Janet Jackson Apologizes to Kamala Harris, Cites Misinformation

Janet Jackson Apologizes for Controversial Comments

“Janet apologizes for any confusion caused and acknowledges the importance of accurate representation in public discourse,” said her manager after she questioned if Harris was Black.

Jackson, through her manager, expressed regret over her remarks made in an interview where she doubted Kamala Harris’s racial identity, calling them “based on misinformation.”

In an interview with The Guardian, Jackson speculated about Harris’s background when asked about the potential of having the first Black female president. She mentioned, “Well, you know what they supposedly said? She’s not Black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian.”

She further added, “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.” (Harris’s father, Donald J. Harris, is indeed Black, born in Jamaica.)

People quickly reacted online to Jackson’s statements, wondering who had provided her with such wrong information and criticizing her lack of knowledge about the candidate.

Fans sometimes find it shocking when celebrities spread misinformation.

On Sunday, Jackson’s manager, Mo Elmasri, told Buzzfeed that the comments were based on incorrect details and that Jackson now recognizes Harris’s true heritage.

“[Jackson] deeply respects Vice President Kamala Harris and her accomplishments as a Black and Indian woman,” Elmasri stated. “Janet apologizes for any confusion caused and acknowledges the importance of accurate representation in public discourse.”

Elmasri also mentioned, “We appreciate the opportunity to address this and will remain committed to promoting unity.”