nipplegate
“Whole thing overblown”
Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake during Nipplegate in 2004 at the Super Bowl.
© Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Nipplegate has kept fans busy for over 15 years. In a documentary, Janet Jackson talks about Super Bowl night and Justin Timberlake.
Janet Jackson (55) is currently vacating in a new documentary on US broadcaster A&E with some myths of their past. In the last of the two episodes, Michael Jackson’s sister (1958-2009) talks at length about the Nipplegate affair from 2004. She is no longer angry with Justin Timberlake (40). Her colleague exposed one of her breasts with a skillful grip in front of an audience of millions during their live performance during the Super Bowl break.
“To be honest, this whole thing was hyped up way too much,” says Jackson, who remains with the story that it wasn’t a staged scandal: “Of course it was an accident that shouldn’t have happened.” To this day, they’re still looking for someone to blame and it just has to stop. Justin and she are very good friends and will remain so forever: “We only spoke to each other a few days ago.”
Career break for Janet Jackson
Timberlake was criticized for the action, which caused a huge stir, especially in the USA, but felt no consequences. He was able to continue his career undeterred. Jackson, on the other hand, was redlisted by many radio stations and TV stations and had to accept a serious career break, which basically continues to this day. The fact that Timberlake never spoke publicly in detail to protect Jackson was also harshly criticized in parts of the media.
But Jackson apparently advised Timberlake to remain silent, as she now reveals. He wanted to make a statement, but she told him, “Listen, I don’t want any drama for you. You’re directing it all to me. If I were you, I wouldn’t say anything.” Timberlake has also said several times in recent years that there is no longer any grudge between Jackson and him.