Janet Jackson has never been one to shy away from speaking her mind, but her latest comments have left fans and critics alike in disbelief. In a recent interview with the U.K.’s The Guardian, the pop icon made waves with her startling remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris’ race, reigniting a baseless rumor that has been debunked numerous times.
The Shocking Comments
In the interview, Jackson, 58, made a baffling assertion about Harris, saying, “Well, you know what they supposedly said? She’s not Black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian.” She then added, “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.”
For those familiar with Kamala Harris, these claims are not only incorrect but also surprisingly out of touch. Harris, who is biracial, has always identified as Black. Her father, Donald J. Harris, is a Black Jamaican economist and professor, while her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was an Indian biomedical scientist.
The Reaction
Janet’s remarks have quickly drawn criticism, particularly as she is the most high-profile figure to repeat this false narrative. Many fans took to social media to express their disappointment, questioning why Jackson would perpetuate such a rumor. The singer’s comments are especially surprising given her longstanding influence as a trailblazer for people of color in the entertainment industry.
This controversy also ties back to an earlier incident when Jackson liked a post by her brother, Randy Jackson, in which he supported Donald Trump over Biden/Harris and criticized the current vice president. While Janet hasn’t been vocal about her political affiliations, this latest interview has sparked speculation about where she stands.
Janet on the State of America
During the interview, Janet was also asked about whether the U.S. is ready for a woman of color as president, a question she was hesitant to answer. “I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t want to answer that because I really, truthfully, don’t know,” she said. “I think either way it goes is going to be mayhem. I think there might be mayhem. Either way it goes. But we’ll have to see.”
Her reluctance to engage fully with the question has left some wondering if Jackson, despite her legendary status, is out of touch with the current political climate or simply avoiding potential backlash.
A Different Side of Janet: Motherhood and Gratitude
Despite the controversy, Janet did share some heartwarming insights into her personal life, particularly her late-in-life journey into motherhood. At 50, Jackson gave birth to her son Eissa, and she described this experience as the most significant and fulfilling part of her life. “The most important thing I’ve done, the biggest thing I’ve done, is become a mother, and it’s had a beautiful impact on my life,” she shared.
Janet also touched on her childhood and her relationship with her parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson. While she acknowledged the difficulties of her upbringing, she expressed gratitude for the lessons she learned. “I hated it as a kid, but I’m thankful for it now. I have to give credit to my parents for keeping me grounded,” she said, showing a more reflective and appreciative side.
The Aftermath and What’s Next
As Janet Jackson continues the U.K. and European leg of her Together Again tour, which kicks off on September 25, the fallout from her comments on Kamala Harris is likely to follow her. Whether she will address the backlash or clarify her statements remains to be seen, but for now, fans and critics alike are left to grapple with this unexpected turn of events.
FAQs
What did Janet Jackson say about Kamala Harris? Janet Jackson claimed she heard that Kamala Harris “is not Black” and that her father is white, comments that are both false and misleading.
How did people react to Janet Jackson’s comments? Fans and critics alike were shocked and disappointed, especially given Janet’s influence as a role model for people of color.
What did Janet Jackson say about the U.S. being ready for a woman of color as president? Janet expressed uncertainty and hesitance, suggesting that either outcome of such a presidency could lead to “mayhem.”
How has Janet Jackson’s upbringing influenced her? Despite acknowledging the challenges of her upbringing, Janet expressed gratitude for the lessons learned from her parents, crediting them with keeping her grounded.
What did Janet Jackson share about motherhood? Janet spoke glowingly about her experience as a mother, calling it the most important and impactful part of her life.
