Janet Jackson‘s recent comments about Kamala Harris‘ racial identity have ignited a controversy, but it appears their tension may have deeper roots.
Reports are resurfacing that suggest the feud between the pop icon and the Democratic nominee may have started in 2004.
Janet Jackson’s latest controversial remarks questioning Kamala Harris’ racial identity could be seen as part of an ongoing, deeply personal grudge tied to the Jackson family’s troubled past.
Old Clip Of Kamala Harris Commenting On Janet Jackson’s Brother’s Trial Resurfaces
A resurfaced interview from 2004 reveals that the Vice President, then a Deputy City Attorney in San Francisco, publicly commented on Michael’s child molestation trial.
In 2003, the King of Pop was charged with seven counts of child molestation and two counts of administering an intoxicating agent. While Michael denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty, Harris weighed in on the trial as a legal expert, despite having no direct involvement in the case.
According to TMZ, Harris remarked in the resurfaced video clip saying, “In general, the child will be able to recall and recollect some detail, the incident and that is persuasive to a jury, even if it is the only testimony that is available.”
Although Michael was acquitted of all charges in 2005, Harris’ remarks still sting for the Jackson family, particularly Janet, which may explain the singer’s more recent attempts to challenge Harris’ credibility.
Donald Trump Spoke Highly Of The Late King Of Pop
While Janet’s remarks echoed the former US President’s rhetoric about the VP’s race, it is becoming more likely that Janet’s comments are not all about political differences.
At the same time, it is worth noting that Trump praised Janet’s late brother on several occasions, even defending Micheal after his arrest. This might explain why Janet seems to align more with Trump in this instance, still hurt by Harris’ past remarks during her late brother’s trial.
Although Harris has yet to respond directly to Janet, the Vice President did take aim at Trump’s false claim that she “happened to turn Black” for political gain, emphasizing that “the American people deserve better.”
Whoopi Goldberg Defended Janet Jackson
Though some may believe her comments stem from personal hurt, the singer’s status as a public figure ensures her words carry significant weight, leading to divided reactions.
The Blast reported that the women of “The View” were no exception, clashing over Janet’s statements. While some co-hosts criticized the singer, Goldberg urged for compassion, defending Janet and asking for “a little grace.”
The actress explained that everyone makes mistakes, especially in the fast-paced world of live television. She further emphasized that Janet is not a politician but a musician, suggesting her comments may not have been politically motivated.
‘The View’ Co-Hosts Called Out The Singer
Goldberg called for understanding, but not everyone agreed. Ana Navarro criticized Janet for irresponsibly using her platform to spread “misinformation” that feeds into a narrative rooted in racism.
Sunny Hostin, who shares a multiracial background with Harris, expressed reluctance to amplify Janet’s comments further, believing they did not deserve more attention.
On the other hand, Alyssa Farah Griffin provided a more lenient viewpoint, suggesting that Janet could be a victim of the “information silos” created by social media algorithms.
Griffin noted that many people, like the 58-year-old, might unknowingly receive skewed or filtered news.
D.L. Hughley Slammed The ‘Poetic Justice’ Star
While “The View” panel debated Janet’s controversial comments, the comedian took a far more direct approach, launching a series of scathing critiques online.
The 61-year-old did not hold back, calling out the actress for echoing rhetoric that cast doubt on Harris’ Black identity. Hughley unleashed his frustration in a heated tweet:
“#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! #TeamDl.”
This jab referenced Janet’s alleged plastic surgery, which has long been a topic of discussion. Hughley did not stop there. He doubled down with another tweet, comparing Harris’ consistent appearance to Jackson’s transformation.
In a final post, Hughley corrected Janet’s claims about Harris’ father, reminding followers of the Vice President’s biracial heritage:
“#KamalaHarris looks the way she does cuz she has a mom from India and a dad from Jamaica! #JanetJackson looks the way she does cuz she has a plastic surgeon! #TeamDl.”
Kamala Harris’ resurfaced remarks on Janet Jackson’s late brother’s trial add to the tension, and it remains to be seen how this will unfold on both sides.
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The BLAST
