Are you following the Janet Jackson story today?
The pop star sister of Michael Jackson and the rest of them gave an interview to The Guardian in England. She actually repeated Donald Trump’s lies about Kamala Harris not being black. She said she heard Harris’s father was white — which he’s not.
Mayhem has ensued. A person named Mo Elmasri, who’s listed as Janet’s agent on the IMDB, was smart. He immediately emailed Variety an apology on behalf of Janet, claiming that she respects Harris enormously.
Elmasri wrote: “Janet Jackson would like to clarify her recent comments. She recognizes that her statements regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity were based on misinformation. Janet respects Harris’ dual heritage as both Black and Indian and apologizes for any confusion caused. She values the diversity Harris represents and understands the importance of celebrating that in today’s society. Janet remains committed to promoting unity and understanding.”
But now things get interesting. Variety heard Janet’s brother, Randy, who claimed the apology was false, and rescinded it. Randy has acted as Janet’s pro-forma manager ever since Michael died and he couldn’t turn his life into a disaster anymore. Randy has the distinction of being the only Jackson brother not in the Jackson 5. He’s always acted on the periphery, without a purpose.
Elmasri wrote to Variety, after they asked: “I no longer work for her. I was fired by Janet and Randy, after attempts to improve her image in front of public opinion and her fans, and this is something I do not deserve.”
Probably not. Elmari did the right thing to get Janet out of this mess quickly. Knowing Randy — I’ve been covering the Jacksons for decades — he didn’t like that. So he fired Mo — who’s listed on the IMDB as a client of CAA — and took back the apology.
What can Janet do now? Not apologize for saying something stupid? Undo the non-apology from Randy? And be left with what? People thinking she’s MAGA?
Are the Jacksons political? Well, Michael did perform in 2002 at the Apollo Theater for the Democratic National Committee fundraiser. Diana Ross was also on the bill. I was there. So was Bill Clinton, who hosted the show. (The great publicist Norah Lawlor oversaw the night, and Michael.) This was after the 2001 30th anniversary concerts. It was before the Arvizos came into his life, wrecked it with lies, and Randy took over Michael’s life for a time.
So Michael would not approve of Trump, despite knowing him in the 80s when Trump photo bombed lots of celebrities, and took them on his helicopter. Michael never turned down a free ride, or hotel rooms.
