Some celebrities have experienced nasal septum damage linked to cocaine use.
Paris Jackson, daughter of the late Michael Jackson, revealed in November 2025 that her nose sustained damage due to drug use.
She explained her condition in a social media video that was re-shared on TikTok. Paris stated, “I have a really loud whistle because it sounds like when I breathe through my nose, and that’s because I have what’s called a perforated septum.”
A perforated septum is a hole in the cartilage or bone between a person’s nostrils. This condition can stem from autoimmune diseases, drug misuse, chemical exposure, infections, injuries, or, rarely, tumors, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Jackson indicated that her septum perforation resulted from “exactly where you think.”
She offered a cautionary message regarding substance use. “Don’t do drugs, guys,” she advised. “Or do it. I mean, everyone is going to have the experience they need to have with life. I’m not going to tell anyone what to do. I don’t recommend it because it ruined my life.”