Janet Jackson Kamala Harris
Entertainment

Janet Jackson Echoes Conspiracies About Kamala Harris’ Race

Khylia Inman

In an interview with The Guardian, ‘That’s The Way Love Goes’ singer and culture icon Janet Jackson shared her opinion on the 2024 presidential election, including her two cents on the Kamala Harris race debate currently circulating political discourse.

“She’s not Black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian— Her father’s white. That’s what I was told,”

It stands to mention that after making the comments, Jackson added,

“I haven’t watched the news in a few days.” 

Jackson’s comments echo conspiracy theories that have proven to be nothing beyond rumor. The claims against Vice President Kamala Harris’ honesty regarding her race and ethnicity have been proven false.

The comments stirred a frenzy of reactions on social media, with Black Twitter displaying a range of differing opinions.

“I’ve loved Janet Jackson since I was a kid. To find out that she’s a complete dumb[expletive] is so disappointing but she can kick rocks. We don’t have time for this bull[expletive] right now,” wrote one user on X. 

On the other end of the spectrum, some people are jumping to support Jackson, slating their reasons for her comments, and some agree.

“Most celebrities will lie for their own benefit (especially during an election). It’s rare to find one that goes against the grain to speak their mind. Salute to Janet Jackson,” posted by another user on X.

However, the situation took a turn when, on Sunday, September 22nd, an individual named Mo Elmasri, claiming to be a representative for Jackson, released a statement attempting to repair the damage and confusion caused by Jackson’s inflammatory comments.

The statement initially released to Buzzfeed by Elmasri states,

“She [Jackson] deeply respects Vice President Kamala Harris and her accomplishments as a Black and Indian woman. Janet apologizes for any confusion caused and acknowledges the importance of accurate representation in public discourse.”

Jackson’s reps told several outlets that Elmasri has never been affiliated with the singer and has no right to speak on her behalf. 

Jackson’s team has yet to make an official comment on the controversy, aside from attempts to clarify the confusion started by Elmasri’s statement.