Janet Jackson’s ‘apology’ for saying Kamala Harris isn’t black takes a surprising turn
Janet Jackson’s management says an unauthorized party spoke on the singer’s behalf in a previously published apology for comments she made about the background of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
Representatives for the 58-year-old Jackson, whose brothers were part of the Jackson Five behind hits including Blame It On The Boogie, said Variety that the widely circulated statement comes from someone who is not a manager of the Grammy-winning artist.
According to the outlet, a person who “apparently incorrectly” identified himself as Mo Elmasri is said to have said Buzzfeed He was the singer’s representative in the mea culpa for the statements about the vice president.
Elmasri’s statement said: “Janet Jackson would like to clarify her recent comments. She acknowledges that her statements about Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity were based on misinformation.
The sequel: ‘Janet respects Harris’ dual background of being both black and Native American and apologizes for any confusion that has arisen.
Management for Janet Jackson, 58, says an unauthorized party spoke on the singer’s behalf in a previously released apology about Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ background. Jackson pictured in NYC in February
Jackson sent shockwaves across social media when she confessed her controversial views on the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee to The Guardian
“She appreciates the diversity Harris represents and understands the importance of celebrating that in today’s society. “Janet remains committed to promoting unity and understanding.”
The Gary, Indiana-born artist was managed for years by her brother Randy, Variety reported. The family was “unavailable for comment” following the death of Tito Jackson on September 15.
A iMDb biography for Elmasri says he is an Egyptian filmmaker who runs 24 East Agency, a consultancy firm. It said Elmasri “now works as a creative consultant to many global superstars including Janet Jackson, Beyonce, Britney Spears and Selena Gomez.”
Elmasri’s credits on the website include executive producer on Janet Jackson: Family First; as well as “uncredited” roles as creative director on 2019’s Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw and assistant director in training on 2019’s John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.
Elmasri told The daily beast In an email on Sunday: “Janet Jackson fired me due to differences between me, her and Randy, following her meeting with the Guardian and her unbalanced statements. That’s all I can say.”
Elmasri said he was “unable to receive calls due to the volume of incoming calls” on the issue, adding: “All support to Kamala Harris.”
Representatives for Jackson said TMZ on Sunday that ‘Elmasri has absolutely no connection whatsoever with’ the Control artist.
Jackson sent shockwaves through social media when she revealed her controversial views on the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination to The guard.
Donald Trump said Harris “accidentally turned black” when she spoke to black journalists about her race in July, while the former president has since doubled down on her support
Harris was born to Shyamala Gopalan, an Indian cancer researcher, and Donald Harris, a black economics professor from Jamaica (pictured together in the 1960s)
She said, ‘Well, you know what they supposedly said? She’s not black. That’s what I’ve heard. That she’s Indian. Her father’s white. That’s what I’ve been told. I mean, I haven’t watched the news in a couple of days. I’ve been told that they found out her father is white.’
In response to a flood of criticism and disappointment over the pop star’s comments – which are similar to those of 2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump – Elmasri issued the aforementioned statement to Buzzfeed.
The statement attributed to Elmasri was not well received by everyone.
An X user posted: ‘Janet Jackson sounded like an absolute idiot in that interview and I’m so disappointed. We’re less than 50 days away from the election. We need to talk smarter!’
Another user posted on X: ‘Janet Jackson is one of the most influential people in music history. It was simply irresponsible of her to repeat something she “heard” about the very thing they are using against Kamala! Her own race.’
Harris, 59, was born in 1964 to Dr. Shyamala Gopalan, an Indian-born cancer researcher, and Donald J. Harris, a black Jamaican economics professor. The couple married in 1963 and separated in 1971, after welcoming Kamala and her younger sister Maya, 57.
Gopalan died of cancer in 2009 at age 70, while Donald Harris, 86, is now a professor emeritus of economics at Stanford University after retiring in 1998.
Jackson’s late brother Michael faced controversy over his skin after it changed from black to white over the course of his career. He blamed a medical condition called vitiligo and denied bleaching his skin.
The Gary, Indiana-born entertainer was managed for years by her brother Randy, Variety reported. The family was “unavailable for comment” as they mourned the death of Tito Jackson on Sept. 15.
Trump claimed that Harris “accidentally turned black” while speaking at a National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago in July.
He said, ‘She was always of Indian descent, and she was just promoting her Indian descent.
‘I didn’t know she was black until a few years ago, when she happened to become black, and now she wants to be known as black. So I don’t know, is she Indian or is she black?
“I have respect for both of them, but she clearly doesn’t, because she was all Indian, and then she suddenly made a U-turn and she became black. I think someone should look into that too.”
Harris dismissed the comments a few days later, accusing Trump of “the same old habit, divisiveness and disrespect.”
She added: “The American people deserve better.”
The vice president has not yet responded to Jackson’s comments about her race.
Trump’s comments about Harris’ race angered many conservatives. Even his own supporters were said to be irritated that the former president did not focus on attacks on Harris’ policies.
Trump is pictured at the National Association of Black Journalists event in Chicago in July, where he made comments about Harris’ race
Earlier this month, Trump appeared to reiterate his comments about Harris’ race.
“I don’t care what she is. I don’t care. Whatever she wants to be, it’s okay with me.”
Polls show the battle between Trump and Harris remains tight heading into Election Day on Tuesday, November 5.
