Elections will be held in the United States in less than two months' time. It remains to be seen whether Trump will be re-elected or whether Kamala Harris will prevail. If she does, she will be the first black female president of the country. However, strangely enough, not everyone is convinced that she is indeed 'black'.
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Janet Jackson doubts that Kamala Harris is 'black'
Shortly after Kamala Harris was first introduced as a possible first Black woman president (and the first president with South Asian roots), her rival, Donald Trump, argued that Kamala Harris was 'suddenly Black' because she had previously always emphasized her Indian roots. He was heavily criticized for his comment, but that hasn't stopped other public figures for questioning her race as well.
In a recent interview with TheGuardian, Janet Jackson, successful singer and sister of the late singer Michael Jackson, also emphasized that she doubted that Kamala Harris was 'black', and shared a serious conspiracy theory:
She's not black. That's what I've heard. That she's of Indian descent. [...] I mean, I haven't seen the news in a while. But I was told that they found out that her father is white.
Her manager insists it was a misunderstanding and she apologized
This controversial statement immediately made big waves - and not necessarily only in a good way. Shortly afterwards, an alleged manager, Mo Elmasri, from Janet Jackson's team spoke out and told several newspapers:
Janet Jackson would like to clarify her recent comments. She recognizes that her statements regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity were based on misinformation. Janet respects Harris’ dual heritage as both Black and Indian and apologizes for any confusion caused.
She values the diversity Harris represents and understands the importance of celebrating that in today’s society. Janet remains committed to promoting unity and understanding.
Plot twist: He is said to have had no authority to do so
However, this statement appears to have been anything but coordinated. Mo Elmasri revealed a short time later that he had been fired because of it. And Janet Jackson's representatives emphasized that the statements were made by someone who merely pretended to be her manager - and had no authority to speak on her behalf.
The singer's family also said that both she and her brother Randy did not want to comment further on the interview, as they are currently mourning the death of their older brother Tito.
This article has been translated from Oh!MyMag DE.
Read more:
Donald Trump claims debate with Kamala Harris was best ever ‘especially since it was THREE ON ONE!’
Donald Trump supporters accuse Kamala Harris of changing her accent: ‘She’s the fakest'
Sources used:
The Guardian: 'I shouldn't have listened to those around me': Janet Jackson on Michael, motherhood and how she's taking back control
Forbes: Janet Jackson Dismisses 'Unauthorized' Apology After Saying Kamala Harris Is Not Black-Here's What To Know
Page Six: Inside Janet Jackson's Kamala Harris PR nightmare: Brother Randy controls her career
