(TJV) Pop star Janet Jackson, the sister of Michael Jackson, shared her thoughts on Vice President Kamala Harris’s racial identity during a broad interview with The Guardian on Saturday.
Jackson commented, “Well, you know what they supposedly said? She’s not Black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian.” Interviewer Nosheen Iqbal then corrected Jackson, clarifying that Harris is both Black and Indian. However, Jackson insisted further, stating, “Her father’s white. That’s what I was told. I mean, I haven’t watched the news in a few days. I was told that they discovered her father was white.”
I’m proud of Janet Jackson for standing up and not caving into the cancel culture! I admire her for this. pic.twitter.com/gNodOVgd6h
— Becca Buono (@becca_buono) September 23, 2024
Iqbal, taken aback by Jackson’s comments, pressed on by asking if the singer believed America was ready for Harris, saying, “if we agree she’s Black? Or, OK, a woman of color?” Jackson responded, “I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t want to answer that because I really, truthfully, don’t know. I think either way it goes is going to be mayhem.”
The following day, an individual named Mo Elmasri, claiming to be Jackson’s agent, issued an apology on her behalf. He stated, “Janet apologizes for any confusion caused and acknowledges the importance of accurate representation in public discourse. We appreciate the opportunity to address this and will remain committed to promoting unity… She deeply respects Vice President Kamala Harris and her accomplishments as a Black and Indian woman.”
However, as reported by USA Today, this statement was unauthorized. Representatives for Janet Jackson clarified that her current manager is her brother, Randy Jackson, and that Elmasri has never been part of her team. The Washington Post also highlighted that Vice President Harris has consistently identified as Black throughout her career, emphasizing her education at Howard University, a Historically Black College, and her father’s Jamaican heritage.
