Topline
One day after The Guardian published an interview in which pop star Janet Jackson falsely claimed Vice President Kamala Harris was not Black, the musician’s representatives said she had not authorized an apology on the matter made on her behalf by a person claiming to be her representative.
Singer Janet Jackson courted controversy over the weekend after suggesting that Vice President … [+]
Key Facts
In the interview published Saturday, Jackson responded to a question about Harris potentially becoming the first black female president, saying: “She’s not black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian.”
When the interviewer interjected saying that Harris is both, the singer wrongly claimed the vice president’s father was white: “I was told that they discovered her father was white.”
The singer also said that “either way” the election swings it is “going to be mayhem.”
On Sunday, Mo Elmasri, who claimed to be Jackson’s manager, told multiple outlets—including Deadline, People, Washington Post and Variety—that the singer recognized her original statements were “based on misinformation” and she “apologizes for any confusion caused.”
According to Buzzfeed, which first reported Elmasri’s comments on Sunday, he is credited as a producer on her upcoming documentary and has been cited as Jackson’s manager in several previous stories about her in other outlets.
Jackson’s team, however, clarified later on Sunday night that the apology was made by someone who is not her manager and was not authorized to speak on her behalf.
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Crucial Quote
The original statement issued by Elmasri read: “Janet Jackson would like to clarify her recent comments. She recognizes that her statements regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity were based on misinformation. Janet respects Harris’ dual heritage as both Black and Indian and apologizes for any confusion caused. She values the diversity Harris represents and understands the importance of celebrating that in today’s society. Janet remains committed to promoting unity and understanding.”
Tangent
After the latest statement by Jackson’s team, Elmasri told the Daily Beast he had been fired by the musician “due to disagreements between me, her, and Randy, after her meeting with the Guardian and her unbalanced statements.” The Washington Post noted that Elmasri had been listed as the singer’s manager on IMDbPro—a database of entertainment industry professionals.
Key Background
Jackson’s comments about Harris’ race echo falsehoods pushed by former President Donald Trump at a National Association of Black Journalists convention in July. While being interviewed on stage, Trump said Harris “was always of Indian heritage” but only recently “made a turn” and “became a Black person.” Harris’ father is from Jamaica and her mother is from India. Harris has, throughout her career, identified as both Black and South Asian American.
Further Reading
‘I shouldn’t have listened to those around me’: Janet Jackson on Michael, motherhood and how she’s taking back control (The Guardian)
Janet Jackson’s Apology For Kamala Harris Comments Was Not Approved By Artist (Deadline)
Janet Jackson’s ‘Rep’: I Was Fired Over Kamala Harris Apology Drama (The Daily Beast)
