Michael Jackson’s young daughter Paris was reportedly inspired to speak at his memorial after hearing her uncle Jermaine sing.

The 11-year-old, who has rarely been seen in public before, gave a heart-rending speech at the Staples Center in LA.

Paris reportedly burst into tears when she heard Jermaine sing Michael’s favourite song Smile and was comforted by aunt La Toya, who said to her: “He loved you so much.”

A source said: “Paris is a strong-willed, tough girl who surprised even her own family by how vocal she’s been over what should happen at the memorial. Of Michael’s children, she’s the one who speaks her mind. She’s so brave and tough, Michael had already decided that she’s going to be an action star. She had already said to Jermaine and Randy that she may read a poem, but they dissuaded her.

“But after Jermaine sang Smile - well, everything changed. Paris insisted. She told La Toya: ‘I need to say something. I want to tell them about Daddy.’”