.

What does a "TEN YEAR OLD CHILD DO WHEN THE HERO IN HER LIFE IS HER FATHER"

How does a child react when her father teaches her to roll a joint at ten years old??

How does a "THIRTEEN YEAR OLD CHILD DO WHEN HER FATHER TELL HER (TRY THIS) IT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL REAL GOOD"

How should a "NINETEEN YEAR OLD GIRL DO WHEN HER FATHER HAS JUICED HER UP WITH COCAINE AND TELL HER THAT HAVING SEX WITH HER FATHER IS QUITE O.K."

Many of you argue that "WHY DID SHE WAIT TILL HER FATHER WAS DEAD TO RIGHT HER STORY"

Many of you BLAME HER FOR NOT GOING TO THE AUTHORITIES WHEN SHE WAS RAPED AFTER BEING DOPED UP BY THE MAN SHE MOST ADMIRED IN HER LIFE (HER FATHER)

It's very easy to be critical of Mackenzie Philips, and let me tell you why.

Hopefully, "NONE OF YOU HAVE EVER WALKED IN HER SHOES"

I think she is one of the bravest persons in this world, because she had the intestinal fortitude to write about something that is going on in every nieborhood in our country, "FULLY KNOWING THAT SHE WOULD BE EXPOSED TO SCRUTINY AND RIDICULE, BY ALL THE BETTER THAN THOUGHT ATTITUDE THAT MANY OF YOU ON THIS BLOG HAVE DEMONSTRATED TONIGHT.

I have three words for all of you that wish to "DAMN AND CONDEM HER"

"SHAME ON YOU"!!!!

post script to my prevoius statement without the degridations I still find the recent allegations by ms philips very disturbing givin her drug use which as anyone who has had the misfortune to have an issue with coke will tell you leads to sex with anyone don't blame anyone but yourself because you should never blame your own weakness on any one but your self

All that I can say is.

IT MUST BE VERY SCARY TO LIVE IN A PLACE THAT ONLY ALLOWS PERFECT PEOPLE TO LIVE THERE, LIKE SOME OF YOU THINK YOU ARE.

WHAT A FRIGGIN JOKE

SHAME ON YOU.

Not interested....she is a celebrity .....writing a book because she is broke........Get a life and get a job....

Well folks, I think, you think, you have succeeded, and you have.

The Hero in this story is "JOHN PHILIPS" the dope addicted pedophile child molesting entertainer.

WOW, You folks sure know how to pick a "HERO" "NOT"

GEEEEEEEZZZZZZZ!

She seems very sincere in watching this interview. Unless someone has walked in her shoes, he or she should not be her judge.

I doubt I could go public, like she did, but she said this was not something she did overnight. It involved many years of consideration while it was still on the back burner of her mind. She knew what she was up against, but she now has the courage and desire to reveal everything. Like she said, she covered this topic up before in discussing her past, as nobody simply can talk about such a thing . That is freeing for her to come clean.

I hope she will continue to heal, and her book will touch other people who have dealt with the same problems.

@ Gerald Jolly

I completely agree with you tonight! She was the victim. People do not remember the power of their parents... maybe they did not have any???

Writing helps her to work through those issues that have pointed her in the direction of self destruction. Writing a book on something so personal is not about making money. If you wanted money for a book, you could write about anything!!!

She has been through a lot of therapy. She stated. She does not know how to be angry with her father...so she turned it in on herself. I could see the hesitant in her voice when she said she was not at fault. She is still dealing with that guilt issue... "I should have said no when I was 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20!!! Why did I not say "no"???? She will continue to live with that guilt for the rest of her life.

I agree that she is the victim.

When you go public....some will condemn and be critical.....some will applaud and be sympathetic.

Why would she want to concoct such a story to simply make a buck or get another 15 minutes of fame???

She risks ruining her father's reputation (and she really does care about him, it is obvious) and making herself out to be a lying slut, painting such an unpleasant picture of herself if this were all a lie.

I do not believe she is lying.

@ Dorothy

Yes, she was being honest. That is why she said, at times she liked it. She liked the attention... the time with her father... NOT the sex. She just did not explain it all... probably because she was possibly uncomfortable being interviewed by a TV network knowing millions are watching.

I would be horrified to discuss things that personal. I have worked with drug abusing women for over 20 years and 95% of them were molested as children by an adult!

Terry, TX – if you are so "disinterested," why get on this blog in the first place?

SuzieCanada – obviously, YOU care, because you make the effort to get on the blog, or is it just because you want your nano-second of fame? LOL

Gerald Jolly – You are absolutely correct – thank you!

dak – then don't buy the book, and she won't get YOUR PRECIOUS MONEY.

A terrible terrible thing!

lots of nice compassionate posts here, thanks for sharing positive thoughts. M is a brave woman. Sad part is, it is a life time battle she has to fight.

Another note, many who abuse are in denial. Remember her father didn't apologize either. It is likely some posts here are from those who are guilty of abuse. Pedos especially are the most deceiving people. Expect they will deny their posts are a cover-up. They have to because laws are changing and we will arrest those no matter when they abused. They need the population to think she is lying, an actress or needs money for her book. In other words they need you to think it wasn't so bad.

The best therapy is to write a book. I wish her the best.

I, for one, am quite content knowing that her "father" is not here to defend himself. He would simply deny it, as they all do in these cases. Interesting that no one vilified Ms. America when she told her story of incest AFTER her father passed away.
Dodie~California – "She liked the attention… the time with her father… NOT the sex. She just did not explain it all…" YOU listened, others did not. They were busy writing their negativity on this blog.
Lisa Risner – God bless you, girl! You and your children are WHY people must write about this horrendous topic. People must not be blind to the state of our society.
Willieschild – you have your head in the right place, and I applaud your statements. I was horrified when I heard the "Oh, come on!" from Larry King. The questions he asked were indecent and utilized merely for ratings, which should go down because of his need for sensationalism.
Terry, Tx – YOU get a life, and while you're at it, get a heart. Stop wasting time negatively blogging about people who are trying to clear their lives of the damage done by their parents.
Jeffrey – She is not blaming her father, she is stating the facts. Her own choices are her own responsibility; her father's actions brought about her poor self-esteem and thus her poor choices. See how this works?
Maria Boos – you probably could not see the truth if it hit you in the face. You are the juge and jury? Let someone judge you and you will lose all.
Richard – Thank God you are not MY lawyer! You are pathetic as listening and deciphering the context of testimony.

Does anyone get the feeling that the men who claim she is lying or that she is responsible for having been raped by her father MIGHT just be pedophiles and incestuous abusers themselves. Makes as much sense to me as their posts.

Pete – sorry for repeating your thoughts. I had not read your post when I wrote. Thank you for telling it like it is, and from a man's point of view.

Dee – I cannot express how very wrong you are in believing that people on "these types of drugs" cannot have sex (or perform sex). How OLD are you, dear? Most of these drugs ENHANCE the performance of sexual acts. Have you ever heard of ECSTACY?

Is she using? Mac- you're acting funny. Take it easy and don't talk so much. You're losing your credibility. Sorry!

I'm stunned at how she rationalizes the monster she calls dad- He is NOT a good man- What the hell is your definition of "good"? It's okay to love your dad but you're setting a terrible example when you make excuses for him. Under NO circumstance is what he did ok. He's sicker than Roman Polanski raping, err I'm sorry, having consensual sex, with a 13 year old.

