Janet Jackson Responded To Backlash For Questioning Kamala Harris's Race
by Chelsea Stewart · BuzzFeedHot Topic
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Janet Jackson responded to the criticism she faced for questioning Vice President Kamala Harris's race.
Janet was being interviewed by the Guardian when she was asked about her position on the upcoming election, with the interviewer noting that "America could be on the verge of voting in its first Black female president."
"Well, you know what they supposedly said?" Janet replied. "She’s not Black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian."
When the interviewer responded that Kamala is both, Janet incorrectly said, "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."
Kamala was born to a Black Jamaican father and an Asian mother. Though she's said she and her sister were raised as "two Black women," former president Donald Trump and right-wing conspiracy theorists have continued to spread falsehoods about her racial identity.
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After repeating that Kamala is of dual heritage, the interviewer asked Janet whether she thinks America is prepared to see her in office. "I don’t know," she said, whispering. "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."
Online, the reaction to her remarks was strong and swift, with many readers calling them "ignorant," "irresponsible," and hugely "disappointing."
Janet Jackson! Girl!!!!! pic.twitter.com/fPD4WGGBCc
— 💫 (@heyjaeee) September 21, 2024
VH1 / Twitter: @heyjaeee
"Janet Jackson sounded an absolute fool in that interview and I am very disappointed," one tweet read.
Janet Jackson sounded an absolute fool in that interview and I am very disappointed. pic.twitter.com/gpDzPHeb8d
— Denise Hemphill. 🐝 (@itsbrysonM_) September 21, 2024
OWN / Twitter: @itsbrysonM_
"Janet Jackson is one of the most influential people in music history. It was simply irresponsible of her to repeat something she 'heard' regarding the very thing that they use against Kamala! Her own race," read another post. "We are less than 50 days away from the election. We gotta talk smarter!"
Janet Jackson is one of the most influential people in music history. It was simply irresponsible of her to repeat something she “heard” regarding the very thing that they use against Kamala! Her own race. We are less than 50 days away from the election. We gotta talk smarter! pic.twitter.com/rKkCmTZoaw
— 𝔏𝔢𝔞𝔥 ♱ (@redforjanet) September 21, 2024
Tyler Perry Studios / Twitter: @redforjanet
Another person had no words except to say they found the remarks "foolish and super ignorant."
Wow, no words for that Janet Jackson interview with "The Gaurdian". She came across as foolish and super ignorant. Disappointing 😞 https://t.co/TPv9mxXJz1
— Thanduxolo Thandz Buti (@Thandz_Buti) September 21, 2024
OWN / Twitter: @Thandz_Buti
"This whole Janet Jackson thing just goes to show you how out of touch some celebrities are," a fifth person observed. "I’ve always loved her but repeating lies!? Smh. If you don’t know about a subject, then don’t speak on it… especially with your platform. Educate yourself, please!"
This whole Janet Jackson thing just goes to show you how out of touch some celebrities are. I’ve always loved her but repeating lies!? Smh. If you don’t know about a subject, then don’t speak on it… especially with your platform. Educate yourself, please! pic.twitter.com/WXocm71fD4
— AJ is Tomb Raiding in Agora Hills 🦴🕷️ (@AJLaJoya) September 21, 2024
Lionsgate / Tyler Perry Studios / Twitter: @AJLaJoya
Amid the backlash, Janet responded through her manager, Mo Elmasri, who tells BuzzFeed that the comments were "based on misinformation."
"She deeply respects Vice President Kamala Harris and her accomplishments as a Black and Indian woman," the statement continued. "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," the statement concluded.
You can read Janet's full interview with the Guardian here.
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