Janet Jackson has denied issuing an apology for controversial comments regarding Vice President Kamala Harris's racial identity, asserting that an unauthorized individual falsely represented her. The 58-year-old singer's team clarified that a statement circulated over the weekend was not approved by her or her official representatives.
The confusion arose when Mo Elmasri, claiming to be Jackson's manager, provided a statement to media outlets, including BuzzFeed, expressing regret on her behalf for remarks about Harris's heritage. "Janet Jackson would like to clarify her recent comments," Elmasri wrote. "She recognizes that her statements regarding Vice President Kamala Harris's racial identity were based on misinformation."
However, Jackson's official representatives confirmed to NBC News that Elmasri is not her manager and is not authorized to speak on her behalf. Her brother, Randy Jackson, remains her sole manager. "I no longer work for her," Elmasri told Variety. "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."
The controversy began after an interview Jackson gave to The Guardian, during which she questioned Vice President Harris's racial background. "Well, you know what they supposedly said? She's not Black. That's what I heard. That she's Indian. Her father's white," Jackson was quoted as saying. "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."
These statements prompted swift backlash online, with critics accusing Jackson of spreading misinformation. Social media users described her comments as "simply irresponsible" and said she sounded like an "absolute fool."
Vice President Harris was born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother. Her father, Donald Harris, immigrated to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in economics, while her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, was an Indian immigrant who became a cancer researcher.
Elmasri's unauthorized apology aimed to mitigate the negative response. "Janet respects Harris's dual heritage as both Black and Indian and apologizes for any confusion caused," the statement read. "She values the diversity Harris represents and understands the importance of celebrating that in today's society."
Elmasri, who describes himself as an Egyptian filmmaker and founder of the consulting firm 24 East Agency, claims to have worked as a creative consultant for global superstars including Jackson, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Selena Gomez. His film credits include being an executive producer on the upcoming series Janet Jackson: Family First.
The situation mirrors previous remarks made by former President Donald Trump, who questioned Harris's racial identity during an interview at the National Association of Black Journalists convention. "I didn't know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black... Is she Indian or is she Black?" Trump said.
Harris has long celebrated her mixed heritage. She attended Howard University, a historically Black institution, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first historically Black sorority in the United States. During her tenure in the Senate, she served on the Congressional Black Caucus.
As the controversy continues, Jackson's team emphasizes that any statements made by unauthorized individuals should not be considered official. Representatives for the singer have not released an official apology or further comment on the matter.
