A recent controversy surrounding pop icon Janet Jackson has taken an unexpected turn, involving her remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris's racial identity.
Breitbart News reported that Jackson is now disavowing an unauthorized apology issued on her behalf regarding comments she made about Vice President Harris not being Black.
The controversy began when Jackson reportedly told The Guardian that she had heard Harris was not Black, citing the Vice President's Indian heritage and claiming she was told Harris's father was white. This statement quickly drew criticism from various quarters, leading to what appeared to be an apology from Jackson's camp.
Jackson's original remarks to The Guardian sparked immediate controversy. When discussing Vice President Harris, Jackson reportedly said:
Well, you know what they supposedly said? She's not Black. That's what I heard. That she's Indian.
Even when corrected by the reporter about Harris's mixed heritage, Jackson persisted, stating she had been told that Harris's father was white. These comments quickly circulated, drawing criticism from those who viewed them as dismissive of Harris's Black identity.
The backlash was swift, with many expressing disappointment in Jackson's apparent misunderstanding or misrepresentation of Harris's racial background. The controversy highlighted ongoing discussions about racial identity and representation in American politics.
It's worth noting that Kamala Harris was born to an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, both of whom immigrated to the United States. Her multicultural background has been a significant part of her political narrative and appeal to diverse voter groups.
Following the initial controversy, an apology attributed to Jackson appeared in a Buzzfeed report on September 23, 2024. The statement, reportedly issued by Mo Elmasri, who was identified as Jackson's manager, expressed regret for any confusion caused by Jackson's comments.
The apology, as reported by Buzzfeed, 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.
This statement seemed to resolve the issue, presenting Jackson as acknowledging her mistake and affirming Harris's identity as both Black and Indian. However, the situation took another unexpected turn shortly after.
In a surprising development, Jackson's team has now come forward to disavow the apology attributed to Mo Elmasri. According to USA Today, Jackson's representatives are insisting that Elmasri had no right or authorization to issue any apologies on her behalf.
This latest twist has raised questions about who actually speaks for Janet Jackson and the veracity of the initial apology. Sources close to Jackson have pointed out that her brother, Randy Jackson, is her actual manager, casting doubt on Elmasri's role and authority to make statements on her behalf. The conflicting narratives have left many confused about Jackson's true stance on the matter.
Janet Jackson's comments about Vice President Kamala Harris's racial identity have sparked a complex controversy involving an unauthorized apology and subsequent denial. The pop star initially questioned Harris's Black identity in an interview with The Guardian, leading to public backlash. An apology was then issued on Jackson's behalf, only to be disavowed by her team as unauthorized. The situation remains unresolved, with Jackson's true stance on the matter still unclear.
