Current:Home > NewsWhoopi Goldberg asks for 'a little grace' for Janet Jackson after Kamala Harris comments-LoTradeCoin
Whoopi Goldberg asks for 'a little grace' for Janet Jackson after Kamala Harris comments
View Date:2024-12-23 20:17:48
Whoopi Goldberg is offering a mea culpa for her friend Janet Jackson after the pop icon stirred controversy with her recent remarks on Vice President Kamala Harris.
During an interview with The Guardian published Saturday, Jackson cast doubt on Harris’ biracial identity when asked about the prospect of the U.S. having its "first female Black president," alleging that Harris is not Black.
The Democratic presidential nominee’s father, Donald Harris, is from Jamaica, while her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was Indian. Jackson claimed in the interview that Donald Harris was "discovered" to be white.
Jackson's comments quickly led to backlash online. Goldberg, who co-starred with Jackson in the 2010 Tyler Perry drama "For Colored Girls," addressed the fallout during a panel discussion on "The View" Monday.
"Sometimes people get it wrong and they’re wrong! They made a mistake; they were wrong. It happens," Goldberg said, adding that Jackson is not a "political animal."
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
"Anybody who says it doesn't happen to every one of us, multiracial or not, we all do it. So OK, a little grace for the girl. A little grace for the girl," Goldberg said.
Haven't you heard?! Sign up for USA TODAY's Everyone's Talking newsletter for all the internet buzz.
Janet Jackson's comments:Singer didn't authorize apology for remarks about Kamala Harris, reps say
Ana Navarro says Janet Jackson 'spread misinformation'
However, Goldberg's co-host, political commentator Ana Navarro, wasn't so quick to let bygones be bygones.
"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," Navarro said. "She's got every right to not like Kamala Harris if she doesn't want 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."
Jackson's remarks on Harris' race echo those of former President Donald Trump. During a July appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists convention, the Republican presidential nominee said he "didn't know (Harris) was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black."
Tito Jackson dies:Brother of Michael and Janet Jackson was 70 years old
Janet Jackson's apology for Kamala Harris comments was unauthorized, reps say
Shortly after the publication of Jackson's comments, an apology was issued on the singer's behalf to Buzzfeed by Mo Elmasri, an Egyptian filmmaker who has allegedly worked as a creative consultant for Jackson.
Elmasri, who claimed to be Jackson's manager, reportedly told the outlet that the popstar's remarks on Harris' racial identity were "based on misinformation."
Jackson's current manager is her brother, Randy Jackson, representatives for Jackson confirmed to USA TODAY on Sunday. Elmasri was not authorized to make the statement to Buzzfeed, the singer's reps added, nor has he ever worked on Jackson's team.
Janet Jackson's family tree:Singer says she's related to Stevie Wonder, Samuel L. Jackson
USA TODAY has reached out to Randy Jackson for comment.
Elmasri is listed as an executive producer on the upcoming TV documentary series "Janet Jackson: Family First," which is currently in production, according to Elmasri's IMDb page.
veryGood! (9257)
Related
- Cruel Intentions' Brooke Lena Johnson Teases the Biggest Differences Between the Show and the 1999 Film
- Jonathan Glazer's controversial Oscars speech and why people are still talking about it
- Get 54% Off Tanning Drops Recommended by Kourtney Kardashian, a $100 Abercrombie Shacket for $39 & More
- U.K. food delivery driver who bit customer's thumb clean off over pizza dispute pleads guilty
- Song Jae-lim, Moon Embracing the Sun Actor, Dead at 39
- The young are now most unhappy people in the United States, new report shows
- Stuck at home during COVID-19, Gen Z started charities
- Sister Wives' Christine Brown Shares Emotional Message on Moving Forward After Garrison's Death
- Mark Zuckerberg Records NSFW Song Get Low for Priscilla Chan on Anniversary
- Kentucky governor appoints new commissioner to run the state’s troubled juvenile justice department
Ranking
- After years of unrest, Commanders have reinvented their culture and shattered expectations
- Biden administration forgives $6 billion in student debt. Here's who qualifies for forgiveness.
- Albert the alligator was seized and his owner wants him back: What to know about the dispute
- 12 NBA draft prospects to watch in men's NCAA Tournament
- NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Bobby Allison dies at 86
- Human remains found in 1979 in Chicago suburb identified through DNA, forensic genealogy
- Sister Wives' Christine Brown Shares Emotional Message on Moving Forward After Garrison's Death
- Jonathan Glazer's controversial Oscars speech and why people are still talking about it
Recommendation
-
Rachael Ray Details Getting Bashed Over Decision to Not Have Kids
-
NFL's bid to outlaw hip-drop tackles is slippery slope
-
Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater and the Entire Wicked Cast Stun in New Photos
-
US Jews upset with Trump’s latest rhetoric say he doesn’t get to tell them how to be Jewish
-
Federal judge orders Oakland airport to stop using ‘San Francisco’ in name amid lawsuit
-
Ted Danson felt like a liar on 'Cheers' because of plaque psoriasis. Now he's speaking out.
-
Christine Quinn's Husband Christian Dumontet Arrested Again After Violating Protective Order
-
Riley Strain’s Stepfather Details Difficult Family Conversations Amid Search Efforts