Janet Jackson: Her Wardrobe Mishap In Front Of Queen Elizabeth
Janet Jackson is known for one of the most infamous “wardrobe malfunctions” in history during her 2004 Super Bowl halftime show with Justin Timberlake. Now, the singer has revealed that she experienced another wardrobe mishap, this time in front of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
In a recent interview with British Vogue, Jackson shared an amusing story about her memorable “Rhythm Nation” outfit, which failed her while she was performing for the Queen.
“I was performing for the Queen of England and we were doing ‘Rhythm Nation,’” Jackson recalled. “Sure enough, as soon as I squatted, my pants split right in my booty crack.”
“I couldn’t believe it happened,” she continued. “I thought, ‘Oh my God!’”
Jackson immediately realized her outfit was compromised when she felt “air back there” from the split trousers. She quickly adapted her performance while under the watchful eye of the British monarch.
“So I never turned my back to her, which some of the choreography was supposed to,” she explained. “I just faced forward.”
Two decades ago, Jackson was at the center of the notorious “nipplegate” controversy when Timberlake accidentally tore a part of her costume, exposing her breast during their Super Bowl performance.
The incident caused widespread outrage, leading to Jackson’s music being blacklisted from several radio stations and music channels worldwide. Timberlake, who initially faced less backlash, has since faced criticism for his role in the incident.
Justin Timberlake later apologized to both Britney Spears and Janet Jackson in a now-deleted candid Instagram post, following a wave of criticism sparked by a New York Times documentary on Spears. While not specific about what he was apologizing for, Timberlake acknowledged, “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,” Timberlake added.
More on Janet Jackson’s British Vogue Interview
In the same interview, Jackson reflected on some of her iconic looks and the experience of creating the “Scream” music video with her late brother, Michael Jackson.
In a conversation with the BBC in July, the singer revealed that performing “Scream” still brings up strong emotions during her solo tours. She and Michael released the track in 1995.
The single, part of Michael’s HIStory: Past, Present, and Future, Book I, was written in response to the media’s coverage of the child sexual abuse allegations against him in 1993. He was not convicted and settled the case out of court.
The lyrics express his frustration, with lines like: “I’m tired of injustice, I’m tired of the schemes/ Your lies are disgusting/ So, what does it mean, damn it?/ Kickin’ me down, I got to get up/ As jacked as it sounds/ The whole system sucks, damn it.”
