In a recent interview with The Guardian, iconic pop star Janet Jackson made headlines after sharing remarks about U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity. The conversation, which touched on a range of topics, took an unexpected turn when Jackson echoed a piece of disinformation, stating she had heard Harris was not Black. This remark aligns with a narrative that has circulated throughout U.S. politics, questioning Harris’ identity.
The interview was conducted as part of Jackson’s promotional efforts for her upcoming European tour stops and her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency, set to begin in December. While Jackson’s comments about Harris were brief, they have sparked significant attention, given the disinformation surrounding the vice president’s background.
When asked about Harris, Jackson responded with, “Well, you know what they supposedly said? She’s not Black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian.” The interviewer promptly corrected Jackson, pointing out that while Harris does have Indian heritage, she is also Black. Jackson continued, “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.”
It’s important to note that Harris, who has been vocal about her heritage, is the daughter of Shyamala Gopalan, an Indian-born cancer researcher, and Donald J. Harris, a Jamaican-born economist and professor. Kamala Harris has proudly embraced both her Black and Indian roots throughout her political career.
As of now, neither Jackson’s representatives nor Harris’ campaign have responded to requests for comment regarding these remarks. However, Harris has previously addressed similar comments. During a recent convention for the National Association of Black Journalists, former President Donald Trump claimed Harris “turned Black” for political gain, suggesting she only emphasized her Indian heritage in the past. Harris quickly dismissed the divisive rhetoric, stating, “The American people deserve better.”
Beyond the conversation about Harris, Jackson shared her overall view of the current political climate, expressing a lack of optimism about the future of the U.S. election. “I think either way it goes is going to be mayhem,” she said, reflecting the concerns many Americans have as the 2024 election approaches.
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Jackson’s remarks about Harris seem surprising, given her history of promoting racial unity. In 1989, she released the hit single “Rhythm Nation,” a call for breaking racial barriers and bringing people together. However, her comments may reflect how deeply misinformation can penetrate public discourse, even among celebrities with a long-standing commitment to social justice.
The interview also touched on child sex trafficking, a topic Jackson linked to the message behind her Rhythm Nation album. She voiced concern over how the issue has grown, calling it a “billion-dollar business” and acknowledging how much more prevalent and public it has become since the album’s release.
Jackson has faced her own share of personal struggles, many of which have played out in the public eye. She grew up under the strict control of her father, Joe Jackson, whose alleged abusive behavior has been widely documented. Her brother, Michael Jackson, accused their father of physical abuse, and their sister La Toya made similar claims of sexual abuse, though she later recanted.
While Janet Jackson is promoting her upcoming tour and residency, the shadow of her past controversies still looms large, including the infamous 2004 Super Bowl incident involving Justin Timberlake. Despite these challenges, Jackson’s career remains impressive, with 10 No. 1 hits, five Grammy Awards, and an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
As her tour approaches and the public digests her recent remarks, it remains to be seen how this latest controversy will affect the pop icon’s legacy, which she has worked tirelessly to rebuild. Jackson’s return to the stage will undoubtedly remind fans of her lasting influence in the music industry, even as her public comments invite scrutiny.