I feel sorry for Ms.Mackenzie, because she was a victim of a disfunctional family. Living with a crazy father that did not care about the future nor the emotional well being of his daughter. She is just a product of a corrupted father that got her into drugs... I hope she does not come back to drugs again. Many Blessings and Guidance from God to her... Blessings. Myra..,

Tine in El Paso – This may not be new to you, but it might be to other people. Don't be so self-centered; all programs are not geared directly at your needs.

When I first saw her on Oprah I thought this is sick and she is lying she wrote the book for money, if she cares so much she should give all the money from the book to real incest victims, get real did anyone drug test her before her interview, she looks high to me

@ E. Matthews, Ph.D.
September 30th, 2009 11:57 pm ET

Does anyone get the feeling that the men who claim she is lying or that she is responsible for having been raped by her father MIGHT just be pedophiles and incestuous abusers themselves. Makes as much sense to me as their posts.
-----
And / or they were victims too, and are in complete denial! I agree with you, that kind of response leads me to believe that they are either pedophiles or on their way to be one. I wanted to focus on her expressing herself more than their irrelevant responses.

And, some people will never "get it"

Michelle – it is patently obvious that you know NOTHING...period. MOST people who are abused DO NOT leave their abusers, you ridiculous snake. They are dependent on them for many of their life lines, including food and shelter. McKenzie, unfortunately, needed her father to supply drugs, which he taught her to use when she was TEN YEARS OLD. What part of this scenario confuses your poor little mind? Just because one does drugs, one does not have to be a liar. Liars come in all shapes and sizes WITHOUT the drugs! McKenzie is trying to become a healthy person, which apparently YOU will never manage, because you have no brain.

@ Pete

For them to apologize they have to do several things.

1. Fully look at their behaviors and how they have hurt others
2. Take full responsibility for the behaviors (no excuses or blame)
when they are willing to do the above, they often will see themselves as monsters. So the process usually stops at 1 or 2.

Only when they do the above, can their healing begin to take place for many pedophiles were abused as children and re-enact this behavior by trying to gain the control they lost as a child!

E with the PHD????
Attacked everyone who didn't share his/her opinon.Free country
last I checked.

Jesse from Auckland – No, it is not "usually when they are under the influence of alcohol and drugs that these type of things happen." Incest is performed by people in positions of authority and trust, and it happens to victims of ALL ages, babies, children, teens, young adults, adults, AND geriatric people. Are you telling us that ALL of these people, the abusers and the victims, are on drugs and alcohol? Think again, please. You are not looking at the entire picture. The man taught his daughter to roll joints at a young age, raped her before her wedding, and provided drugs for her addition for a decade so that he could continue the incest. This is very clear.

Janette tx – Yes, I am attacking, which is something that I normally do not do. However, this topic and the insidious comments have riled me to a passion. You can have your opinion. Try, however, to make it an opinion that does not victimize the person once again; try to make your opinion justified by statistics and not common stupidity; AND last I checked, it costs a great deal to live in THIS country, so your statement of this being a FREE COUNTRY is not a fact. LOL Nonetheless, don't bother adding question marks after my name. I have been counseling incest and abuse victims for 35 years, so if I am pissed off on this blog, try to get a clue as to why.

I have mixed emotions about this whole story. Most of all I am upset at the interviewers and her family that does not believe her. How does it happen and she keep it a secret? Let me tell you coming from experience, when this happens the turmoil and huge amount of mixed emotions is incredible. Let's also remember that back in these days, people we not aware and they did not tell their children to tell others when we were touched inappropiately or repeatedly raped by people who are supposed to protect us and love us. When this happens at a young age, it becomes the norm almost (we all want attention but not like this) although something deep inside may tell us it is wrong.There is a guilt inside that it may be something we have done but at the time how do you process emotions such as that being so young. Why would someone lie about this sort of thing? It is absolutely ABSURD! Walk in our shoes and then judge how it effects us for life. I wish this burden on no one especially childern.Thank you Mackenzie for having the courage to share!!!

Dodie~California – You are completely correct. Some people will never "get it." However, let THEM be raped, and see what they expect in support from their peers. Will they like being questioned as to why they are reporting the rape? As to whether the "liked" it at all? Whether having been a druggie had anything to do with their "allowing" someone to rape them? I want to be a fly on that wall when they respond to the same attack they are handing out to McKenzie Phillips. Thank heaven, some people get it, and thank you for being a smart person.

E Mathews, Ph D

Thanks for the posts.

I spend a lot of time each day fighting to enable tougher laws. You see, I was raped from ages 8 to 10 by priests, once gang raped by 4 – rather sodomized. On one occasion one of the priests intentionally suffocated me, I played dead and slept in the woods. I was not able to deal with it until much later in life, when my son turned the age I was when abused. A life of chaos, never able to pass exams in schools, walked away from high paying jobs to go broke and hide under alcohol. Today I have Severe PTSD and OCD, and I battle lawmakers here in NY who side with the FMS group. You know, the hiding place for pedos.

Anyway, I listen to those as M. I feel for them. The only thing I can not figure out is why some who were abused, abuse others. Don't know if it is a survival choice of identifying with the rapists or as a victim. In any case, they should know how it feels and be instead caring to children.

I feel for those harmed and wish people would take more time to understanding.

Amy – you are a joy! Thank you!

I am very lucky that I was able to turn it around without therapy, however not everyone is as lucky as I am.

I don't like her father and I equally or more, don't like her either. Larry, I like your show, a lot, but this one makes me sick – to my stomach.
She does not love her father, she is in love with her father.
This is what I heard: Just go buy my book. Leave my father out of this. She was even dancing to his music, when most of us are hating this man for doing this to her.
She stop loving her father and fell in love with him, the day he wrote a song for her, and never let go. That is why she chose the title of that song as the title of her book. And that is why she was dancing to that music on air when Larry started playing it . Sorry I need to stop now, I need to puke.

Mackenzie Phillips is right on! I for one support her and her efforts to spread the word.

This is an under reported crime. As Dr. Drew says when a parent does this to a child the child is shattered – the best word I've heard for how I feel at times.

Mackenzie is right you are ready to tell your story when your ready. No matter how carefully one might plan to expose their story, there is collateral damage. My marriage could not withstand the horrific moments that would come from the past and haunt me in the present.

Because my mother, my abuser spent my lifetime hiding the truth and discrediting anything I might say, I never got that resolution before she died.

Mackenzie – I wish you peace and I thank you for Your courage to speak out in the face of such potential criticism.

Pete – I have read your blogs and you are a prize! I have fought for all abused people, not just those who wind up being revictimized by the media and sensationalistic magazines or television shows. Your story is, sickeningly and unfortunately not uncommon. The fact that it was KNOWN by so many as it was happening makes me question the sanity of the masses. This is what makes me hit the ceiling and write unkind things to those who cannot find it in their hearts to understand the damage, and as you say, the "life of chaos," the symptoms of abuse, that take down the strongest and most viable assets this country has – its children. Why do abused people go on to abuse others? Because, in their minds, this is their only viable hope of controlling their world. Yes, it is the wrong belief and it is the wrong act, but it is all they have after their minds and innocent hearts have been tainted by sexual acts they are unable to comprehend. I compare this, woefully inadequately, to a child who needs to have attention paid to them; they will get that attention any way they can. Positive or negative attention is all the same to a child, but especially a neglected child. It is the horrible and unending damage caused by abuse that keeps a person from seeing their actions as anything other than payback for the pain they have suffered. There is no excuse, Pete; there is only an explanation. Explanations do not change fact, however. I am sorry for your pain. I am glad, however, that you have a whole heart.

