Today Is Janet Jackson Appreciation Day
Entertainment

Today Is Janet Jackson Appreciation Day

When it was announced that Justin Timberlake would be performing at the Super Bowl this year, many were surprised that he was invited back after the infamous Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" of 2004, in which JT appeared to expose Jackson's pasty-covered breast. Jackson took most of the blame for the scandal, dubbed "Nipplegate," and Jackson's family, reportedly, has not forgiven Timberlake for letting her take the fall.

To put the focus back on Jackson today and celebrate the Rhythm Nation stars' lasting cultural influence, Twitter started the #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay hashtag:

After the incident, Jackson was effectively blacklisted by some parts of the entertainment industry while Timberlake's career was able to thrive. Her music videos were reportedly blocked from playing on several cable networks, and her Grammys performance was canceled (Timberlake won a Grammy that year). At the time, Timberlake brushed it off, telling Access Hollywood, "Hey, we love to giving you all something to talk about."

Two years later, he made an attempt at a better apology, telling MTV, "I could've handled it better. I probably got 10 percent of the blame, and that says something about society. I think that America's harsher on women. And I think that America is, you know, unfairly harsh on ethnic people."

Jackson spoke with Oprah about the incident, saying she felt she was treated unfairly. "I think they did put all the emphasis on me, as opposed to us," she said.

Perhaps Timberlake will pay some sort of tribute to Jackson at the half time show today. Either way, we have Twitter:

Image via Getty

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