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Did Janet Jackson Actually Apologize for Her Comments About Kamala Harris? Here’s What We Know.
Janet Jackson stirred up controversy this weekend along with her comments on Vice President Kamala Harris’ race. In an interview published by The guard On Saturday, Jackson reportedly questioned the Democratic presidential candidate’s race when asked concerning the prospect of the United States electing its first black woman president.
“You know what they supposedly said? She’s not black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian,” the singer said. “I haven’t watched the news in a few days, they told me they found out her father is white.”
Although the interviewer reportedly clarified that Harris is each black and Native American, Jackson’s claims reflect a false narrative that former President Donald Trump has spread. During a 30-minute question-and-answer session on the National Association of Black Journalists convention, the Republican presidential candidate said that Harris “has always had Indian ancestry” and “has only promoted Indian ancestry.”
“I didn’t know she was black until a few years ago when she became black,” Trump added. “Now she wants to be known as black. So I don’t know if she’s Native American or black?”
Regardless of how he understands Harris’ racial and ethnic background, Jackson believes that no matter who wins the election, “there could be chaos.”
Social media response
The star’s comments sparked controversy on social media platforms as users expressed their disappointment with the star’s statements.
“Janet Jackson sounded like a complete idiot in this interview and I am very disappointed” one user shared on X.
“The power of disinformation, smh,” wrote theGrio’s Natasha Alford Xjoining the discussion. “That’s why they keep doing it.”
Another user added: “Janet Jackson is one of the most influential people in music history. It was simply irresponsible of her to repeat something she “heard” which was exactly what they are using against Kamala! Her own race. We have less than 50 days until the election. We need to speak up!”
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Jackson’s Apology Saga
Following a wave of criticism, the alleged member of Jackson’s team issued an apology. On Sunday Buzzfeed was the primary channel to report Jackson’s alleged apology for comments about Harris. Mo Elmsari, who claimed to be the star’s manager, issued an announcement to media that read:
“Janet Jackson would like to clarify her recent comments. She acknowledges that her statements regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity were based on misinformation. Janet respects Harris’ dual heritage as a Black and Native American woman and apologizes for any confusion this has caused. She values the diversity that Harris represents and understands the importance of celebrating this in today’s society. Janet remains committed to promoting unity and understanding.”
After multiple media outlets reported Elmsari’s statement, members of Jackson’s team said: Diversity that the star didn’t authorize the statement. Shutting down Elmasari’s claim that she is Jackson’s manager, the singer’s representative reportedly told the outlet that her brother Randy is her manager and was not available for comment in light of their sibling Tito’s death.
What happened to Mo Elmsari?
After a fake apology, Elmsari announced that he had been fired by the star.
“Janet Jackson fired me because of the misunderstandings between me, her and Randy after her meeting with the Guardian and her ambiguous statements,” he said Everyday Beast also noting his support for Kamala Harris.
In an email to Variety, he explained that he was “fired by Janet and Randy after trying to improve her image in the eyes of the public and fans,” adding that “it’s something (he) doesn’t deserve.”
Has Janet Jackson apologized for her statements?
The star has not yet issued an official apology.