@E. Matthews, Ph.D.

Yes, the topic is a difficult one for many people; hence, the vast array of responses. I can sense that it also touches you deeply! I assume that either you or someone close to you has experienced something like this. It is tragic and unfortunately, it is more common than anyone of us could even imagine!

Give 'em heck on here for being so insensitive. I just figure its a waste of my time and effort, as I can not change anyone's opinion.

I think Larry King blew it. Throughout the entire show they kept flashing on the screen that her father wanted her to be his wife but Larry never asked Mackenzie about it!!! Excuse me MacKenzie if I don't share the same warm feelings you have for your father. Yes, HE WAS A MONSTER!!!

A final "opinion" – Janette, Tx said that I "Attacked everyone who didn’t share his/her opinon." This is not a true statement. Were this a true statement, there would be people who actually "believe" that incest is okay, that raping your daughter is just fine, that teaching your child to roll joints and introducing them to drugs that ruin the rest of their lives is a normal and common occurrence on the part of "family." There is no "opinion" here. Incest is not okay, fine, or part of growing up, people! Sexual abuse is not a woman's "dirty linen," or a "delicate" subject that should be dealt with through other means. Pedophiles and abusers LIVE for those who "do not care," for those who "do not believe her," for those who "think she is tryingn to make a buck." This is what perpetuates the act! Get this right now! This is a serious and sick "secret" that can cause your child, your daughter, your son, your mother or father to commit suicide. Does this not open your eyes? Larry King is not a "king;" he is a talk show host. He puts down people for sensationalism and ratings, and we LET HIM DO IT. Some people have the time to write nasty thoughts and negative entries about others on this blog, but do they take a minute to help a person who has been raped, or a person who has been beaten, or a person who is starving and asking for a hand out so they can eat? No, they do not. They tell these people, "I do not believe you," "You cannot rape an adult," "Get a job," "You're just trying to sell books," "If you are being honest about how it felt when you were young an being abused, you must be lying!" God help those people when they are in need, because they are reaping what they sow. Good night.

E. Matthews, Ph.D.

I have been counseling incest and abuse victims for 35 years, so if I am pissed off on this blog, try to get a clue as to why.

--------

Now I understand the reason of your passion! I am happy to see people like you in the field, We desperately need more!

It is the denials that frustrate me and it is damaging. Then again it is those who post with understanding, that really helps. Each time I get on a forum as this, I count. I count those who deny and count those that understand, I compare. Some how when the count favors the who deny, I feel all is lost.

There should be TV shows discussing the effects of childhood abuse, to help educate. To let the parents know, and the single parent know that if they help cover it up, the real consequences are that their child will likely live a lost life. A relationship is not as important as the child.

Given over 30% of males and over 55% of females incarcerated were sexually abused as children is proof of the effects, trauma. Add those who become drug addicts and such, the world will not improve.

I am fighting for a law that will educate people on the effects and to somehow test kids in school to help spot those traumatized. Traumatized children will fool anyone, they need to or someone will find out. I don't want the tests for law authorities but to bring to the attention of the parents, that maybe the child should be evaluated. The earlier we are able to catch the children, the better this society will become.

Thanks E, Mathews.

Pete!

Yes, its called the cycle of abuse... whether it be battering or sexual! The lost of control as a child can affect us for a lifetime

Pete!

You have a wonderful cause! I admire you for that. Just one last item. In my experience, the parent(s) are in as much denial as everyone else. They do not want to "rock the boat" so to speak. Even if the school could bring it out, many times, the parents will stay right in denial and not move. If the perp is a step father, the mother often needs his income and support so she turns a blind eye to what is happening in the home. Just be prepared for that too.

why speak out after the fact her father is no longer here to protect himself there are to sides to every story why not tell someone at the time where was her mother couldn"t she speak to any one in her family it takes to to tango if she really wanted out I"m sure there was a way but we will never know the truth I"m sure by now she is broke and needs some money any way if you are telling the truth my heart goes out to you

Debbie Totten – If you are so "sure," you should call McKenzie and tell her exactly HOW she could have gotten out when he was the supplier of the drugs he got her hooked on; tell her what she already knows, that her mother should have been there to help her; tell her that "it takes two to tango." But, be "sure" to tell her that you are an unintelligent heartless snake whose "heart goes out to her" despite the fact the you believe she is lying for money. Oh, yes, you are exactly the right person for this job! LOL

Mackenzie, shame on all the people who choose to not believe your story. It is these people who have no empathy and blame the victim. It is obvious to me that you are honest. Dr. Drew did a wonderful job in supporting you. He is the best! I look forward to buying your book. Thank you for your courage.

PEOPLE! What part of this issue do you not understand? The man does not need to be here to "protect himself." He should have been there to protect his DAUGHTER, not have sex with her, get her hooked on his drugs, become her supplier, wreck her life...GET IT NOW? There are not two sides to incest stories, folks. There is one side, and the perpetrators will make sure that you hear their side before anyone else's, and they will make certain that you have enough "facts" to blame the victim. There would never have been any admission or apology...do you not read the positive posts? Victims of sexual abuse DO NOT TELL because they are threatened and taught that they will not be believed. If you cannot become cognizant of the OBVIOUS, read the posts here and you SHOULD comprehend why they feel this way! This show SHOULD make you sick to your stomach, Wally. It IS very sick and disgusting, Tess. Who cares? I DO, Dodie, Pete, Ann, Kathy and Gerald do, but you don't because you are a dumb snake! You WILL care soon enough, should this happen to YOU. THOUSANDS of people I have heard speak about their abuse, yet there are STILL people who do not want their little worlds rocked by such filth and degradation being aired on their televisions. You poor souls...oh, excuse me, you HAVE NO SOULS! McKenzie is a brave but damaged woman whose father put her on the road to ruin when she was ten years old. But for the Grace of God, folks, there go I...and you.

Dodie, Gerald ( and all of the positive people who wish victims of abuse well) – thank you for supporting this blog in a positive manner. Believe it or not, I am well known for being rational and avoiding the attack-style writing that I have shown here today. LOL There comes a point at which one cannot continue to make excuses for the utter stupidity that is stated regarding this topic. Nonetheless, I appreciate your ability to stay graceful under this deluge of moronic verbiage. Love well, laugh much, and do good work on behalf of others; that is what makes good people in this world. I think you are good people. 🙂

How inappropriate is the question you asked, "Did you enjoy it"? You obviously have no empathy for the sexually abused victim. Larry, I suggest that you read more about sexual abuse before you do another interview like this again.

Larry, Incest rape is something that happens more than anyone in the world wants to admit. If you did any research at all, you would clearly find that at the very least one out of every woman in every domestic violence shelter in every county, in every state in america has been raped by her father. if you are unsure, call the shelters. they will be happy to share the reality.

Mackenzie is very brave and taking a very huge step for domestically abused women around the world. stop posing the questions as if she was the individual in fault. at some point the sex may have been consensual but realistically, how could anyone deal with that type of abuse without accepting it mentally. She is not at fault. her father raped and abused her.

and as an integral part of the american media is is disturbing that you would not pose the questions in a way that would not only empower mackenzie, but all women across America, and across the world, that are overcoming the crime of being raped.

