Janet Jackson’s “Mr. Harris is Not Black” Comment Ignites Controversy: Michael’s Influence?

Janet Jackson, the sister of Michael Jackson and a popular American singer, caused a stir by stating that Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is “not Black.” This controversy has spread widely, even being addressed on an ABC News program where commentators criticized her remarks.

In an interview with The Guardian published on September 21, Janet was asked about Harris possibly becoming the first Black woman president if she defeats Trump in November. Janet replied, 

“She’s not Black. I heard that. She’s Indian.”

Her mother is Indian, her father is Jamaican-American.

When the interviewer pointed out that she was both Black and Indian, she reportedly said,

“I heard that. I haven’t watched the news in a few days. I heard it was revealed that her father is White.”

Kamala Harris’s mother is Indian, and her father is the prominent Jamaican American economist Donald Harris. In 2021, she made history as the first woman Vice President in the United States with both Black and South Asian parents. Harris has stated that she grew up exposed to Indian traditions and often visited India.

On the other hand, she enrolled in Howard University, which traditionally has a large population of Black students, and was a member of the predominantly Black sorority “Alpha Kappa Alpha.” Making false claims of not being Black without knowing such “basic information” could lead to a significant image downfall for Janet.

According to Page Six, Janet’s aides were confused by the interview.

 

One source stated that Janet, who has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has tackled social issues such as LGBTQ rights, women’s empowerment, and racism, said,

“How can she make such comments while singing about racism in the album ‘Rhythm Nation 1814’ (released in 1989)? She is very meticulous. I don’t know what caused her to act this way.”

There was also speculation that she might be influenced by her brother Randy Jackson, who is a Trump supporter and conspiracy theorist.

Meanwhile, attention has been drawn to the relationship between Harris and the late “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, who passed away in 2009.

Harris was tough on Michael when he was a prosecutor.

In 2004, a video of Harris, who was then the District Attorney of San Francisco, resurfaced on the internet, in which she expressed her opinion to the media about Michael Jackson’s child abuse trial.

Harris stated, 

“Generally, children can recall details of the (abuse) incidents, and even if it is the only testimony, it is persuasive for the (verdict-deciding) jury.” 

Suggesting that the testimony of children could lead to a guilty verdict and expressing harsh criticism towards Michael.

In contrast, Trump has reportedly spoken favorably about Michael on multiple occasions, according to TMZ. Since Michael’s trial, it has also been speculated that the Jackson family has not held Harris in high regard.

On the American talk show “The View,” political strategist and commentator Ana Navarro criticized Janet’s controversial remarks, saying, “What she did was spread misinformation.”

She added, 

“Having a platform as Janet Jackson, it’s very irresponsible to use that platform carelessly and spread misinformation based on Donald Trump’s racist claims.” 

She pointed out that this ties into the issue of misinformation and fake news, which is one of the biggest problems facing the modern world.

Amidst this backlash, Janet has stated that she does not plan to comment on the interview as she is mourning her recently deceased brother, Tito Jackson. If she does not retract or apologize for her statements, she may find herself in even more trouble.