Representatives for Janet Jackson has informed @Variety that a strangely phrased “apology” regarding the singer’s misguided remarks about Kamala Harris’ racial heritage was issued by someone who is not her manager.
For many years, Janet Jackson has been under the management of her brother Randy, according to the news outlet. The siblings are reportedly grieving the loss of their older brother Tito, who passed away last Sunday at the age of 70, and are currently not available for any statements.
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As we previously reported, the unapproved “apology,” initially posted by Buzzfeed was issued by an individual named Mo Elmasri, who — seemingly without basis — asserted that he was the singer’s manager. The statement said: “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.”
Elmasri did not respond promptly to Variety’s inquiries for additional information. According to his profile on the Internet Movie Database, he is an Egyptian filmmaker and the founder of a consulting firm known as 24 East Agency. He claims to serve as a “creative consultant for numerous international superstars,” including Jackson, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Selena Gomez. His filmography includes the role of executive producer for the upcoming project “Janet Jackson: Family First,” though his other two credits are for “uncredited” positions as a trainee assistant director and creative director. Earlier on Sunday, Elmasri sent Jackson’s “apology” to Variety, identifying himself as her manager, but the publication did not release his statement until her representative confirmed it was unauthorized.
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Jackson’s remarks regarding the vice president came during a recent interview with The Guardian, where she also voiced her worries about the possible turmoil related to the upcoming November election. Although she admitted to feeling unsure about the information she had received regarding Harris’ racial heritage, she went ahead and made her comments regardless.
“‘Well, you know what they supposedly said?’” Jackson told the news outlet. “‘She’s not Black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian.’”
When it was pointed out to Jackson that Harris has both Black and Indian heritage, she contested this by stating that the presidential nominee’s father does not belong to either group.
“Her father’s white. That’s what I was told. I mean, I haven’t watched the news in a few days,” she said. “I was told that they discovered her father was white.”