She's doing it all for money.When she said she'd bet 500.00 on that question Larry asked just that amount said it all..Her 15 minutes of fame have been gone.Get a job and don't exploit your family.

this show really hit home with me. i have been sexually assaulted when i was young not by a family member but by someone whos father was a police officer and of course nothing was done to the preditor and it still haunts me everyday i think of ways that i could try to seek revenge but it is only in my head... but my sister was a victim of a family member in which i think the reason she has never got over it nor has she ever approached the person, well one of the at least, the one that seems to bother her the most i guess it was our brother..i cant understand why my mom who is very loving cant understand my sisters harboring these feelings even though she said she felt guilty because when he was caught by my other sister that she didnt get him help or make him leave the house, my sister is so tortured by the memories that she has done cutting. to try to release some of the pain, has a drug addiction. i think it is for her RA partially but it helps numb the memories that continue to plague her. she says she hates him and all sex offenders and doesnt even consider him her brother. after watching the show i texted my brother(who hates everyone esp females for some reason and is very unstable mentally) telling him i would like to talk to him about a problem i am having but i fear that it will get back to my mother and i dont think she could handle the extra stress because of her health problems and will see me as a trouble maker but in order for my sister to maybe help her to go on with her life i feel like the situation needs addressing maybe he can apologize and maybe she can finally tell him how it has affected her life ..am i doing the right thing????i dont know...but i am the one in the family who tells it like it is and i do not sugarcoat it because i think he deserves to be told why my sister wont even come around on holidays if his family is there and he needs to know the pain he has caused.. sexual molestation doesnt ever leave your mind but in my case i have been able to warn other women about whay kind of pervert he is.... can u believe he was able to join the army, fought in iraq, now he is a jailer at our jail....and i wasnt his only victim so i think we need more people like mckenzie as hard as it is to take in, to be a spokesperson for incest and sexual assualts that people keep quiet about. everyone over the age of probably knows it does happen, so it time for the victims to be heard....thank you mkenzie for your bravery dont pay attention to the ones that dont believe you hold your head high your were just a kid it was your dads job to protect you not hurt you( famous or not.) the truth needs to be heard...much luv.

Larry –

You really need an education in the ubiquity of incest and child sexual abuse. Your response to Dr. Pinsky's frequency estimate of 5-30% was "come on." It was disrespectful and ignorant. I am not saying anything about Mackenzie Phillips as a person, but children are sexually abused in this world and you clearly need to learn about it.

To: Richard the Law Student and Paralegal:

Get the f*ck out of the profession. We don't need you.

Larry – this was an appalling interview. Your response to Dr. Drew's frequency estimates of incest was, "Come on." Who are you to question a licensed medical profession? And I am no fan of Dr. Drew, by any means, but your insensitivity and lack of knowledge was glaring: "Did you enjoy it?" Shame on you, Larry. Educate yourself. This is ubiquitous and all tied into how children and women must fight so hard in this world for some scrap of equality. Tikkun olam, Larry, and shana tovah, brother – this is how you begin the New Year?

Was Mackenzie threatened by her dad?And even if so she's been of age and i believe she knows what is good and bad for her.So she being quite for all these while is unbelievable.How can she keep such a secret as her dad wanting her to be his wife and being introduced to drugs at such an early age.Come on, for 30 good years, is she trying to say that she felt comfortable living in that truama until date?

You Go Girl! The truth will set you free!! Your brutal honesty is refreshing and rarely seen in Hollywood! Now you may go on and do well. Sorry that other people are affected though. Praise be to our Father!

I believer everything that she says.

It's the scenario where you love your Dad and would protect even though these things happened. Also, for fear of getting him in trouble and what others may say.

It's obvious that she's had a lot of issues thus the drug use, etc but she's not be blamed even though she says that she takes responsibility but we all know that children feel responsible for everything bad that happens to them. It's the way you are when you're child, as an example when you're punished for doing something wrong even though maybe you didn't do anything wrong but your parents were having a bad day or didn't believe something you said; the child is still felt to be that they're bad because they do not have that understanding of self-esteem as yet.

You can tell that she's suffered a lot and I believe she's doing this for closure and her own sanity.

This woman is making me sick. If this was true why come out and tell it. why not have enough respect for herself and her child and the rest of the family to deal with this private. It seems like to me she had help and enough people around her to pull her out of this and get her away from him. I mean it is wrong what her dad did (if he did) and I know there are cases like this and victims have come out and spoke to groups and tried to help those who have gone through this. but, It seems to me to be a money making thing. And does she really need to be on ever show... I mean really

Vallary,

That's just it she can't deal with it in the way you or I would. She's a celebrity and they're always judged harsher because they're always more critics so she has to deal with it by making it public and letting everyone know her story so that there could be more understanding which she truly deserves.

The media and people can be so horrible when judging others.

Those who reject M because they claim she is not telling the truth, are rejecting all who have lived in pain. Many victims are rejected by loved ones and society when their abusers are those others who are friends or people they feel are important. More important than the victim, how can people be so low and selfish?

A good example of this are those of clergy abuse. In NY city a group supporting victims of clergy abuse were welcomed by a bus load of people brought in by the Bishops command. This bus load of people started throwing pocket change at the victims, all you want is money. Yep, catholics threw this change. How can people stoop so low? None cared less that many victims are permanently mentally ill due to the abuses, lost childhoods and adulthoods.

E. Mathews Phd. Thank you for your kind words.
I too have a Phd. (Political Science)
That being said, I guess you could shed a little light on the matter of someone disclosing a personal issue such as Mackenzie has.
Is it not the truth that the best therapy for someone with this kind of problem, is to write about it, discuss it, and get it out in the open in order to begin the healing process.

I would also like to address the two bloggers from Texas, but I will do it in the language they understand.

Ah! No thet yall neva head dis kand O prablum in yo laff, but iffen yall daid, mybee yall wood unerstind ate bitter, yall shud tike a litter tamm tu git tu no bout ate, afore yall talk bout ate. YALL.

Mckenzie stated that she was raped. She stated that as an adult she voluntarily went over her father's to have sex. Voluntarily giving it up is not rape, but consensual. If her excuse for giving up was for drugs, she could have went to the club and found someone on drugs and gave it up. She could have been a prostitute and got drugs. Come on. Mckenzie was an adult and was not rapped. She even claimed that she voluntarily slept with her father before her marriage. Like I said previously, if she needed drugs she could have found any man or even prostituted for drugs! She could have even done porno to get drugs!

To be honest, this sounds like a fabricated story to get people to by her freakish book filled with sex. Most people that have been abused by others HATE their abusers! This story is sickening.

Michelle,

Many who were abused are not capable of hate. Hate is a primitive emotion. I for one, never ever hated anyone. In case you didn't read above, I was raped from ages 8 to 10, once gang raped by four. Another time I was suffocated, played dead and slept in the woods. These were all priests, one a loved bishop today.

I hate no one. Yet the devout catholics show hate for us and we were the ones who lost lives and mentally ill today.

Michelle,

With all due respect, she was just a child then! And it's a know fact that victims can have conflicting feeling, especially when the abuser is a "father". What right does a father have sleeping with his daughter!!! She's not even saying that she hates her father and that's good thing because it means she a good person dealing with this in a different way.

