Whoopi Goldberg Seeks ‘A Little Grace’ for Janet Jackson After Harris Remarks

Whoopi Goldberg has come to the defense of her longtime friend, Janet Jackson, following backlash over Jackson’s recent comments regarding Vice President Kamala Harris.

In an interview with The Guardian published on Saturday, Jackson questioned Harris’ biracial identity when discussing the potential for the U.S. to have its first female Black president. Jackson insinuated that Harris does not identify as Black.

Harris’s father, Donald Harris, is of Jamaican descent, while her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was of Indian heritage. Jackson controversially suggested in her interview that Donald Harris was “discovered” to be white, prompting swift backlash across social media platforms.

Goldberg, who starred alongside Jackson in the 2010 film “For Colored Girls,” addressed the controversy during a panel on “The View.” She acknowledged that people sometimes misspeak, saying, “Sometimes people get it wrong and they’re wrong! They made a mistake; they were wrong. It happens.”

Goldberg emphasized that Jackson does not typically engage in political discourse, adding, “A little grace for the girl. A little grace for the girl.” She stated that everyone makes mistakes, particularly those navigating multiracial identities.

However, Goldberg’s co-host, Ana Navarro, expressed a different viewpoint. Navarro emphasized that while Jackson has the right to her opinions, she felt Jackson spread misinformation. “What she did was spread misinformation,” Navarro pointed out, referring to the weight that public figures carry when discussing sensitive topics.

Navarro highlighted the irresponsibility of perpetuating falsehoods, especially when those comments echo sentiments made by former President Donald Trump. In July, Trump remarked during an event that he “didn’t know (Harris) was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black.”

In the wake of Jackson’s comments, an apology was released on her behalf by Mo Elmasri, an Egyptian filmmaker who claimed to be working with Jackson as a creative consultant. Elmasri made statements to Buzzfeed, clarifying that the remarks about Harris’s racial identity were “based on misinformation.”

In contrast, Jackson’s current manager is her brother, Randy Jackson, and representatives confirmed to USA Today that Elmasri was not authorized to comment on the matter. Furthermore, they stated he has never been part of Jackson’s professional team.

USA Today has reached out to Randy Jackson for further clarification regarding the situation. Elmasri is also credited as an executive producer for the upcoming documentary series “Janet Jackson: Family First,” which is currently in production, according to his IMDb profile.

This controversy highlights the significant impact and responsibility celebrities have in shaping public discourse. Missteps in communication can lead to widespread conversation and reflection on critical issues such as race and identity.

While Jackson may not have intended to stir division, her comments reveal the sensitivities surrounding discussions of race in the U.S., especially concerning figures who occupy prominent political positions.

As the conversation continues, supporters of both Jackson and Harris hope for a resolution that fosters understanding. The public reaction serves as a reminder of the complexities associated with race and the continuous journey towards inclusivity within society.

In this charged atmosphere, both Goldberg’s call for understanding and Navarro’s insistence on accountability serve as important perspectives in navigating the discourse.

Source: USA TODAY