Pop singer Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson's sister, commented on the vice presidential run amid a wider debate. Interview and Guardian Saturday.
“'Well, you know what they said? She's not black. That's what I heard. She's Indian,'” Jackson said.
When interviewer Nosheen Iqbal corrected Jackson, pointing out that Harris is both black and Indian, Jackson went on to say that the vice president's father is white.
“Her father is white. That's what I've been told. I haven't watched the news in a few days,” she said. “I've been told that her father is white.”
Iqbal said he was “shocked” by Jackson's comments, adding that the singer “is a [Harris] — If we agree that she is black? Or, okay, a woman of color?
“I don't know. I don't want to answer that because I honestly don't really know. I think it's going to be chaos either way,” Jackson said.
Jackson's agent, Mo El Masri, reportedly apologized for her remarks in a statement on Sunday.
“Janet apologizes for any confusion and recognizes the importance of accurate representation in public statements,” El Masri said. “We appreciate the opportunity to address this issue and remain committed to promoting unity. She has deep respect for Vice President Kamala Harris and her achievements as a Black and Indian woman.”
but, USA TodayThe apology purportedly issued on Jackson's behalf was not acknowledged.
“Jackson's current manager is his brother, Randy Jackson,” a representative for Jackson confirmed to USA Today on Sunday. The singer's rep added that El Masri was not authorized to make a statement to BuzzFeed and has never worked with Jackson's team,” the outlet noted.
As The Washington Post “I have long identified as black and have spoken about my background throughout my career,” Harris said.
Harris attended Howard University, a historically black institution, and her father, Donald Harris, was an immigrant from Jamaica.
