*The recent controversy surrounding Janet Jackson‘s remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris‘ race has spiraled into a complex web of statements, retractions, and disagreements. In other words, it’s a very messy situation.
Following an interview with The Guardian, in which Jackson claimed Harris is “not Black,” the pop star’s former manager, Mo Elmasri, has come forward with claims of being fired due to these comments, reports The Daily Beast. As the situation unfolds, a clearer picture of the dynamics at play emerges.
“That’s what I heard,” Jackson, 58, told The Guardian. “That she’s Indian. 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.”
This assertion not only mirrored long-standing racial debates but also echoed rhetoric used by former President Donald Trump during his criticism of Harris. The comments ignited backlash as they were consistently labeled as misinformation.
“I didn’t know she was black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn black and now she wants to be known as black,” Trump said at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago.
As far as Janet’s supposed Buzzfeed apology, it was Elmasri, speaking for her and now we know it was unauthorized:
“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.”
Elmasri, who claims to be Jackson’s former manager, asserted that he was dismissed from his role due to disputes regarding Jackson’s opinions on Harris. He described the fallout from a meeting between Janet and The Guardian, suggesting that her statements lacked balance. Although he expressed support for Harris, his statements only added fuel to the fire, raising more questions about Jackson’s stance.
Adding to the confusion, Jackson’s representatives issued a statement clarifying that any apology concerning the comments came from Elmasri without her authorization. They have stated that Jackson respects Harris’s dual heritage and values the diversity that Harris embodies. Reports indicate that Elmasri’s connection to Jackson is tenuous at best, as her actual management is handled by her brother, Randy.
As the Jackson family navigates their recent loss with the passing of Tito Jackson, they remain largely quiet on the matter, focusing on healing rather than the controversy at hand. The absence of a formal response from Janet has left the narrative open to interpretation, highlighting the challenges public figures face when comments are misrepresented or taken out of context.
In an era where racial identity is continually scrutinized, Jackson’s comments serve as a stark reminder of the sensitivity surrounding discussions of ethnicity and identity. As public sentiment sways, the critical discourse on race will inevitably continue to evolve.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Janet Jackson Who Said: ‘She’s Not Black. That’s What I Heard’ – Issues Apology to Kamala Harris | WATCH
