Janet Jackson has apologized for her comments in an interview published Saturday in which the singer questioned whether Vice President Kamala Harris was black, saying her controversial remarks were “based on misinformation,” according to a statement she provided to Buzzfeed.
in The Guardian interviewWhen asked about the possibility of electing the first black and female president ever after Election Day, Jackson said of Harris: “Well, you know what they supposedly said? She’s not black. That’s what I heard. She’s Indian.”
“Her father is white. That's what I was told. I mean, I haven't watched the news in a few days. I was told they found out her father is white,” Jackson added. (Harris's father, Donald J. Harris, is black, born in Brownstown, Jamaica, and raised in Jamaica.)
The singer's comments – in which Jackson also predicted “chaos” after Election Day regardless of who wins – sparked an immediate uproar on social media, with fans questioning who “they” were who gave Jackson the wrong information, as well as the singer's uninformed opinion about the candidate.
In a statement issued on Sunday, BuzzfeedMohamed Elmasry, who was identified as Jackson's manager in the article, said the singer was sorry for what happened. Guardian The comments — which were made “based on misinformation” — while adding that Jackson now acknowledges that Harris is of black and Indian descent. (Representatives for Rolling Stone.)
“[Jackson] “Janet deeply respects Vice President Kamala Harris and her accomplishments as a Black and Indian woman,” the statement read. “Janet apologizes for any confusion this has caused and recognizes the importance of accurate representation in public discourse.”
“We appreciate the opportunity to address this issue and remain committed to promoting unity,” Al-Masry added.
This post was updated on September 22 at 6:52 p.m. ET to reflect that Janet Jackson's manager is Randy Jackson.
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