Mackenzie Phillips discusses new claims regarding her father's alleged abuse

<p>Mackenzie Phillips has spoken about her experiences with her late father, John Phillips, and the pain of not being believed regarding her claims of abuse. During an episode of Valerie Bertinelli's podcast, "Get Naked," Phillips shared that she received a letter from a family friend that supported her allegations of abuse.</p><p>Phillips recalled receiving the letter while working at Breathe Life Healing Center. She described the moment when the head of HR informed her about the letter, initially thinking it was fan mail. However, the letter contained serious allegations, stating that the friend's husband had witnessed something concerning when Phillips was nine years old.</p><p>Phillips expressed feelings of isolation, stating, "I'm on my own again ... I'm on my own in this nobody believes me." She mentioned that some people who had previously claimed she was lying were aware of the truth but did not support her.</p><p>During the podcast, Phillips discussed the impact of her father's legacy as a member of The Mamas & The Papas, explaining that she can separate his music from his actions. She described the letter as shocking and noted that the sender expressed regret for not coming forward sooner to support her.</p><p>Phillips previously detailed in her memoir, "High on Arrival," that her father had raped her at age 19. She stated, "I woke up that night from a blackout to find myself having sex with my own father." Following this incident, she claimed that their relationship became consensual and lasted for ten years, ending when she became pregnant and had an abortion.</p><p>Reflecting on her past, Phillips acknowledged that her understanding of consent has changed, stating, "There is no such thing as consent between a parent and a child; the power differential is too great." John Phillips passed away in 2001 at the age of 65 due to heart failure.</p><p>Phillips' allegations have led to divisions within the Phillips family, although her half-sister Chynna has publicly supported her. John Phillips was known for his role in shaping the California folk-rock sound of the 1960s as a songwriter and musician for The Mamas & The Papas.</p>