During an interview with The Guardian, Janet Jackson reportedly stated that Vice President Kamala Harris is “not Black,” a comment that quickly sparked backlash. According to The Daily Beast, Mo Elmasri, who claims to be Jackson’s former manager, said he was fired over the controversy.
As a true 90’s girl I’m deeply saddened to discover Janet Jackson is stupid.
A tiny part of me just died. pic.twitter.com/0W2fT8ofti
— Manda Skeptically 🦾🥦🏳️🌈 (@ShutUpAmanda) September 21, 2024
Janet Jackson Questions Kamala Harris’s Race
“That’s what I heard,” the 58-year-old pop icon said during the interview. “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, but I was told her father was white.”
These comments came as a shock, especially given that her brother, Michael Jackson, also faced racial issues and questions about his own identity.
The controversy also echoed former President Donald Trump’s assertions at the National Association of Black Journalists convention earlier this year. “I didn’t know she was Black until a few years ago, when she suddenly became Black and now wants to be recognized as Black.”
The Alleged Former Manager Was Fired
Mo Elmasri, Jackson’s former manager, who reportedly spoke on her behalf in a BuzzFeed article, has since revealed that his statement was unauthorized. The statement read:
“Janet Jackson wishes to clarify her recent comments. She acknowledges that her statements regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’s racial background were based on incorrect information. Janet respects Harris’s identity as both Black and Indian and apologizes for any confusion caused. She values the diversity Harris represents and recognizes the importance of celebrating that in today’s world. Janet remains committed to promoting unity and understanding.”
Elmasri claims that he was fired due to disagreements over Jackson’s remarks, stating that the Guardian interview lacked nuance. Although he expressed support for Harris, reports suggest his connection to Jackson was tenuous at best, as her actual management is handled by her brother, Randy.
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Jackson’s representatives later clarified that the apology from Elmasri was not authorized by her. They emphasized that Jackson respects Harris’s dual heritage and appreciates the diversity she embodies.
Even though Elmasri is listed as Jackson’s manager on her IMDb page and Celebrity Service, sources like TMZ suggest he has no real connection to Jackson. As of now, Janet Jackson has yet to personally comment on the matter.
