Some people may have noticed the hashtag #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay trending on Twitter. The LGBTI icon’s fans are honoring her today, 4 February, because it’s the day of the Super Bowl.
The Super Bowl, America’s annual football finals, is happening tonight. Justin Timberlake will be performing at the halftime show. The last time Timberlake performed at the Super Bowl was back in 2004, with Janet Jackson.
The incident
This infamous performance ended with Jackson’s bare breast being exposed due to a wardrobe malfunction during a planned stunt. This incident put a bruise on Jackson’s career and self-esteem.
After the incident, dubbed ‘Nipplegate,’ both Jackson and Timberlake issued apologies. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) charged CBS, the network that broadcasts the Super Bowl, a fine of $550,000 [£389,438.50; €441,325.50] for indecency.
No forgiveness
According to the New York Post, Jackson and her family have still not forgiven Timberlake over the 14-year-old performance.
‘If he’s such a gentleman, he’d make sure Janet is there,’ Joseph Jackson said.
Justice for Janet
Since it was announced that Timberlake would be performing again this year, the hashtag #JusticeForJanet was being used by Jackson fans. Many called out the hypocrisy (and sexism) of Timberlake being invited to perform again, but Jackson not.
Oh, the Superbowl, the Superbowl, it’s just inescapable. So, how about some #JusticeforJanet, while we’re talking about #SuperBowlLII ? Fourteen years is a a long time to wait for a real apology and a long time for a talented woman to be out in the cold.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) February 3, 2018
“Justin Timberlake might win the award for pairing pseudo-woke rhetoric with a distinct lack of substantive action—and that’s no small feat in Hollywood, where “male ally” has recently become a coveted role.” #JusticeforJanet https://t.co/o3YAzLHmRT
— Will Tchakirides (@willtchak) February 1, 2018
The actual personification of our society’s misogyny.
Something happened at the superbowl 14 years ago that involved two people.
The man went back today to perform again. And the woman, the woman, has been banned from performing on daytime TV since ’04. #JusticeForJanet
— Mide (@westafricanah) February 3, 2018
JT exposed Janet’s body without her consent on national television, and it’s not the first time he disrespected woman in many ways. Could you help us show our thoughts and concern about how women do not deserve to be mistreated and shamed like that! Help us trend #JusticeForJanet
— ROGER (@Camilizard1) February 4, 2018
Instead of performing WITH Justin Timberlake, they should just ask Janet Jackson to perform INSTEAD OF Justin Timberlake. That would be some real #JusticeforJanet https://t.co/RJD3Nn9rns
— Jamie Jenson (@jamieljenson) February 4, 2018
Janet Jackson Appreciation
Janet Jackson confirmed that she would not be performing alongside Timberlake at this year’s halftime show. And now, fans are celebrating her career with the hashtag #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay.
When you get #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay trending the same day of Justin Timberlake’s Super Bowl performance. pic.twitter.com/dy3WV7fIoQ
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) February 4, 2018
She gave rhythm to a nation
She made you realize that you don’t know what you got until it’s gone
She took CONTROL!
She is the one, the iconic, @JanetJackson! #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/aJYLsn5GNd
— The Root (@TheRoot) February 4, 2018
Living for #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay. we love you Miss Jackson. It’s all for you. When we think of you nothing else seems to matter. Get us all together again in this Rhythm Nation. https://t.co/jJkXqSch3c
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) February 4, 2018
In 1997 Janet released an anthem to a friend she lost to HIV/AIDS called Together Again. It’s a beautiful and empowering song, and the video she released with it is stunning. #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/erZxhrPjZO
— Calvin (@calvinstowell) February 4, 2018
Good morning to Janet Jackson & every legendary Taurus out there #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/xfcEp6Uz4v
— Astro Poets (@poetastrologers) February 4, 2018
#JanetJacksonAppreciationDay trending on Justin’s Super Bowl day is the type of petty black history month magic I Iive for. pic.twitter.com/N1bWPtnCwv
— ㅤً (@The__Prototype) February 4, 2018
#JanetJacksonAppreciationDay trending #2 right behind #SuperBowlSunday. My work here is done. pic.twitter.com/7FQqBeL5g1
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) February 4, 2018
I’m convinced that we Black women possess a special indestructible strength that allows us to not only get down, but to get up, to get through, and to get over. #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay
– Janet Jackson pic.twitter.com/c3SoYY7NsL— MJsAngelOfMusic (@IndigoStarr777) February 4, 2018
You can NOT name a better brother and sister duo. No matter how hard you try, you can’t find no where near a better brother and sister collaboration like this. #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/U4FfrRpgMy
— Daniel (@Daniel_T_1985) February 4, 2018
Of course, we must take a moment to appreciate shea butter Janet from The Velvet Rope era.
The glow. The humidity. The protective hair styles. The blackness of it all. #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/G6cpDlBR61
— Trini Trent (@TriniTrent) February 4, 2018
