In a recent twist involving Janet Jackson and Vice President Kamala Harris, a false apology circulating in the media has been debunked by Jackson’s representatives. The apology, which reportedly aimed to address Jackson’s comments about Harris’s heritage, was not authorized by the iconic singer, according to her team.
The confusion began when Jackson, 58, made remarks in a Guardian interview, claiming she had heard that Harris was “not Black.” The statement sparked controversy, as Harris’s father is a Black man from Jamaica, and her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was of Indian descent. Shortly after, a man claiming to be Jackson’s manager, Mo Elmasri, sent an apology to several media outlets, including Buzzfeed. The statement asserted that Jackson respected Harris’s dual heritage and apologized for any misunderstandings.
However, Jackson’s representatives quickly clarified that the apology was not legitimate. They told People Magazine that Elmasri had never been part of Jackson’s team, which has been managed by her brother Randy Jackson for years. Elmasri, however, contested the claim, telling Variety that he had worked with Jackson and was fired after the apology fiasco, which he said was an attempt to improve Jackson’s public image.
Despite Elmasri’s assertions, Jackson’s team maintains that neither Janet nor Randy authorized the apology. The Jackson family, according to their representatives, has been taking time away from public appearances to mourn the loss of their brother Tito, who passed away on September 15, 2024, at the age of 70.
Vice President Kamala Harris has not commented on the situation. She was recently in Manhattan for a major fundraiser at Cipriani Wall Street, which reportedly raised $27 million for her presidential campaign.
This incident underscores the risks of misinformation and the importance of verifying sources, particularly when high-profile figures like Janet Jackson and Kamala Harris are involved.
Key Takeaways:
- Janet Jackson’s reported apology over Kamala Harris comments was unauthorized.
- Jackson’s team confirmed that the man who issued it, Mo Elmasri, never worked for her.
- Elmasri claims he was fired after issuing the apology, but Jackson’s reps stand by their version.
- Jackson and her brother Randy have been grieving the recent loss of their older brother Tito.
This situation highlights the importance of clear communication and the potential consequences when misinformation spreads.