People like you lack sympathy, empathy and compassion for others and this is exactly what's wrong with this world!!!

Pete,

I am sorry to hear your story. I honestly believe your story. I know several people who have been abused. My good friend was abused at 8 by her step-father. She stated that she has nothing to do with her step-father. I honestly believed her story as well. She is still struggling with the pain today.

All that I got while watching Larry King's interview with Mckenzie, was BUY THE BOOK; the book is in stores now. Not interested in reading her book.

Paulina,

You can believe whatever you want. Like I can believe whatever I want.

Now, if she was rapped as a child. My heart goes out to her if it is true. I know that that is wrong, because children can not protect themselves. However, as an adult she stated that she voluntarily had sex with her father before her wedding. That is not rape.

This is a strange story. As I stated, I believe it is all about publicity and selling her book.

susan varble

You stated:
.i cant understand why my mom who is very loving cant understand my sisters harboring these feelings even though she said she felt guilty because when he was caught by my other sister that she didnt get him help or make him leave the house.

- Parents do not want to see their sons as perpetrators. They do, not want to carry that guilt.

You said:
my sisters harboring these feelings even though she said she felt guilty because when he was caught by my other sister that she didnt get him help or make him leave the house, my sister is so tortured by the memories that she has done cutting

-Yes, cutting helps move the emotional pain into physical pain. People seem to deal better with physical pain than emotional pain.

You stated:
I would like to talk to him about a problem I am having but i fear that it will get back to my mother and i don’t think she could handle the extra stress because of her health problems and will see me as a trouble maker but in order for my sister to maybe help her to go on with her life i feel like the situation needs addressing

-You are such a brave and kind person trying to help your sister. I really admire that. You are NOT responsible for your mother’s stress or health. This situation should have been addressed years ago. I would recommend you get help with this. You are talking about a family intervention and that is very difficult for just one family member to do. You are so courageous! WOW! After what you have gone through and now willing to risk confronting your brother. Get the help first! You will need the support of a professional.

You stated:

maybe he can apologize and maybe she can finally tell him how it has affected her life ..am i doing the right thing????

- For your brother to apologize he would have to do several cognitive things.
1. Fully look at his behaviors and how it has hurt your sister and destroyed her life.
2. Take full responsibility for the behaviors (no excuses or blame anyone else)
“If” or when your brother is willing to do the above, he often will see himself as a monster. So the process usually stops at 1 or 2.

susan varble You are such a wonderful sister. Yes, you are doing the right thing. I strongly urge you to get professional help. As in the beginning of this process…. Everyone will be in pain… however, the end result would be peace and hopefully your sister will start healing. It is like a tumor. You have to open your body up in order to take it out and that is very painful… but once you are healed, you will feel much better.

I work for the government in mental health! That particular area is not my expertise; however I am hoping that E Matthews, Ph.D. will log back on as I suspect he is a psychologist in this area. He might be able to give you referrals for professional help in your area.

Take care! You are a very special and lovely woman!

@ Gerald Jolly October 1st, 2009 11:01 am ET

You stated:

E. Mathews Phd. Thank you for your kind words.
I too have a Phd. (Political Science)

-Yes, there are many of us Ph.D.s on LKL blogs! I strongly suspect more than 3; however, tonight I suspect only 3. Mine is in Psychology!

The LKL blogs helps me obtain a sample of what American's in other parts of the country think! Sometimes I wonder why I even want to know as it can be pretty scary! No wonder the USA is in the mess we are in!!! Just look at what is being written!

Love your Texas accent ( lol )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

@ E. Matthews, Ph.D.

Thank you for your kind words. I only wish more people would have your passion and deep sensitivity. The world is a better place with you in it!

Thank you!

I was disgusted at Larry King. He hinted that he did not believe Dr Drew when he said 5% to 30% of the population have been victims of this. What, has Larry been hiding under a rock? I was raped by my father at 12 years old. I went to the authorities, I was the first one in my family to tell. It has been going on in my family for generations. Do not belittle incest survivors, we belittle ourselves enough. This is a subject that needs to be out there, maybe if it is talked about more future generations will not have to go through it.

Candace,

Especially, the older generation like Larry King is very much in denial about this subject. Some that actually are involved in incest are even in denial and wouldn't talk about it or acknowledge it.

I'm always suspicious when folk say they don't believe this actually happens, could it be that they have also been involved somehow? You have to wonder but they will never come out and say anything... look at how long it took McKenzie Phillips to come out and say something, but GOOD FOR HER if it helps her to heal.

I agree Candace. My best to you.

Though remember that if LK didn't ask questions as he does, he would show too much partiality. Doing so would stop the bad guys from showing up for interviews. He must create a balance.

His opening statement "How do you know you didn't just make this up in your head?", got me. Criminals love to call victims liars. An example; There is a group promoting False Memory Syndrome, FMS. These are a very small group in psychology that promote those who claim child abuse are liars, especially when it takes many years into the future. They have been debunked and their study is tainted to shift those into believing them. The Catholic Church uses them all the time. The founders include one who was saving a spouse from accused pedophilia, this guy was an alcoholic with a tainted past. Another member was caught in Europe stating that there is nothing wrong with an adult make to engage in a relationship with a young boy.

Two hiding places for abusers are 1. FMS and 2. I'm cured.

wow...read most of the blogs....again wow!...Pete i'm so very sorry for what you went through and what you endured as a child. It absolutely disgusts me how anybody can rob a child of their innocence, for an adults personal and sick sexual gratification. Especially, when it;s priests. Someone the whole family may believe and trust their children are safe. It sickens and utterly disgusts me. I really hope that you've healed over this nightmare. have you, does anyone completely heal? I can only wish you the very best life has to offer, may you have the strength to go the distance regardless the length. I also think it takes a big man and a brave man to talk about his past negative experience a.k.a nightmare. I believe your caring and sharing on this topic, probably will help someone else identify and relate to your story, therefore, not feeling alone.

E. Matthews PHD... You are absolutely refreshing, thank you for your insight, thank you for taking the time trying to educate people on this topic. Your wisdom, and your caring may have woken some people up.

As for M. Philips. It saddens me that she had a ridicoulus role model as a father growing up. You can imagine what type of man thinks it's a great idea for their innocent , pure, child to do drugs.... A child subconsciously believes their parents will keep them safe, and parents usually know whats best for us. M's father taught her taking drugs is fine...like most people she got addicted.....once your addicted you live a life of hell....Whatever the case may be, grown ups, adults know children should not take drugs, let alone provide them with drugs. Normal people know you don't have sex with your child...It's obvious M. did not have a normal childhood, was raised in a destructively toxic environment, and no wonder her living experiences were what they are. At this point M. I can only wish you the best. I wish you strength and courage to get through, what you need to go through, in order to find some type of healing and peace in your life. I also believe Dr. Drew Pinsky is a good man for supporting M. during this time and educating the general public as to how one pure innocent child, has been violated perpatrated by adults, and who children who were victims of abuse, victims of absolutely disgusting child rearing..can grow up to be very unhealty adults...and spend most of their adult lives escaping the pain,escaping the torture that was inflicted onto them by so called the adults in their lives, by the poorest excuses of role models. M. I wish you take it one day at a time, this is really your chance to be strong for yourself, for your son, and today you have a new opportunity to be a good role model to your son. I wish you stay clean and scerene for your sake, because you desreve to enjoy life, and for your sons sake, because he deserves to enjoy life, without having to constantly worry about his mom. You can do it, you can do it, yes you can!

