Janet Jackson: Firestorm over remarks on Kamala Harris’ race

WEB DESK: Michael Jackson’s sister Janet Jackson sparked conservatory following her remarks on Kamala Harris’ race.

During an interview with “The Guardian”, Janet Jackson raised questions about the United States’ Vice President and the upcoming presidential election nominee.

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“Well, you know what they supposedly said? Shes not black, that’s what I heard, that shes Indian”, the famous singer remarked.

A firestorm of anger followed the remarks as the public criticised her for perpetuating unfounded conspiracy theories regarding the Vice President’s parentage.

The 58-year-old singer went on to claim how Harris’ father claimed descent from Europe. “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”.

The remarks about Harris’ father caused even angrier response, as the US Vice President’s paternal parent hails from Jamaica, while her mother immigrated to the US from India.

Harris was born to Dr Shyamala Gopalam, a cancer researcher, and Donald J Harris, an economics professor in the US.

Despite her Indian heritage on her mother’s side, Harris has consistently identified as black through her life.

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The callous remarks by the US singer met heavy backlash, particularly as her political rival Donald Trump previously alleged that she was Indian, and later ‘became’ black.

It soon devolved into conspiracy theories fro Trump’s crowd, with Harris accused for ‘pretending to be black’.

Janet Jackson, as a black US citizen herself, perpetuating the same conspiracy enraged the Democratic Party nominee’s supporters.

In the same interview, when asked whether she believes the US is ready for a woman of colour to assume presidency, Jackson responded with “I don’t know”.

Her remarks do shed light on the broader concern among US public about a potential for unrest and conflict surrounding the upcoming election.

The US presidential election is scheduled for November 5, when US voters would go to ballots to vote for either Trump or Harris.

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Jackson was further criticised for not being aware about whats going on in her own at such a critical time, especially at the time when discussions on race and identity in US politics are at a peak.

While most women celebrities have endorsed Harris, including billionaire singer-lyricist Taylor Swift, Jackson’s comments were seen as distasteful.