After the Super Bowl incident, Janet Jackson told Justin Timberlake not to say anything
Janet Jackson has said that following the ‘Nipplegate’ affair, she told Justin Timberlake not to say anything, adding that they are still ‘very good friends’.
Last November, Timberlake came under fire after a new documentary, Malfunction: The Dressing Down of Janet Jackson, examined the notorious Super Bowl Incident.
The film centers on a 2004 incident in which Timberlake ripped a piece of Jackson’s costume off, revealing her breast.
Some believe the controversy harmed Janet’s career; nonetheless, both artists apologized, and Timberlake went on to become one of the biggest musicians in the world, while Jackson was banned from attending the Grammys that year.
However, in a new two-part docu-series simply titled Janet, Jackson has addressed the reaction and stated that there are no bad feelings between the two.
“Honestly, this whole thing was blown way out of proportion,” the 55-year-old musician told viewers, according to People.
“Of course, it was an unfortunate event that should not have occurred, but everyone is seeking for someone to blame, and that has to stop.”
She went on to say: “Justin and I have always been excellent friends and will continue to remain so. We only spoke a few days ago.
“Now that he and I have moved on, it’s time for everyone else to follow suit.””
Janet Jackson continued to chat with her brother Randy Jackson about the moment the ‘Cry Me a River’ singer asked for her guidance on whether or not to speak publicly about the incident.
“We had a conversation once, and [Justin] said, ‘I’m not sure if I should come out and make a statement,'” she added.
“‘Listen, I don’t want any drama for you,’ I said. ‘Everything is aimed at me,’ says the narrator. ‘If I were you, I wouldn’t say anything,’ I said.”
Fans and critics alike were outraged by Jackson’s treatment, while others blasted Timberlake’s conduct when the documentary was released.
Slate published a story comparing Jackson’s incident to the one involving Britney Spears.
“Between Britney and Janet, Justin used to slide over controversies that had terrible PR consequences for the ladies surrounding him,” wrote writer Maria Sherman.
Timberlake apologized on Instagram at the time, writing: “I’ve seen the messages, tags, comments, and concerns, and I’d like to address them.
“I apologize profusely for the instances in my life when my actions exacerbated the problem, when I talked out of turn, or when I failed to speak out for what was right.
“I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism. Because of my ignorance, I didn’t recognise it for all that it was while it was happening in my own life but I do not want to ever benefit from others being pulled down again. I specifically want to apologise to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually, because I care for and respect those women and I know I failed.”
