Twitter: Justin Timberlake Should Apologize To Janet Jackson At Super Bowl
By Isha Thorpe
October 23, 2017
On Sunday (Oct. 22) evening, Justin Timberlake announced that he'll be performing at the 2018 Super Bowl halftime show. But, that reveal was met with much criticism.
If you can recall, Timberlake was asked by Janet Jackson to be one of her special guests when she was invited to perform as the event's 2004 headlining act. Unfortunately, what would later be known as "nipplegate" occurred. Both Timberlake and Jackson were performing "Rock Your Body" when the former *NSYNC member ripped a piece of Jackson's wardrobe, causing her right breast to show, as Timberlake said the lyrics, “Gonna have you naked, by the end of this song.”
The backlash after this act was tremendous... for Jackson, anyway. Her music videos were banned from MTV -- which produced the 2004 halftime show -- VH1, and more. Timberlake, many would argue, left the event unharmed.
"I personally thought that was really unfair," Michael Powell, the former head of the FCC, previously told ESPN about the backlash Jackson received. "It all turned into being about her. In reality, if you slow the thing down, it's Justin ripping off her breastplate."
Now, almost 14 years later, fans of Jackson want the "Can't Stop The Feeling" singer to do right by Jackson. They say male white privilege has a major role in him returning to the Super Bowl halftime stage.
Read some Twitter reactions to Timberlake's Super Bowl halftime show return below.
Justin Timberlake officially doing Super Bowl halftime. Dream setlist:
— Jason Lipshutz (@jasonlipshutz) October 23, 2017
- "Lovestoned"
- 9-minute Janet Jackson apology
- "Gone" (w/ *NSYNC)
Unless Justin Timberlake starts his set by introducing Janet Jackson with an apology and then continues watching quietly while she does 12 minutes of her catalog solo, the Super Bowl can keep this halftime show.
— Crystal Methanny (@RafiDAngelo) October 23, 2017
If Janet Jackson can’t ever perform at the Super Bowl again then Justin Timberlake shouldn’t be able to either 🤷🏾♀️
— A Definite Maybe (@Pic_Nikk) October 23, 2017
Congrats on getting the Super Bowl halftime show, @jtimberlake. Invite @JanetJackson for a duet. You, uh. Kinda owe her. pic.twitter.com/fqaSelN0Rj
— shauna (@goldengateblond) October 23, 2017
Alright if Justin Timberlake gets to come back and get a second chance at the Super Bowl so should Janet Jackson.
— Alyssa Fisher (@alyssabfisher) October 23, 2017
Bring back @JanetJackson Super Bowl!
— Lilit Martirosyan (@warmestlilit) October 23, 2017
If @JanetJackson isn’t there to rip his pants off in redemptive-like fashion.... pic.twitter.com/uYPkI4uC9v
— Jaz (@ItsJazzyBelle) October 23, 2017
you freed janet’s nipple, now free janet jackson. https://t.co/dmRJN1oxfF
— Myles E. Johnson (@hausmuva) October 23, 2017
Janet Jackson should crash this year’s Super Bowl breastfeeding her baby wit the same titty
— Spooky Shit (@typicalshit) October 23, 2017
I’d rather watch Janet Jackson’s nipple ring perform the halftime show.
— Matteo Lane (@MatteoLane) October 23, 2017
Your move, Justin.
Photo: Getty Images