Janet Jackson Apologizes for Claiming Kamala Harris’ Father Was a White Man

Janet Jackson has apologized following social media backlash over recent comments she made about Vice President Kamala Harris.

Jackson’s manager, Mo Elmasri, acknowledged that Jackson’s remarks, which were based on “misinformation,” inaccurately addressed the Democratic presidential nominee’s family and ethnicity. 

“She 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,” Elmasri told Buzzfeed in a statement.  “We appreciate the opportunity to address this and will remain committed to promoting unity.”

Jackson was harshly criticized online after she stated that Harris’ father was a white man.  The presidential nominee has been vocal about her father being Jamaican while her mother was Indian.  Still, her ethnicity has continued to be dissected on numerous occasions.  

“She’s not Black.  That’s what I heard.  That she’s Indian.  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 explained during an interview with The Guardian. 

Almost immediately, the internet began pointing out Jackson’s own family, which includes members of mixed race.

All Janet Jackson needs to know is Kamala Harris is blacker than Michael’s children. pic.twitter.com/mQZShZosnO

— raveen marie 🫶🏾 (@xoraveen) September 21, 2024

Icons are allowed one slip up in their career imo. I don’t believe Janet Jackson has enough political impact to swing the election in a significant way so I’m choosing to ignore this misstep for the sake of her iconary.

But don’t let it happen again, Damita. pic.twitter.com/esJkaMUHbB

— MALIK. (@MalikThaElite) September 21, 2024

Janet Jackson every time she sees Kamala Harris. pic.twitter.com/FOauA7ZL21

— anoceangoddess (@Anoceangoddesss) September 21, 2024

apparently janet jackson lives under a rock pic.twitter.com/MhFEWa8lmu https://t.co/MHmLnCAy0l

— dawn (@Forever_Dusk) September 21, 2024