Justin Timberlake is facing backlash for the downfall of Janet Jackson’s career.
Justin and Janet performed at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2004. It ended with Justin ripping off the pasty Janet was wearing, and her nipple was shown to the entire world. If you don’t remember, toward the end of Justin his singing “Rock Your Body” he ripped the pasty off and exposed her breast. Justin did it at the exact moment his lyrics say “I’ll have you naked by the end of this song.”
New York Times released a documentary about the ordeal earlier this month, which is why the conversation is being brought up again. The name of the documentary is called “Malfunction: The Dressing Down of Janet Jackson.” It’s a 69-minute project directed by Jodi Gomes.
A source reports at the time, Janet was at the top of her career, thriving in the R&B and pop world. However, after “nipplegate,” Janet’s career declined, and the entertainment industry shunned Janet.
Although the industry was constantly sexualized, it was more conservative back then. In addition, the Super Bowl is something families watch, so instead of the blame getting put on both Janet and Justin, Janet is the one who ultimately suffered. NY Post points out, Justin made light of the situation at some of his past concerts.
Look how Justin Timberlake was capitalizing off of Janet Jackson’s misfortune pic.twitter.com/S8zIJ7GdBe
— greg the menace (@mistergeezy) February 14, 2021
Online users aren’t too happy with Justin all over again. Take a look:
Me hating Justin Timberlake all over again while watching this Janet Jackson Superbowl documentary pic.twitter.com/RJOzlBQu9X
— .Posh Spice. (@Courtdulce_) November 21, 2021
https://twitter.com/sowmyak/status/1461952553755811843?s=21
Watching Janet Jackson doc on Hulu, and man, FUCK Justin Timberlake. pic.twitter.com/gPL498tgAv
— LissieLove #25YearsofLiason #TeamNina #QueenLiz (@crimsonglass) November 21, 2021
I’ll always choose Janet Jackson over Justin Timberlake; she’s a Jackson; she’s royalty. #JusticeForJanet pic.twitter.com/U5zyYHXcwM
— 🕊️💞Dannie D💞🕊️ (@DannieD01) November 20, 2021
Janet seemingly reacted to Justin’s backlash. She made a Tweet about love and uplifting one another. It’s not clear if it’s a general post or her way of making peace with the drama. It says, “not sure if you got the memo. But we’re not competing anymore, we’re appreciating and uplifting each other instead.”
#SundayInspiration 🤍 pic.twitter.com/Xh0h24oueO
— Janet Jackson (@JanetJackson) November 21, 2021
Earlier this year, Justin he apologized to Janet. He said, “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. I also feel compelled to respond, in part, because everyone involved deserves better and most importantly because this is a larger conversation that I wholeheartedly want to be a part of and grow from.”
At the time, Janet seemingly reacted by thanking her fans for their support over the years. Janet said, “I’m so thankful for all of you being in my life. You’re so special to me, and I want to thank all of you for making Control number one once again. After 35 years, never in a million years would I think that this would happen. I really appreciate you, and I love you so, so much. Thank you.”