The Unlikely Apology

Janet Jackson's recent comments about Kamala Harris' racial background sparked a controversy that led to a confusing turn of events. An "apology" attributed to the singer was published, claiming she recognized misinformation about Harris' heritage and apologized for any confusion caused. However, it was later revealed that the apology was not authorized by Jackson, who has been managed by her brother Randy for many years. The unauthorized apology was made by a man named Mo Elmasri, who claimed to be Jackson's manager. Elmasri's bio on the Internet Movie Database showcases his work as an Egyptian filmmaker and founder of a consulting firm, but his connection to Jackson remains unclear. He emailed the apology to Variety, listing himself as Jackson's manager, but the publication did not publish the statement until Jackson's rep clarified that it was not authorized. Jackson's comments about Harris' racial background were part of a recent interview with The Guardian, where she expressed uncertainty about the information she had been told about Harris' heritage. She claimed to have been told that Harris is not Black, as her father is white, but this information was later disputed. The situation is reminiscent of former president Donald Trump's comments about Harris, where he questioned her racial identity, saying she "turned Black" for political gain. Harris' father, a Jamaican immigrant, has been confirmed, and her mother, an Indian immigrant, passed away in 2009.