JANET
JUSTIN
Everything To Know About Super Bowl Scandal
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On February 1, 2004, everything changed for Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake during their Super Bowl Halftime performance. Here’s a timeline of events about the scandal.
Janet Jackson was chosen to headline the 2004 halftime show for the Super Bowl XXXVIII. She invited Justin Timberlake, who has toured with her while with NSYNC, to perform with her as a surprise guest.
During the show, while singing his hit ‘Rock Your Body’, JT reached out and pulled off a part of Janet’s costume and revealed her right breast.
While both JT and Janet released public apologies, Ms. Jackson bore the brunt of the media scrutiny, with many placing blame on her and refusing to believe the incident was an accident.
"It's hard to believe that there's a war and famine going on in the world and yet people made such a big deal about a breast. People said that it was done intentionally to sell records. Do you know what? I have never pulled a stunt. Why would you do that and have your album come out two months later? It doesn't make sense." Janet Jackson to Glamour Magazine, 2004
The backlash continued from the industry. Janet was disinvited to the 46th Grammy Awards the following week; Justin was not and not only attended but performed.
Despite the backlisting, Janet continued to put on music, which was well received by fans and critics like, though it was difficult for her to promote without having to address the scandal.
Justin Timberlake returned to perform at the Super Bowl again in 2018 as the headliner. It was rumored he invited Janet to perform with him, but she declined.
In 2021, JT finally formally apologized to Janet, as well as ex Britney Spears after he says he realized his actions contributed to the ‘misogyny and racism; problems in our system.
“I am deeply sorry for the times in my life where my actions contributed to the problem, where I spoke out of turn, or did not speak up for what was right.. I specifically want to apologize to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually, because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed.” -- Justin Timberlake, February 2021
As for Janet, she is meant to dive into the scandal, as well as other facets of her life in her new documentary, Janet Jackson, set to premiere on Lifetime and A & E on Friday, Jan. 28th.