*As we reported earlier, in a recent interview with The Guardian, Janet Jackson sparked a wave of controversy when she questioned the racial identity of Vice President Kamala Harris, suggesting inaccuracies regarding her heritage.
The pop icon’s comments drew sharp criticism from comedian D.L. Hughley, who took to social media to voice his disapproval, delivering a stinging rebuke that has since captured public attention.
“#JanetJacksons interview sounded like a #Trump rally! FYI!! It’s a little ironic to question whether someone is Black while you’re breathing through the nose of a white woman!” is what Hughley posted on his X account on Sunday (09-22-24). His pointed barbs not only address the contentious nature of Jackson’s claims but also critique the underlying racial dynamics present in her remarks. The controversy began when Jackson suggested that Harris, whose background is both Black and South Asian, may not identify as Black.
“She’s not Black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian,” Jackson claimed. Despite being informed of Harris’s mixed heritage during the interview, Jackson persisted with her assertions, leading to widespread backlash.
After facing intense criticism, Jackson’s representative issued an apology on her behalf, which was later revealed to have been unauthorized. This mishap resulted in the firing of her publicist, Mo Elmasri, who expressed regret over the incident.
The View responds to the misinformation that Janet Jackson ‘Parroted’ in ‘The Guardian’ Interview pic.twitter.com/k7Zgm0FDJi
— Terrell Johnson (@terrelltjohnson) September 23, 2024
The conversation around Jackson’s comments intensified as reactions emerged from notable figures like “The View’s” Ana Navarro and Whoopi Goldberg who urged for compassion towards the singer, reminding audiences that everyone can err.
“Sometimes people get it wrong and they’re wrong! They made a mistake, they were wrong. It happens,” Goldberg said. “Anybody who says it doesn’t happen to every one of us, multiracial or not, we all do it. So okay, a little grace for the girl. A little grace for the girl.”
Navarro, on the other hand, wasn’t having it. She criticized Jackson for disseminating misinformation that could have damaging implications, highlighting the responsibility celebrities have in their statements.
“Look, I think Janet Jackson — like every other American, whether you’re a celebrity or not — has a right to endorse, support, or not support whomever they want,” said Navarro. “She’s got every right to not like Kamala Harris if she wants to. What she did was spread misinformation. And I think it’s very irresponsible, when you have a platform the way Janet Jackson does, to use that platform carelessly, to spread misinformation based on a racist allegation by Donald Trump.”
Meanwhile, Hughley didn’t stop at one post; he continued to amplify his criticism with additional comments ridiculing Jackson’s comments about both Harris’s heritage and her appearance.
“Kamala Harris looks the way she does ’cause she has a mom from India and a dad from Jamaica! Janet Jackson looks the way she does ’cause she has a plastic surgeon!” he declared in another message.
As the debate over celebrity commentary and its implications rages on, it unveils the complexities around racial identity, the power of public figures, and the significance of informed dialogue in today’s politically charged climate.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Messy Fallout: Janet Jackson’s Former ‘Manager’ Claims Star’s Unauthorized Kamala Apology Led to His Firing
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