Justin M. Howard | February 3, 2022
Twitter and media outlets are ablaze after the Janet Jackson documentary aired on Lifetime and AE on Jan 28th and 29th. In the 4 hour docuseries Jackson spoke on the 2004 Super Bowl, past relationships, and vehemently defended her late brother Michael Jackson against allegations of child sexual abuse. The general comments made on social media during and after the premiere were overall supportive towards both musical legends. However, some comments are making people scratch their heads in confusion. Here are 4 facts the media ignores: Did we all watch the same documentary?
Janet Jackson Super Bowl
In 2004, Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake performed during the Super Bowl halftime show for Super Bowl 38. During the performance, Jackson’s left breast was exposed when Timberlake tore off a piece of her clothing. This created a negative media stir for Jackson with networks repeatedly replaying the footage in slow motion. In real-time, the wardrobe malfunction was quick, with the show lights going black on both performers instantly. What the media dubbed as the “nip slip” largely went unnoticed by most people. While both singers apologized, Jackson was not allowed to attend the 2004 Grammy Awards.
Janet Had Support From Her Brother Michael
A popular YouTuber named Kimberly Nicole Foster, took to Twitter commenting: “Now it’s interesting that Janet put her career on the line to support Michael in the 90s but she was alone during her tough time. I don’t like that.” Michael Jackson, who was the target of DA Tom Sneddon, and facing a larger media storm at the time supported his sister publicly and privately. In the documentary, there is a small snippet of Michael Jackson being interviewed by Geraldo Rivera where he admitted that the coverage of the Super Bowl incident was overblown. Jackson also shared some encouraging words that he told his sister during a phone conversation.
He didn’t have that in him.” – ‘Janet Jackson’ Documentary
The “Guilty By Association” Line From The Documentary Was Twisted By The Media
In the “Janet Jackson” original trailer, there is a portion where Jackson is asked if the child sexual abuse allegations against her brother Michael affected her career. In reply, Janet responded: “Yeah. Guilty by association, ’cause that’s what they call it, right.” This statement would later be twisted and manipulated by media outlets such as CNN, New York Post, Yahoo News, The Wrap, and MSN, into the headline “Janet Jackson Says She Felt ‘Guilty by Association’ After Brother Michael’s Molestation Accusation”. In context, Jackson vehemently defended her brother Michael in the documentary stating: “My brother would never do something like that. But I’m still guilty by association” referring to the media treatment and loss of business deals as a result of the accusations.
CBS To Blame For The Super Bowl Aftermath
Janet Jackson revisited her 2004 Super Bowl performance with Justin Timberlake in her new documentary. Jackson admitted to advising Timberlake to not speak on the incident, adding that the two are still ‘good friends”. She also followed up with a plea to her fans to forgive Timberlake. The former NSync member has since expressed remorse for not doing more to defend Jackson, telling MTV News in 2006 that it was “unfair” that “If you considered it 50-50, then I probably got 10 percent of the blame. I think America is harsher on women. I think America is unfairly harsh on ethnic people.”
Image via Getty/JEFF HAYNES
Jackson also revealed that Timberlake invited her to perform with him when he headlined the 2018 Super Bowl but maintains her decision to say “no” had nothing to do with him but her history with CBS.” Author and podcast host Jemele Hill tweeted: “Justin Timberlake is an easy target, but never forget it was former CBS CEO Les Moonves who single-handedly tried to ruin Janet Jackson’s career.”
Australian and UK Platforms Edited Out Clips of Janet’s Documentary, Defending Her Brother
The UK and Australian fans are in uproar after the documentary aired in their countries because Australian and UK broadcasters have removed clips. Missing portions of the film are scenes from the music video “Scream” where Janet defends her brother against allegations of child sexual abuse. We’re not exactly sure who was responsible for cutting this portion, but after complaints from the fans and allegedly from Janet Jackson’s team it was added back in. #MJInnocent is trending on Twitter.