Justin Timberlake Pens Apology To Janet Jackson for Super Bowl Incident

Justin Timberlake pens an apology to Janet Jackson 18 years after the 2004 incident that changed the trajectory of her entire career.

18 years after the Super Bowl incident that shook the entertainment industry Justin Timberlake has apologized to Janet Jackson. 

The apology follows the dissection of Timberlake’s actions during his younger years which led to his ongoing mainstream success. His misogynistic and distasteful actions are on full display in a new documentary titled Framing Britney Spears. Spears and Timberlake were a couple when they were both teen stars. 

The apology Timberlake posted on Instagram read:

“I’ve seen the messages, tags, comments, and concerns and I want to respond. I am deeply sorry for the times in my life where my actions contributed to the problem, where I spoke out of turn, or did not speak up for what was right. I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism.”

It also stated, “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.”

Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction from the 2004 Super Bowl has haunted her for years. The scandal surrounded a moment during Jackson and Timberlake’s performance in which he pulled back a piece of her clothing that exposed her breast. The ramifications of the incident were irreversible as Janet’s career was never the same. The Federal Communication Commission led an investigation following the primetime moment which was broadcasted to millions of viewers live on television. 

Following the incident, Timberlake wasn’t held responsible despite making the decision to expose Jackson during the Super Bowl. He went on to become an acclaimed talent in the music industry. In 2018, he returned and headlined the Super Bowl’s halftime performance. Per Variety, Janet has never publicly commented on the life-changing incident. 

Though the apology is fitting for this convenient moment, to many it appears to have come 18 years too late. Read his entire apology in full below.