Topline
One day after The Guardian published an interview in which pop star Janet Jackson incorrectly claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris was not Black, Jackson’s representatives clarified that a public apology issued on her behalf by someone claiming to be her manager was unauthorized.
Key Facts
In the Saturday interview, Jackson responded to a question about Harris potentially becoming the first Black female president, stating: “She’s not Black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian.” When corrected by the interviewer, Jackson further and inaccurately claimed that Harris’ father was white, saying, “I was told that they discovered her father was white.” She also suggested the election outcome would lead to "mayhem."
On Sunday, Mo Elmasri, claiming to be Jackson's manager, told outlets like Deadline, People, and The Washington Post that the singer acknowledged her statements were “based on misinformation” and apologized for any confusion. Elmasri has been credited as a producer on Jackson’s upcoming documentary and previously cited as her manager in various outlets.
Later on Sunday night, however, Jackson's team clarified that the apology was unauthorized and that Elmasri is not her manager.
Crucial Quote
The unauthorized statement issued by Elmasri read: “Janet Jackson would like to clarify her recent comments... She respects Harris’ dual heritage as both Black and Indian and apologizes for any confusion caused.”
Tangent
Elmasri later told the Daily Beast he had been fired by Jackson after her controversial comments. According to the Washington Post, Elmasri was previously listed as her manager on IMDbPro.
Key Background
Jackson's remarks mirror misinformation circulated by former President Donald Trump, who questioned Harris' racial identity during a National Association of Black Journalists event in 2020. Harris, whose father is Jamaican and mother is Indian, identifies as both Black and South Asian American.
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