@ Pete!

I am so sorry for what has happened to you. You are certainly a survivor and courageous as you are blogging your story and letting others know of your pain. I admire your strength and conviction. You made a very important statement that everyone in here should know...

You stated that often sirvivors of rape and incest cannot become or express their anger. That is so very true. Many victims are afraid of their anger. They are afraid that once they become angry, they will stay like that for the rest of their lives. Many turn their anger inward onto themselves.

I am so glad you have the courage to tell your story. I only hope that you have a good support system in your life and are surrounded by loved ones and good friends. You certainly have made an impact on my live and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Thank You, Pete, Thank You!!!

Dodie

I believe that M. Phillips is choosing to speak out now, because she's been to therapy, and is currently sober. I do Know many people that have overcome addictions. In order to increase your chances of sobriety; one has to follow the 12 steps; one of the most important steps is being honost with once self, and being honost to others. It seems to me that M Phillips is being brutally honest...........Which obviously can, and did create controversy.

Personally, i feel when one choose to write about their experiences- we actually start to put our experiences (whether positive or negative) into perspective. Writing my experinces makes me understand those experiences better. Which allows me to move on more productively, it's like an emotional and mental cleansing.

I challege anyone out there who has some healing to do, write out your problems, either a journal, or create your own poetry, you will be suprised at the outcome, chances are, you will feel better; because you will have developed personal insight to your experiences, eventually accept them for what they are, and move on in a healthier manner.

As for M. Philips writing her book, upon reflection, im sure she got a better understanding of how she turned out the way she is, and better understanding of how to live life in healthier ways. I think she is courageous and brave, and other people in similar experiences will probably benefit.
Let's face it, if she's financially broke- im sure writing the book was one of her motivating factors, but at the same time, caring and sharing your experiences can help others, writing probably was therapeutic for her emotionally and mentally, and if she makes money in the process...we'll good for her...She created income for herself ,and for her son; that's her right and her choice. Keep in mind though by M. Philips coming out she will always be faced with controversy in the publics eye. M. Philipps will always be faced with some people believing her, and others not believing her..This is something that she will probably have to deal with, for the rest of her life. It would be interesting to see how M Phillips feels about her coming out in 2,or 5 years from now, if it's worth it or not. I guess only time will tell.

I believe MacKenzie; was in love with her father. sicko that she is/was. I believe she seduced him , in his drugged up state. They were both addicts. she turned her father on and was available to him He was bombed and saw nothing wrong with it, Two high drug addicts having sex, that is what it was. . What a sick way to get attention. I do not believe she was raped. ( father , daughter was not in their equation. does not matter when you are that sick)
Once she and he crossed that line, doing it again and again was irrelevant.
She told LK that she was intoxicated and woke up to the sex with her father. Who else did she wake up with ? she told LK noooo she was sexual promiscuous. How did she control one and not the other? Who took advantage of who. does not matter, she had consentual incest with her father, where is her guilt?? She is scum and so is he.

There are three kind of people in this world that we could all do without.

# 1 A LYNCH MOB
# 2 A VIGILANTE COMMITTEE THAT HANGS WITHOUT A TRAIL
# 3 A PERSON THAT CONSIDERS HIMSELF/HERSELF BEYOND REPROACH.

Unfortunately, I am sorry to say, some of these exist on this blog.

Gerald Jolly,

Absolutely agree... you've said it all in a nut-shell!!

Gloria, Cambridge MA.

I would bet my last bottom dollar that you consider yourself the most intelligent person in world "RIGHT"

I would bet my last bottom dollar that you speak directly to "GOD" just like GWB did "RIGHT"

I would also bet my last bottom dollars that you think your S@#$%T does'nt smell "RIGHT"

Pray tell me, how does it feel to live in "YOUR PERFECT WORLD"

I would guess that it does'nt feel very good to be alone all the time.

Were you the little girl in grade school that was always called "MISS GOODY TWO SHOES"???

I would also bet that in your world everybody wears "ROSE COLORED GLASSES" Hu!

What amazes me most is your great expertise on "DRUG USE", do you speak from personal experiences.??

I imagine that everybody in Cambridge knows you very well, because you're the only person in that city that walks by floating two feet above the ground.

Do you sometimes consult with the "WONDERFULL WIZARD OF OZ" in the "LALA LAND" you live in.

YOU MUST BE A REAL TREAT TO KNOW?? "NOT"

Gloria might very well be a male sexual predator. They need to justify themselves. There are also women who support their predator male friends too.

E. Matthews, Ph.D. September 30th, 2009 11:36 pm ET

SuzieCanada – obviously, YOU care, because you make the effort to get on the blog, or is it just because you want your nano-second of fame? LOL
-------------------–
NO, I don't care about psychos who make me sick to my stomach. And I don't care about your Ph.D either. I'm very close to getting mine (give me a few months) but I don't come here to flaunt it and you don't see me with M.A. next to my name do you? Why? because I'm not seeking my "nano-second of fame". You are. I live and work with Pd.Ds on a daily basis, and one thing I know, they're not smarter than anybody else. And tell that to your friend Dodie too.

Gloria , Cambridge, MA. October 1st, 2009 5:08 pm ET

I believe MacKenzie; was in love with her father. sicko that she is/was. I believe she seduced him , in his drugged up state. They were both addicts. she turned her father on and was available to him He was bombed and saw nothing wrong with it, Two high drug addicts having sex, that is what it was. . What a sick way to get attention. I do not believe she was raped. ( father , daughter was not in their equation. does not matter when you are that sick)

------------------------–.....

You have more rage then 10 people. No wonder your perception is so far out! You are one of the reasons this country is in such a mess. You cannot even see further than the nose on your face! Your comments are outrageous. You are victimizing a second time this person who is already victim.

My hope is that you experience the same things MacKenzie has experienced. I only hope some day when you have been traumatized and asking for consolditation, that people call YOU A LIAR and Laugh!!!

Your comments are outrageous!

Suzie your comment "Larry, who cares?"

Most people seem to. Why would you make such a rude statement? Why not say nothing instead?

And if you normally like LK's shows then say so and say, this material is less interesting to you. After all, not everyone has interests in each show. Most don't act rude. Variety works in program as this.

Pete, I have a right to make a statement, to express my opinion as much as anybody, without being lectured. Thank you.

@SuzieCanada October 1st, 2009 8:33 pm ET

NO, I don’t care about psychos who make me sick to my stomach. And I don’t care about your Ph.D either. I’m very close to getting mine (give me a few months) but I don’t come here to flaunt it and you don’t see me with M.A. next to my name do you? Why? because I’m not seeking my “nano-second of fame”. You are. I live and work with Pd.Ds on a daily basis, and one thing I know, they’re not smarter than anybody else. And tell that to your friend Dodie too.

___________________________________________...

You just flaunted your self all over this blog! You poor thing. I feel sorry for you. You have so much rage it is leaking out all over the blog. ONLY YOU mentioned that Ph.D.s were smarter than other people. We just have more tenacity... or obsessive compulsive behavior to complete 11 years of college.

Obviously YOU HAVE A BIG ISSUE WITH IT!! My only hope is............you are not in the dicipline of Psychology!!! Good Grief... what a dweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeb

Dodie, stop lecturing others. It's really beyond repulsive.

