Janet Jackson’s brothers responded to Justin Timberlake’s apology on Wednesday night (May 12) during their virtual appearance on SiriusXM’s “Radio Andy .” Host Andy Cohen spoke with Tito, Marlon and Jackie Jackson about Timberlake’s public statement, in which he apologized for his response after his and their sister Janet’s infamous Super Bowl Halftime Show.
“First of all, I just want to thank Justin Timberlake,” Marlon said on the show. “You know, it takes a man to step up and do that, so we do thank him for doing that.”
“But we’d like to move forward because that was out there, the negativity about it,” he continued. “But, you know, as they say in the old days — long as they’re talking about you, good or bad, you still in the public’s eye.”
Jackie added, “It was nice that he did something like that because it kinda hurt Janet in the past and for him to step up and say that… it means a whole lot.”
As reported by REVOLT, Timberlake issued a public apology to Janet and Britney Spears on Instagram back in February. The singer took responsibility for moments “where I spoke out of turn or did not speak up for what was right” and specifically addressed both women.
“I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism,” he wrote. “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.”
“Because of my ignorance, I didn’t recognize it for all that it was while it was happening in my own life but I do not want to ever benefit from others being pulled down again,” he added.
Prior to his apology, many people pointed out that while Janet faced public scrutiny and missed opportunities due to the 2004 wardrobe malfunction, Timberlake’s career appeared to carry on unscathed. During a 2006 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the “All For You” singer said she felt that Timberlake allowed her to bear the brunt of the backlash, stating, “All the emphasis was put on me.”
See the Jacksons’ response to Timberlake’s apology below.