Janet Jackson’s apology for her comments about Vice President Kamala Harris has been retracted as it’s revealed the statement was made without her permission.
In a recent interview, Janet Jackson made some surprising comments about Kamala’s ethnicity as she commented: ‘She’s not Black. That’s what I heard.’
An apology from the singer was published by several publications, including Buzzfeed. The false apology read: ‘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.’
Variety has now confirmed that the statement was not authorised and came from Janet’s former employee Mo Elmasri, who claimed in his email to outlets that he was her manager.
Elmasri told Variety in an email: ‘I no longer work for her. I was fired by Janet and Randy, after attempts to improve her image in front of public opinion and her fans, and this is something I do not deserve.’
Janet has been managed by her brother Randy for several years but declined to comment to any outlets as they continue to mourn their brother Tito who died suddenly last week.
In Janet’s interview with The Guardian, the star spoke about the Vice President when she was asked about how she felt about the possibility of the first Black female president.
‘Well, you know what they supposedly said?’ Janet said. ‘She’s not Black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian.’
When told that Harris is ‘both’ Janet commented: ‘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.’
When asked if she thinks America is ready for a woman of colour to become President, she said: ‘I don’t know.
‘Honestly, I don’t want to answer that because I really, truthfully, don’t know. I think either way it goes is going to be mayhem.’
‘I think there might be mayhem,’ she said. ‘Either way it goes, but we’ll have to see.’