And Suzie. Those here who work with victims impress me. I wish I would have been able to pass classes in school to help others, even though I was considered to be above the grades I was in before it all happened. Three years of rape including a bishop today that went into my classroom to pul me out and threatened me. "You better tell no one", then hit me hard on top of my head with his middle knuckle, My entire family has a Masters Degree at the very least, I have nothing. I have to work twice as hard as everyone else because I zombie out. Pressure builds making it difficult to concentrate. I wake up at night with terrors, can't lie down, sit or stay still when that happens. I have to pace for almost an hour. Sometimes this happens many times a night. I wrote a book three times, each time I threw it out because my grammar is horrible and I drift too much. I have no financial resources to hire someone to write for me.

The only ones in my corner are those you criticize. My father is best friends with the one priest who orchestrated the gang rape, I disowned my family.

Please respect those that help others, those with compassion. Please do that. Unless you walked in others shoes, you have no idea. You likely would have ended the same, and those as you would now critisize you.

I'm flaunting myself? I read these blogs quite regularly. Do you want me to count the times you, Dodie, mentioned your "Ph.D"? Do you want me to count the times you lectured and patronized others on these blogs? Go back and re-read your posts.

Pete, I never said I didn't care about the victims, and I'm very sorry to hear your story. I don't care about this girl coming out now and saying these horrific things about her father so many years after he died. The timing is very suspicious. Even if she's telling the truth, there is no need for her to come out now and make these things public and destroy the legacy of her father. I question her motivation and I also question her truthfulness. This is why I said I didn't care about this particular story. It doesn't mean I have no sympathy for genuine victims.

As a single dad, it took me until my son reached the age I was abused before I was able to begin talking about it. You know the worst part is looking back on your childhood filled with fear and terror. You don't even cry because crying means you had to process it, at ages 8,9 and 10. Your childhood was in aloneness, hiding constantly. If someone suspected something was wrong, you pretended everything was perfect. You continue your later adulthood with only a toe touching the real world, to make sure no one thinks something is wrong. You don't even process Why.

The biggest trauma is realizing you never had a chance at living a life and now mentally disabled.

It is never too late to open up about it. M. went through a horrible life. Just as I had no concept of reality as a child and later as an adult, neither did she. Her life was filled with drug abuse from age 11. She never had a chance to recover because the person who should have been setting her straight instead encouraged her.

she was an adult. her own fault to let it keep going on.

John Philips was a sick mutha, He should never have had sex with his daughter, He was a pervert. I believe Mac Ken. was a pervert also. she should have never have had sex with her father.
She had sex with her father for 10 years, was she under mind control?Was she held captive? no she was high and so was he. I do not know if she was high on all the occasions, or in blackouts.
This story sickens me to the pit of my stomach. It is obvious they had a sick love affair?( we should move to fiji where it is legal) It is taboo on both sides.
I have never heard of a more disgusting revelation in my life , sorry if my opinion offends,
He was a rotten father, a cruel man who shot his own daughter up. but thank God he did not sexually abuse her when she was under 19 years old. Mac Kenzie has had a horrible life, and I pity her.

@ SuzieCanada

START COUNTING...

paula "she was an adult. her own fault to let it keep going on."

We can all pretend we would have acted differently, though had you the same life – you likely would have lived it that way. People often make that mistake thinking they would have acted differently, it just isn't true usually.

She was not always high or blacked out from what I have understood from the show.

Think of it this way. Had she lived a normal life, she would not have gone through with it. That is the reality.

SuzieCanada October 1st, 2009 9:16 pm ET

You said:
"I don’t care about this girl coming out now and saying these horrific things about her father so many years after he died. "

---------

That is quite obvious you don't care!!!! Your rage is spewing all over this blog. If you are not interested, then why are you still here?

Years ago we would have never talked about this stuff publicly. Thankfully we do today. This is how we all grow, and it is also how we wake people up to stop or come out.to seek help.

Sure it may seem that M, is talking about her dead father, but at least she did. And just maybe she helped someone else by doing so.

It is horrible, but it is also positive.

Keeping this stuff in a closet helps no one.

@ Gloria , Cambridge, MA

She was only 10 years old when it started. What do you expect from a 10 year old when the most powerful man in her world, her father, raped her?

I don't want one child to go through what I had to, and neither does M, want anyone to go through the same as her.

Educating others by sharing experiences works, otherwise it doesn't strike us hard enough to making us change society.

Good Evening Pete!

Yes, you are absolutely correct! How are you this evening? Very nice seeing you!

I live in S. Calif and it is very hot tonight! I am ready for fall... Got out my sweaters and boots! Now if only the weather would cooperate... lol

To Dodie,
She was 19 years old when her father had sex with her the first time.
I believe she was 10 when he exposed her to drugs. ( rolling joints) and later shooting her up.
I was referring to the incest.

Hey Dodie,

Cool and wet here in Central NY.

@ Gloria , Cambridge, MA.

Yes, you are absolutely correct! Or at least age 19 the first time she remembers.

Pete!

I can not wait for rain. I think the last time we had it was in 2008. The drought here is very serious. 35 million people and no rain for at least 6 – 8 months. ~whew~

I have a good friend that just bought a beautiful cottage on one of the beautiful lakes in N.Y. Her cottage is about 10 feet from the water's edge. I do not know where, but she showed me pictures and it was sooooooo very beautiful.

ok MacKenzie- after all that you have survived you should NOT have to defend Your words in Your book. I caught most of your appearance on Larry King. I have , up to now really enjoyed larry's show- now – NOT SO MUCH. I cannot believe that Larry would ask you – you were doing drugs, are you sure that you remember ???? Get real Larry. Fathers, step-fathers, uncles, priests, brothers, friends of the family have been molesting girls -probably since the beginning of time. Sure some block it out for years, MacKenzie chose to let it out, and in turn many have realized that it's ok to talk about this subject- You Larry should be ashamed for your lack of compassion. count me as an EX viewer.

Karen Pipes, How's your pipes??
Still full of that white powdery substance??

You have no idea just how distraught Larry is about your decision to stop watching his show, and how all of us on this blog will miss your "RANTS"

I hope you're happy in your little "WHITE" world

We will all miss you "NOT"

Usually I turn off the TV when Larry comes with this kind of show.
However, I watched it, because I saw the pain on MacKenzie´s face and my heart went out to her. She is desperate to get a decent life and I am very ashamed for the many ugly comments in this blog.
That father should burn in hell, if we have such a thing.

Ted,

Very true... that's just it, she was very sincere and you could see the pain.

We're all upset about MJ and wished we would've done more when he was alive... guess what McKenzie Phillips is alive, be descent human beings and acknowledge a cry for help.

YOU DO NOT CONTINUE HAVING SEX WHEN YOU ARE AN ADULT AND ARE GETTING MARRIED, SO DO NOT SAY SHE COULDN'T STOP, BECAUSE ALL OF A SUDDEN SHE SAID NO MORE, THAT IS IT. GET WITH IT PEOPLE

I presume many of those who are ready to stone this desperate woman go to church on a regular base and know the Bible, Talmud or the Koran. Did you ever read the part of throwing the first stone!!??
I am ready to make a bet, that if we would scratch you a little a whole bunch of dirt would come out in most cases.
She did terrible things, however a child with the sort of upbringing who makes joints at age 10, shares drugs with the parents at 13 and has sex with the father at 19 do not really understands the moral you all preach about. I do not wish that you had the same experience in your childhood.
She did not hurt you, but only herself, so please show a little mercy and encourage her to change her life.
Amen! (If you know hebrew you know what that means).

