Justin Timberlake Addressed His Role in the 2004 Super Bowl Halftime Show with Janet Jackson
Justin Timberlake is scheduled to provide the musical entertainment for this year's Super Bowl halftime show on February 4. It's the first time Justin has returned to the stage since his controversial performance with Janet Jackson in 2004. During the 2004 show Justin removed part of Janet's costume and exposed her breast. Following the incident, Justin reportedly said the move was planned and Janet later apologized for "offending anyone."
Justin has now addressed the mishap again in a recent interview with Zane Lowe. However, the Internet is not happy with his response. He admitted to having issues with the performance saying, "I stumbled through it. I had my wires crossed. I can't change what happened but I can move forward and learn from it."
Zane then asked the singer if he and Janet have spoken since the incident. Justin said they have "absolutely made peace." He shared that he hasn't really spoken much about it as he "values the relationship." That said, the Internet has taken issue with Justin saying Janet has moved past it, pointing out that she has not spoken on the matter and Justin has never made a public apology.
Others have pointed out that in the wake of the Super Bowl scandal, Janet was not in attendance for the 2004 Grammys and was on the receiving end of much of the blame. Justin, however, remained relatively unscathed, Newsweek reported.
Fans are now insisting that Justin should invite Janet to perform alongside him at the Super Bowl or issue a public apology. One user called out the double standards of the incident saying: "Justin Timberlake going onto to have a successful career while Janet Jackson was dragged through the mud is ‘making peace’? That incident should stand as a prime example of how racial privilege & sexism plays out & how women – especially women of colour – are often left hanging."
Previously, others also pointed out the problematic nature of Justin's show of support for Time's Up at the Golden Globe Awards despite his role in Janet's performance.
That said, another portion of the Internet is even more skeptical, citing the fact that Justin's response to the Super Bowl performance also comes on the heels of a new video release for single "Supplies." The video features visual homages to the women's march and the recent allegations of sexual misconduct in Hollywood.
Janet Jackson has not made a public statement with regards to Justin's performance.
Related: The Internet Is Dragging Justin Timberlake for Performing at the 2018 Super Bowl
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