Janet Jackson recently found herself at the center of controversy after echoing former President Donald Trump’s remarks questioning Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity. In an interview published on September 21 by The Guardian, Jackson made incorrect comments that sparked widespread criticism.
Following the backlash, Mo Elmasri, an Egyptian filmmaker claiming to be Jackson’s manager and creative consultant, issued an apology to Buzzfeed on her behalf. Elmasri stated that Jackson’s remarks were “based on misinformation” and apologised for any “confusion caused,” acknowledging Harris’ biracial heritage, with both Black and Indian roots. The apology noted that Jackson “values the diversity Harris represents” and supports celebrating such diversity in society.
However, Jackson’s representatives denied that she had authorised the apology. According to Variety, Janet’s actual manager, her brother Randy Jackson, refuted Elmasri’s involvement, stating that the apology was not official. Elmasri later responded, saying he no longer worked for Janet, claiming he was fired after attempting to improve her public image. He also extended his support to Kamala Harris.
The controversy stemmed from Jackson’s remark, “She’s not Black. That’s what I hear. That she’s Indian,” when asked about the possibility of Harris becoming the first Black female president. Even after the interviewer clarified Harris’ biracial background, Jackson incorrectly responded, “Her father’s white. That’s what I was told,” aligning her comments with those made by Donald Trump earlier regarding Harris’ identity.