Paula, that was her life, so please worry about all the nasty things you have done! Or are you a saint?

Paula

Have compassion. If you lived her life, those as you would be criticizing as you do. Her father, a normal child's yearning for love and drugs from age 11, you most likely would have been the same.

Few think they would have done differently, that is only fantasizing.

If you are denying harm that was done to you, I then feel for you. If you have harmed someone else, then face up and go to that person. If you are the few who fantasize, then join the rest of us in reality.

yeah right her life, but then suddenly she knew it was wrong, and put a stop to it. I am sure she knew right from wrong as she hit her teenage years, like speak up, again as a child no you are afraid, she was an adult and let it go on. one day she decided she was not going to do it anymore. I really don't think you understand what I am getting at. yes everything done as a child was wrong. you grow up, u leave the house whatever, you put a stop to it. this should not have gone on that long. she could of got help, she knew it was wrong. she had tv friends, and school friends, and then suddenly she said no.

Paula,

I will try to put it in simpler terms you can understand what Pete and Ted is saying:

A drug addict know that taking drugs is wrong and is ruining their life in spite of all the things they've accomplished and are intelligent but drug abuse just like child abuse has it's consequences and it's not as easy to make that call when the time comes. If you can read body language and emotions, you could see that she's gone through a lot.

One day you may need compassion from someone so be very careful how you judge others.

Do not try to get me to change my mind, that is not what this is about, and furthermore, when she was younger, she acted the same way on the show and off, I am not saying she is lying, however, I am saying she should of and could of stopped it a long time ago, no, not as a child. As an adult she could of walked away from her father!! she even could of killed him, she could of done a lot of things. Most child stars get addicted to drugs one way or another. You don't know how much is true and how much is not. If you do not think some of this crap was added in, then you have to get into reality too. You can't write a book, and not make it exciting enough for people to buy. This is not unusual, we all know this crap happens all the time to kids, severe abuse. She let it go on, she admitted that. A lot of people commit suicide from this kind of abuse. there is just too much not making sense, other than that I don't care about it anymore, I heard her on other shows too. we all have our opinions. HAGW!!

Paula,

You're right, I'm not going to bother trying to explain anymore; I guess it would've been better if she committed murder, is that what you're saying – ok, I'm done here. It's obvious that you're a very bitter person.

Paulina

Very nice post. I think some people need to mature a bit, not a negative, some need growth to help shred the baggage they dealt with. I can understand that, and willing to accept the time it may take. In the meanwhile they should hold off a bit and not criticize others. M. has done a remarkable job in helping herself and others.

It was clear that the first time, Mackenzie was raped by her father, since she was violated by him while unconscious. She went on to mention being 'blacked out', in another encounter later on with her father; however, it's unclear if she was always unconscious during the encounters. Maybe not. Ofcourse if she wasn't mentally present at those times then if is rape.
These are crimes, for his corruption of his daughter, his supplying of narcotics to a minor, and the first-time rape, etc
Her mother could have called child protective services if she knew about the drugs that John Philips was encouraging his daughter Mackenzie to use when she was only 11 or so.
If her mother had been more like her stepmother Michelle Philips, then these things likely would not have happened to her. I am not however, blaming her mother, it's John Philips fault, but her mother also had some responsibility to protect her too.

Pete,

Thank you.

I agree and It's too bad that everyone do not share your wisdom because then the world would be a better place.

All the best.

Dear Larry,

I was listening to your live larry King about philips but i coudn't beleive her why now after 30 years, she was able to act to tell the truth to her mom a police, for me i can't buy and read her book it's a fake story.

sue

Not so fake Sue,

Need to understand mental disorders. Otherwise you are only pretending you would have acted differently. Read posts above.

Had you lived her life, others would be saying about you the same you stated.

Sad indeed, understand people before you criticize or some may consider you a cruel and unfair person.

Walk in others shoes.

It takes an incredible amount of courage to bring a story like this forward. I do not believe she is lying about what happened to her, there is so much shame around this topic for the victim. It becomes an insult to an incredible injury when people dismiss it with lack of knowledge or understanding. In the case of family members "denial", is sometmes easier let the secrets and trauma stay hidden. Most people that are capable of something like this, were themselves abused as children. I am speaking from experience, while not near as devastating as M's, there were boundaries crossed by my father. I do not see him as a monster, but rather a conflicted man who was once an abused boy. (I found out later in life he was sexually abused by his mother, he has since passed away). When I went to my mother at the time, she did not believe or support me, I can not even describe the pain and how alone I felt, at 12 years old. I also understand how M can feel love for her father, yet still carry the wounds of the past in her. I support M in her strength and courage to put some resolution and closure to her life and shine a light into this hidden area that continues to damage lives in large part due to the denial and secrecy. Best to you M

Everybody needs to have a spiritual side and it should be well balanced with the material self. If the scale tips to one side there's chaos. When a person does not why they're here and where they're going....Kaboom!! This is the result.

I have seen many SICK pictures hear many SICK stories but that of Mackenzie Phillips is utterly DISGUSTING, her story is as SICK as she's being SICK minded all along, it would have been better if she had left behind a suicide note than showing some irritating grim smile on the media!

I expect many of those guilty of raping, incest and child molestation would feel threatened by M.

M. coming out will help many victims gain the strength to expose those that abused them.

Thank you M.

I do agree with Pete that M's confession will empower those suffering from abuse or being abused to come out of their sufferings, but what i don't get is an adult telling such insane story, i mean I'm a man a father a husband a brother and above all a friend, a friend of every child, a very sensitive friend to my children and every child in the world but what would drive a grown girl of 13yrs until 23yrs to be sexually involved with her father without pressure or fear, in her own words she enjoyed sexually loving him; the man that was suppose to be her father, now at the age 49 her sick mind tells her its time to tell, after all the guilty father is not there anymore. What is she doing to her children by such confession?
What else should we expect to hear from a DRUGGY, or could it be she is sleeping with her son and maybe with her DOG!

Many times people do not understand the extreme psychological effects of such horrendous activities. I blame the media for lacking compassion in explaining to people why some come out at age 50, 60 and even later. Instead those that need to deny get free press.

A good example is clergy abuse. How often have we heard, "Why did it take so long for the victims to come out?" The next thing they do is ridicule. The statement and comment are extremely cruel, and will cause some victims to go back in hiding into mental illness.

The reality is that during the child rape and likewise with adult incest, the mind is not an active participant. The down side is the mental illness caused by these events, they are long lasting and sometimes permanent. The events have NOT been processed to memories because the victim can not allow it through no fault of theirs.

When the mind is ready, without the victims control, the memories will be processed. This is why so many come out late. This is the #1 downfall of the False Memory Group, you know, the group child rapist hide behind. There are no repressed and suddenly recovered memories simply because the events were not processed to become memories. Later life, when the events are processed, the experiences it uses to process are untainted and pure. We can not change these. We actually can not plant these either, at least they will not last long if we tried. (no hypnotism is not long lasting) Real events, not processed, are as true as the day of the event no matter when they occurred.

M. never fully processed, and then once processed had to build the strength to come forward.