In a Saturday interview with the outlet, Jackson shared her belief that Harris was not Black, a statement she said was based on information she had heard from others, as Breitbart reports.

“Well, you know what they supposedly said? She’s not Black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian,” Jackson commented, prompting a correction from the interviewer.

When interviewer Nosheen Iqbal clarified that Harris’s father was Jamaican, Jackson remained skeptical and insisted that Harris’s father was white.

“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,” Jackson continued.

Clarification of Harris’s Background in Wake of Jackson’s Remarks

Kamala Harris, who identifies as both Black and Indian, has been vocal about her Jamaican heritage through her father, Donald Harris. Harris’s background includes attending Howard University, a historically Black institution, which has long been a point of pride in her public life.

Iqbal, seemingly surprised by Jackson’s assertions, described her reaction as “floored” during the interview. She also questioned whether the U.S. was ready for a woman of color in such a high political position, referencing Harris’s rise to the vice presidency.

Jackson responded to this question by saying she wasn’t sure if America was prepared for either scenario and predicted potential unrest. “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,” she said.

Unauthorized Apology Sparks Confusion

The conversation took an unexpected turn the following day when an individual named Mo Elmasri, allegedly acting as Janet Jackson’s agent, issued an apology on Jackson’s behalf. In the statement, Elmasri expressed regret for the confusion caused by Jackson's comments and acknowledged the importance of accurate representation in public discussions about race.

“Janet apologizes for any confusion caused and acknowledges the importance of accurate representation in public discourse. We appreciate the opportunity to address this and will remain committed to promoting unity … She deeply respects Vice President Kamala Harris and her accomplishments as a Black and Indian woman,” Elmasri said in the statement.

Apology Deemed Unauthorized by Jackson’s Team

However, the statement quickly raised eyebrows. According to *USA Today, Jackson’s representatives clarified that Elmasri was not authorized to make any public comments on her behalf. Furthermore, they revealed that Jackson’s current manager is her brother, Randy Jackson, and that Elmasri had no formal connection to her management team.

The controversy surrounding the unauthorized statement added another layer of confusion to the unfolding situation. Representatives for Jackson stated that Elmasri had never been involved in any official capacity with Jackson’s career or public relations.

Public Reactions and Ongoing Discussion

As the story continued to develop, reactions to Jackson’s initial comments and the unauthorized apology poured in from various corners of the media and the public. Many questioned why Jackson, a figure known for her carefully managed public image, would make such remarks about Harris without fully understanding the vice president’s background.

The Washington Post weighed in on the debate, reiterating that Kamala Harris has consistently identified as Black and has proudly celebrated her biracial background, including her South Asian heritage through her mother, who emigrated from India.

Harris’s Background and Identity

Harris’s father, Donald Harris, immigrated to the United States from Jamaica, adding a significant layer to her identity as a woman of color in American politics. Harris’s cultural background has played a vital role in her career, and she has never wavered from identifying as both Black and Indian.

While Jackson’s comments sparked a brief controversy, they also highlighted the broader conversation about race, identity, and public perception in the U.S. political sphere. The confusion over Harris’s background underscored the challenges faced by people of mixed heritage in navigating public expectations of racial identity.

Conclusion

Janet Jackson’s comments regarding Kamala Harris’s racial identity during her interview with The Guardian have stirred debate and prompted a need for clarity.

Despite an apparently unauthorized apology from a person falsely claiming to represent her, Jackson has not made any further public statements. The controversy has reignited discussions about Harris's background and the larger question of racial identity in American politics.